A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen.
OBJECTIVE
Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) is consumed both as a sports supplement by strength and endurance athletes, and as a natural stimulant to enhance sexual drive. However, whether or not the postulated benefits of maca consumption are of scientific merit is not yet known. The aim of the study was therefore to investigate the effect of 14 days maca supplementation on endurance performance and sexual desire in trained male cyclists.


METHODS
Eight participants each completed a 40 km cycling time trial before and after 14 days supplementation with both maca extract (ME) and placebo, in a randomised cross-over design. Subjects also completed a sexual desire inventory during each visit.


RESULTS
ME administration significantly improved 40 km cycling time performance compared to the baseline test (P=0.01), but not compared to the placebo trial after supplementation (P>0.05). ME administration significantly improved the self-rated sexual desire score compared to the baseline test (P=0.01), and compared to the placebo trial after supplementation (P=0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
14 days ME supplementation improved 40 km cycling time trial performance and sexual desire in trained male cyclists. These promising results encourage long-term clinical studies involving more volunteers, to further evaluate the efficacy of ME in athletes and normal individuals and also to explore its possible mechanisms of action.
Stone
Mark
M
School of Psychology and Sports Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK. mark2.stone@unn.ac.uk
Ibarra
Alvin
A
Roller
Marc
M
Zangara
Andrea
A
Stevenson
Emma
E
D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D029686:Lepidium; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012725:Sexual Behavior