Maca Root 1000 mg, 60 Vegan Capsules

What Is Maca Root?

Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous Andean plant, often called Peruvian ginseng, cultivated above 4,000 meters in the highlands of Peru for centuries. Remedy's Nutrition® Maca Root delivers 1,000 mg of pure root per vegan capsule, 60 capsules per bottle — a 2-month supply with no fillers, binders, or additives.

The root's studied activity is attributed to unique compounds called macamides and glucosinolates, which are not found together in other foods[1]Maca Glucosinolates and Macamides — Natural Products and Bioprospecting (2018) View source. Maca is also classified as an adaptogen, a category of plants traditionally used to help the body cope with stress.

For a full primer on the plant, its history, and how it is studied, see our guide on what maca root is and how it works.

Maca Root Benefits: What the Evidence Shows

Maca has the most consistent randomized-trial support for sexual desire and for some menopausal symptoms, with effects that are real but modest, and trials that are generally small[2]Medicinal Effects of Peruvian Maca — Food & Function (2020) View source. Energy, mood, and color-specific claims are largely preliminary or based on animal models, so we present them honestly below rather than overstating them.

You can explore each of these areas in more depth in our overview of maca root benefits and what they mean.

Does Maca Raise Testosterone? The Honest Answer

No — maca does not reliably raise testosterone or other sex hormones. This is the single most important myth to correct, because many product pages wrongly market maca as a testosterone booster. In a controlled study, maca improved sexual desire in men while serum testosterone stayed unchanged, showing its libido effect is hormone-independent[8]Maca and Reproductive Hormones — Journal of Endocrinology (2003) View source.

Because maca works without altering hormone levels, it is studied as a desire-support option rather than a replacement for medical hormone therapy. If you suspect a hormone problem, see a clinician for testing.

Maca Root for Men

For men, the studied use of maca centers on sexual desire, well-being, and fertility parameters — not testosterone. In a recent trial, men with symptoms of low-energy aging reported improved sexual symptoms and good tolerability over the study period[9]Maca in Men's Health — The World Journal of Men's Health (2023) View source. Earlier work also reported subjective gains in well-being and sexual performance, though these were small studies.

• Libido support — the most replicated male benefit, hormone-independent
• Fertility parameters — one study showed higher sperm count and motility
• Well-being — subjective improvements in small trials
• Not a testosterone booster — do not expect a measurable hormone change

For a deeper breakdown of the research that applies to men specifically, read our guide on maca for men.

Maca Root for Women

For women, maca is most studied around menopause and sexual well-being. A pilot trial in postmenopausal women found reductions in blood pressure and depression scores over the study, and maca is sometimes discussed alongside other menopausal herbs[10]Herbal Preparations for Menopause — Maturitas (2014) View source. The evidence is early and the studies are small, so we frame this as promising rather than proven.

See our dedicated article on maca for women for the full menopause and libido evidence.

Types of Maca: Yellow, Red, and Black

Maca comes in roughly 3 color phenotypes — yellow, red, and black — that differ in nutrient profile and studied effects[12]Maca Colors and Phytochemistry — Nutrients (2024) View source. Yellow maca is the most common and most widely studied. Color-specific claims (black for stamina, red in animal models) are preliminary and should not drive purchasing decisions.

• Yellow maca — the most abundant and the basis of most general-use research
• Red maca — explored mainly in animal models; human data is limited
• Black maca — sometimes linked to stamina in early studies, not yet confirmed in large trials

Composition also varies with growing conditions and processing, so standardization between products is inconsistent across the industry[13]Chemical and Pharmacological Variability of Maca — Frontiers in Pharmacology (2024) View source.

Powder vs Capsules: Which Form Is Right?

Maca is sold as raw powder, gelatinized powder, and capsules. Each form delivers the same root; the practical difference is dosing convenience and digestibility, not a dramatic potency gap. Our 1,000 mg vegan capsule removes the guesswork of measuring scoops and the earthy taste many people dislike in powder.

Who Should Consider Maca Root?

Maca is most relevant to adults interested in supporting sexual desire, navigating menopausal changes, or maintaining the SSRIs-related libido that medication can dampen. It is a food-based root with a long traditional record and a generally reassuring safety profile in studied doses[14]Maca Safety Evaluation — Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology (2020) View source.

• Adults seeking non-hormonal libido or desire support
• Women exploring options during the menopause transition
• People on SSRIs experiencing reduced sexual function (with clinician input)
• Anyone wanting a vegan, filler-free adaptogenic root in 1 daily capsule

It is not a quick fix — most trials run 6 to 12 weeks, so plan for consistent daily use over at least 1 to 2 months.

Why Choose Remedy's Nutrition® Maca Root?

Maca Root Dosage: How to Take It

Maca capsules can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Because there are no binders or fillers, absorption and digestive tolerance compare favorably to inferior formulas. A typical daily serving is 1 capsule (1,000 mg), and studied trial doses commonly fall in the 1.5 to 3 g range.

For a full dose breakdown by goal, see our guide on how much maca to take. Contact us for a personalized recommendation.

Maca Root Safety, Side Effects, and Cautions

Maca is considered safe for most healthy adults at studied doses, with toxicology assessments and 12-week trials reporting good tolerability[15]Safety and Efficacy of Black/Red Maca — Pharmaceuticals (2016) View source. The most important caution is the thyroid, because maca is a goitrogenic Brassica vegetable.

For a complete look at tolerability, the goitrogen question, and when to be cautious, read our guide on maca side effects and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions