Benefits for Maca Root Extract
The herbal medicine maca has a history of use for women’s sexual function. Maca’s fertility-enhancing properties and also its stimulant effect were first described in 1653.14 Field researchers have since reported that, in Peru, maca has been used for medicinal purposes and as a source for energy, stamina and endurance, and has been used as an aphrodisiac and tonic for postmenopausal problems.15 In 1964, Leon16 reported that Maca was currently eaten by Indian and white women who want to have children, and is sold in the market for this purpose.
In addition, modern, human clinical research has also shown benefits. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study17, postmenopausal women received 3.5 g of powdered maca root or placebo daily for six weeks. The results were that maca supplementation reduced psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, and lowered measures of sexual dysfunction. Another randomized, double-blind, parallel group dose-finding study18 examined the effect of maca supplementation on sexual dysfunction caused by SSRI (anti-depressant) drugs. Doses of 1.5 g and 3 g per day were compared. The results were that libido improved significantly (P<0.05) in the group receiving 3 g of maca. Other placebo-controlled studies have shown similar benefits in sexual interest and function when maca was supplemented to postmenopausal women.19,20 Note: Since 3-3.5 g is probably a significant amount of maca root to supplement with for many women, the use of 270 mg of maca root extract standardized for 0.6 percent macamides and macaenes will provide equivalent activity in a more manageable daily dose.21-24 Black Cohosh Root Extract While many are aware that black cohosh is well established as an effective herb for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, not everyone is also aware that those symptoms include menopause-related sexual disorders. For example, a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, clinical study25 demonstrated that black cohosh extract was significantly more effective than placebo In improving the menopause rating scale subscore (P=0.012) associated with vaginal dryness, sexual disorders and urinary complaints. Earlier randomized, multicenter, double-blind, clinical studies26,27 with black cohosh extract demonstrated virtually identical results. In addition, a prospective observational study28 demonstrated that black cohosh extract significantly improved quality of life in the sexuality domain among postmenopausal women. The daily doses typically used were 40-80 mg of black cohosh root extract standardized to 2.5 percent triterpene glycosides. Furthermore, numerous studies have demonstrated that black cohosh root extract significantly reduces menopause-related hot flashes, night sweats, nervousness, moodiness, sleeplessness.25-27,29-39 It would seem logical that a reduction of these symptoms would also play a positive role in helping to remove additional roadblocks to healthy sexual activity. Hop Cone Extract Although best known for its role in brewing beer, the hop cone has also been studied for its effect in relieving hot flashes during menopause. In a 16- week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study40, a daily dose of 85 mg hop cone extract (standardized for 100 mcg 8-prenylnaringenin) or placebo was given to menopausal women. The results were that the hop cone extract was superior in reducing hot flashes. In another 12- week, prospective, randomized, double- blind, placebo-controlled study41, menopausal women received 80 mg of hop cone extract (standardized for 100 mcg 8-prenylnaringenin) or a placebo. The results were that the hop cone extract exerted favorable effects on hot flashes and other menopausal discomforts.
Note: Hop extract contains plant estrogens that may bind to primary estrogen receptors in the female reproductive system, and may help smooth out some of the rough spots as estrogen declines during menopausal years.42,43 Black cohosh does not contain plant estrogens that bind to primary estrogen receptors44, but rather works with neurotransmitters or by other support mechanisms.45,46 Given these distinctly different mechanisms, I like to recommend the use of both herbs concurrently for the relief of menopausal symptoms. Conclusion As previously indicated, there are a number of factors influencing the female libido, and the nutraceuticals discussed in this article do not address all of them. Nevertheless, there is a good chance that they will help address two of the most frequent contributors to sexual health issues for women: stress and menopause.More benefits for maca root extract Scientific research and development , please check here
Benefits for Maca Root Extract
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Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, the dean of academics for Huntington College of Health Sciences, is a nutritionist, herbalist, writer and educator. For more than 30 years he has educated and trained natural product retailers and health care professionals, has researched and formulated natural products for dozens of dietary supplement companies, and has written articles on nutrition, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals and integrative health issues for trade, consumer magazines and peer-reviewed publications. Field researchers have since reported that, in Peru, maca has been used for medicinal purposes and as a source for energy, stamina and endurance, and has been used as an aphrodisiac and tonic for postmenopausal problems.
