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Herb

Black Maca

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Black Maca. Lepidium meyenii black variant for energy.

How it works. Macamides affect SHBG and CB receptors.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves sperm parameters (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 1500–3000 mg.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Standardized extract capsule, Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin), Powdered whole herb, Traditional decoction or tea.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Black Maca. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Black Maca. Lepidium meyenii black variant for energy.

Key compound: benzyl glucosinolateC14H19NO9S2 · 409.4 g/mol

What it is

Lepidium meyenii black variant for energy.

Food sources

Whole dried plant material (root, leaf, flower, or aerial parts depending on the species)Standardized hydroethanolic or aqueous extract (capsule, tincture, or tea)Powdered traditional preparation used in Ayurvedic, TCM, or Western herbal practice

Goals

Men's HealthEnergy Production

How it works

Macamides affect SHBG and CB receptors.

Pathways

  • Macamides affect SHBG
  • CB receptors

Effects

  • +sperm parameters supports

What the research supports

Improves sperm parametersmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
1500–3000 mg
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized extract capsule form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Black Maca use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Standardized extract capsule
  • Liquid tincture (alcohol or glycerin)
  • Powdered whole herb
  • Traditional decoction or tea

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Black Maca — Improves sperm parameters ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Black Maca and "Improves sperm parameters". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Black Maca — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Black Maca and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Black Maca — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Black Maca and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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