Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii) grows native to South America and has a long use as a traditional medicine. The root is rich in a number of nutrients including essential amino acids vitamin C, copper, iron, calcium, fatty acid as well as a number of bioactive phytochemicals that may confer adaptogenic properties on the consumer. Maca is grown as a number of varieties including black, yellow and red maca, each with slightly different phytochemistry. The medicinal effects of maca root have been evidenced to include neuroprotection, dermatological effect that protect the skin, anti-diabetic effects, memory effects, fertility effects, a general energising effect, and anti-fatigue effect, antioxidant effects, as well as uses as a general insecticide when applied topically. These effects suggest that the phytochemistry of maca is complex and they also explain and evidence its use in traditional medicine. Supplements of maca may be useful to athletes in hard training because of the general adaptogenic effects it shows.
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