Maca improves athletic performance and sexual desire in trained athletes

Researchers from the School of Psychology and Sports Sciences, North Umbria University tested the effects of Maca on trained male cyclists. The athletes completed a 40 kilometer timed cycling trial and were then supplemented with Maca or placebo for two weeks. They all then completed a second 40 kilometer timed cycling trial. After the second trial they switched groups and those receiving Maca now received placebo and vice versa in a cross-over design for an additional two weeks and then completed a third 40 kilometer timed cycling trial.

Maca significantly improved the 40 km cycling time performance compared to placebo and compared to baseline but not compared to placebo after Maca (its effects seemed to persist). Maca supplementation significantly improved the self rated sexual desire score compared to baseline and to placebo. The study is published in the December 10th, 2009 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.