What is yellow maca extract?

Yellow maca extract is a concentrated supplement made from the Peruvian root Lepidium meyenii. It is commonly sold as a powder or gelatinized extract.

What are the potential benefits of yellow maca extract?

It is studied for supporting perceived energy and vitality, mood, cognitive function, and sexual health. Evidence varies by outcome and population, and effects may be modest.

How much yellow maca extract should I take?

Common supplemental amounts are about 1,500–3,000 mg per day. Follow the product label and consider starting at the lower end to assess tolerance.

Does yellow maca extract help male fertility?

Some research suggests maca may support semen parameters such as volume and sperm concentration. It is not a substitute for medical evaluation of infertility.

Is yellow maca extract safe for most people?

It is generally well tolerated when used as directed, but individual responses vary. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have hormone-sensitive conditions, or take medications should consult a clinician before use.

313 science-backed nutrients

3262 sources considered

Evidence-graded information

Explore by goal or category

Yellow Maca
Extract

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Yellow maca extract is a Peruvian root supplement studied for energy, mood, sexual health, and stress resilience.

Cognitive Enhancement Stress Relief Memory Improvement Male Fertility Depression / Mood Enhancement Energy Support

dose range

1500–3000 mg

Divide into 1–2 doses with meals.

Consumption

Take yellow maca extract capsules or powder with food to improve tolerance.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Can be taken any time of day, often in the morning or with the first meal to support energy.

Description

Yellow maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant root from the Peruvian Andes, traditionally used for energy, fertility, and mood. Supplemental forms most commonly deliver gelatinized or powdered extracts of the yellow variant.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Moderate evidence supports maca extract’s benefits for sexual health and mood; other uses are less substantiated.

Supports cognitive function and memory

Limited

Preliminary studies suggest yellow maca extract may modestly improve cognitive performance and memory, possibly due to adaptogenic effects.

Particularly relevant for: Adults seeking cognitive enhancement

pubmed-cr-maca-effects · Macă (Lepidium meyenii) as a Potential Adaptogen: A Review

Improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression

Limited

Some research indicates maca may have mood-improving effects, particularly in peri-menopausal women, possibly by modulating neurotransmitter activity.

Particularly relevant for: Women experiencing mood changes · Individuals seeking mood support

pubmed-maca-mood · Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved mood and energy in menopausal women

Enhances perceived energy and vitality

Limited

Supplements with yellow maca have been associated with increased energy and sense of well-being in some studies.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals seeking energy support

nih-ods-maca · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Maca examine-maca · Examine.com: Maca

Supports male fertility and semen quality

Moderate

Systematic reviews suggest yellow maca may improve semen volume and sperm concentration in men, supporting fertility.

Particularly relevant for: Men seeking fertility support

pubmed-maca-fertility-men · Effects of Maca on Semen Parameters in Healthy Adult Men: A Systematic Review

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Yellow maca is considered safe for most adults at typical doses, with few adverse effects reported. Potential safety concerns involve hormone-sensitive and thyroid conditions.

warning notices

Maca is not recommended for individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers or thyroid disorders.
Potential for mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some users.
Avoid use if you have hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast, uterine, or prostate cancer.
Use caution with thyroid disorders due to possible goitrogenic compounds.
Discontinue use if allergic reactions occur.

Known interactions with medications

No major drug interactions documented; theoretical caution with hormone therapies.

Contraindications / special precautions

Hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g., certain cancers)
Thyroid dysfunction or goiter

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Yellow maca is generally well tolerated and not known for serious interactions, but may affect hormone balance and thyroid function.

Maca may influence thyroid function in susceptible individuals.

nutrient · Iodine

CautionLimitedIodine

Why

Maca contains glucosinolates which may impact iodine uptake and thyroid hormone synthesis, especially in those with low iodine or thyroid disorders.

recommendation

Monitor thyroid health and ensure adequate iodine intake if consuming large amounts of maca extract regularly.

efsa-maca · EFSA Compendium of Botanicals: Maca ncbi-review-maca · Lepidium meyenii (Maca): A Plant from the Peruvian Highlands

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Adaptogenic effects on stress response

Maca may modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, supporting resistance to stress and fatigue.

pubmed-cr-maca-effects · Macă (Lepidium meyenii) as a Potential Adaptogen: A Review

Influence on hormonal and reproductive function

Maca appears to act on the endocrine system, supporting fertility and potentially balancing sex hormones, likely without direct phytoestrogenic activity.

pubmed-maca-fertility-men · Effects of Maca on Semen Parameters in Healthy Adult Men: A Systematic Review ncbi-review-maca · Lepidium meyenii (Maca): A Plant from the Peruvian Highlands