Systematic Review On The Use Of Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) In Sexual Dysfunction

Introduction: Sexual health is defined as the complete state of physical, emotional and social well-being, related to sexuality. The Maca (Lepidium Meyennii), a product originating in the Central Andes of Peru (Junin), resistant to hail, frost and prolonged droughts, which is located in high plateaus, the same that is consumed in the food and beverage, by its nutritional content and for its antioxidant properties, anticancer and as a treatment in the sexual dysfunction. Among the chemical components of maca, that are related to the therapeutic action in the improvement of the sexual health and fertility, are: the fitoestnoles, phytosterols, phytestrogens, polyphenols, alkaloids (lepilidinas A and B, macaridina), fatty acids (makaeno) and the amides ( macamidas). Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Maca for treatment of sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Materials and methods: databases of PubMed / MEDLINE were consulted, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, as well as additional resources such as Scielo seekers and Google Scholar. Randomized clinical trials studying the use of maca as a treatment for sexual health, comparative studies of treatment of sexual dysfunction and systematic reviews of the benefits of maca were identified. 20 studies were included, which have low risk of bias and high methodological quality. Results: The results demonstrate that Maca has high effectiveness in improving sexual function, increasing libido and improving erectile dysfunction; also helps reproductive health, increasing sperm count and sperm motility, enhances the anticancer action, favorable effects on menopause symptoms and improves inflammatory responses. Conclusions: Despite the effectiveness of maca use is limited by not providing a proper pharmacovigilance. Evidence has shown reduced sexual dysfunctions in men and women.