Some data suggests that taking concentrated maca supplements may help people who have poor libido or sexual desire. A 2015 research of 45 women with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction discovered that consuming 3,000 mg of maca root per day for 12 weeks dramatically improved sexual function and libido when compared to a placebo. A 2010 assessment of four high-quality studies including 131 participants discovered evidence that ingesting maca boosted sexual desire after at least 6 weeks.

The researchers did warn, however, that the studies included in the review were tiny, and the evidence was insufficient to draw clear conclusions. Despite this encouraging research, it is yet unknown whether maca provides any meaningful value for treating low libido or sexual dysfunction.

Taking maca supplements may assist persons with sperm and enhance various elements of their fertility. Maca, for example, has been found in trials to boost sperm concentration or the quantity of sperm per milliliter of sperm. Male fertility is closely related to sperm concentration. In a 2020 trial, 69 males with modestly decreased sperm count or poor sperm motility were given maca. Sperm motility refers to the sperm's ability to swim appropriately.

Taking 2 grams of maca per day for 12 weeks enhanced sperm concentration much more than a placebo treatment. There was, however, no statistically significant change in sperm motility between the treatment and placebo groups. While these findings are encouraging, research is currently restricted. To examine the impact of maca supplementation on sperm quality and other aspects of male fertility, well-designed trials are required.

Menopause occurs spontaneously in women who menstruate. It is the stage of life when menstrual cycles cease completely. The natural decrease in estrogen that occurs at this time might result in a variety of symptoms, some of which may be unpleasant. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep issues, and irritability are some of the symptoms. According to research, maca may benefit menopausal women by alleviating various symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disruption.

A 2011 assessment of four high-quality trials found some evidence that maca therapy improves menopausal symptoms. The researchers did highlight, however, that there is insufficient evidence to assess the safety or usefulness of maca for treating menopause symptoms.

In some populations, limited data suggest that maca may assist boost energy levels and mood. A 2016 research of 175 adults living at low or high altitudes found that ingesting 3 grams of red or black maca per day for 12 weeks enhanced mood and energy levels when compared to a placebo. Furthermore, a 2015 research of 29 postmenopausal Chinese women found that 3.3 grams of maca per day for 6 weeks improved depressive symptoms when compared to placebo treatment.

Furthermore, prior research suggests that maca may be beneficial in lowering anxiety and depression symptoms in postmenopausal women. Although maca may improve mood and energy levels, there is currently insufficient research to draw clear conclusions.

There is some evidence that maca can help with learning and memory. A 2011 study, for example, discovered that maca could boost memory in mice. According to a 2014 assessment of the literature, maca may have benefits for learning and memory performance. It may be useful in treating disorders that disrupt these processes, such as Alzheimer's dementia, according to the researchers.

However, because only animal models have been studied, it is unknown whether maca will have the same benefits in humans. An older study in an animal model found that maca might help protect the skin from UV rays. Another animal study in 2011 found that extracts from maca leaves might help prevent the formation of sunburn cells.