“THE IMPACT OF MACA ROOT EXTRACT ON LIBIDO, SEXUAL
FUNCTION AND GENERAL ENERGY LEVEL ON MEN WITH DIAGNOSED PROSTATE CANCER”
AN ANECDOTAL TRIAL RECAP
January 2005 (San Francisco, CA)
BACKGROUND:
Ten members of the
Prostate Awareness Foundation (PAF) with diagnosed prostate cancer recently
underwent a three month trial of a Peruvian root known as maca to evaluate it’s
effect.
Maca root has a
long history of usage in the high Andes of South America, both as a sexual and
general endurance enhancer. Inca royalty once felt it was such a powerful
botanical that it’s use was a privilege reserved for the nobility. Maca is a
root in the radish family and only grows at elevations above 10,000’.
Maca is once
again gaining recognition among health professionals, especially in Latin
America for its use as an endocrine modulator. Most literature available on the
subject is in reference to the use of maca as an endocrine modulator for women
dealing with menopausal problems. There have been no studies on the efficacy of
maca for men dealing with prostate health concerns.
The product for
the Prostate Awareness Foundation trial was supplied free of charge, by Herbs
America in Murphy, Oregon. They can be reached at 541-846-6222.
PAF decided to
conduct this small anecdotal trial based on reports from members around the
country that were reporting encouraging effects from maca. Specifically, some
men on ADT therapy, a pharmaceutical blocking of the bodies ability to produce
testosterone, which slows the growth of prostate cancer, who should not have a
libido or erection were reporting full sexual function and sexual interest.
THE TRIAL:
The goal of the anecdotal trial was to determine if the
regular use of maca root extract would have an effect on PSA levels, libido,
sexual function and the general endurance level in men with diagnosed prostate
cancer. Included in the trial were men who had undergone or are currently
undergoing a number of different treatment paths including: radiation, ADT hormonal blockade treatment,
radical surgical removal (prostatectomy) or are in various stages of watchful
waiting while instituting dietary and lifestyle changes. .
Participants: 10 men with diagnosed prostate cancer
Parameters:
- Have a
PSA test prior to the start of the protocol, have testosterone levels also
checked
- Take a
PSA test after the protocol is completed, have testosterone levels checked
and recorded.
- Compete
a pre and post trial questionnaire
- Supply
list of current supplementation
Dosage: two tinctures of maca root extract in an alcohol base
four times per day for ninety days.
TRIAL RESULTS:
Of the ten men beginning the trial, two discontinued use of
the product before the completion of the ninety days and were not included in
the below summary.
PSA Change:
It should be noted that there were no dramatic increases or
decreases of PSA in the men reporting at the end of the trial.
2
rise in PSA *
5
lowering of PSA **
1
no change
* one of the two men stopped taking ADT therapy during the
trial which is likely the reason for his increase in PSA.
** two of the five men reporting lower PSA levels began
taking ADT therapy during the trial. This should be considered an unusual
occurrence that merits further study.
Testosterone level
changes:
Since the use of maca seemed to have a positive effect on
the sexual energy of 75% of the men in the trial it is interesting to note that
five out of eight men reported a decrease in their testosterone levels. We also
know that the primary side effect of ADT therapy, since it is designed to
chemically stop the body’s ability to produce testosterone, is a loss of
libido. This did not seem to prove out in our trial! Nor did maca seem to raise
testosterone levels for the majority of men.
2 increase in
testosterone level*
5
decrease in testosterone level**
1
no change in testosterone level
* one of the two men stopped taking ADT therapy during the
trial
** two of the five men began taking ADT during the trial
General Energy Level:
6
improvement
1
diminished*
1
no observable change
* participant began ADT therapy during trial and may have
been impacted by this new therapy! Many men report a loss of general energy
while undergoing ADT therapy.
Sexual Energy &
Libido:
6 improved*
2
diminished*
* it should be noted that one participant who reported
diminished sexual energy was the same person who began ADT therapy during the
trial. It should also be noted that two of the reports of increased sexual
energy were from men already on ADT therapy and who should not have had a
libido!
Sexual Appetite
(General Horniness):
6 improved
1
diminished
1
remained the same
Reported side
effects:
Waking up with
erection
Stronger and
stiffer erection
Plan to continue use
of product:
5
Yes
1 No
2 Undecided
Recommend product to
friend or associate:
4
Yes
1
No
3
Undecided
Nocturnal urinary
frequency: (improvement represents less frequent nocturnal visits)
1
improvement
1
more frequent nocturnal visits
6
remained the same
Mood and feeling of
well-being:
6 improved
1
diminished
1
remained the same
Although the results are preliminary and the sample small,
the initial results look promising and we feel merit further study. The product
does not appear to have a profound effect on PSA levels, is relatively
inexpensive and seems to enhance the sexual and general energy of a majority of
men who take it. Maca root extract can be ordered from Herbs America by calling 541-846-6222.
Prostate Awareness
Foundation
www.prostateawarenessfoundation.org
kamalik@sbcgobal.net
415-675-5661
The information contained in this report
should not be considered medical advice. PAF does not prescribe or recommend
specific supplements or treatment protocols. We offer you what we have learned
over the years, as fellow prostate cancer veterans, with confidence that you
can make your own choices