Adaptogen"

Lepidium meyenii or maca is an herbaceous biennial plant or annual plant (some sources say a perennial plant) native to the high Andes of Bolivia and Peru. It is grown for its fleshy hypocotyl (actually a fused hypocotyl and taproot), which is used as a root vegetable and a medicinal herb. Its Spanish and Quechua names include maca-maca, maino, ayak chichira, and ayak willku.

Maca: The Endocrine Adaptogen!

The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce chemical “messengers” called hormones essential for normal bodily functions. A wide variety of physiological processes are carried out unconsciously by these “messengers”. Once released they flow directly into the bloodstream and are transported to organs and tissues throughout the entire body.

Scientists and doctors are now finding maca to be one of the best natural ways to regulate and support endocrine health. This action regulates metabolism, energy levels, growth, sexual development and the sense of well being and attitude.

Thankfully, maca does not contain hormones itself. Instead it provides a unique set of nutrients that directly fuel the endocrine system and help the glands to produce vital hormones in precise dosages predetermined by one’s own body.

Hypothalamus:

Peru’s Dr. Chacon surmised that maca works through the hypothalamus pituitary axis… the needed link between the pituitary gland and the brain. The pituitary gland then makes hormones in answer to the body’s needs. These are then circulated in the blood to a variety of the body’s tissues, including other endocrines, such as the adrenal gland.

The Adrenal Glands:

The adrenal glands produce hormones that help control the heart rate, blood pressure, the way the body uses food, and other vital functions. ACTH hormone from the pituitary gland stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids.

Thyroid & Parathyroid Glands:

The Thyroid gland controls the rate at which the body produces energy from nutrients. The alkaloid extract of maca can activate calcitonine hormones, which regulate the metabolism of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in the blood. The hormone is secreted by the thyroid and the parathyroid. It acts in the intestines, bones, and kidneys to increase the (Ca2+) in the plasma. It also aids in wound healing through blood clotting. (Chacon)

Pancreas:

The pancreas gland secretes digestive enzymes which break down fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and acids.

Thymus:

Maca contains vitamin C and trace elements of zinc, which aid the immune system function of the thymus gland. Part of maca’s adaptogenic value may be its ability to enhance the thymus’ cell mediated immunity.

Ovaries:

The ovaries lie on either side of the uterus and just below the opening to the fallopian tubes. In addition to producing eggs, or “ova”, the ovaries produce female sex hormones called estrogen and progesterone.

Pituitary Gland:

Maca’s alkaloids act on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis causing gender appropriate responses in respective gonadal functions.

Testes:

Maca has been shown to increase male libido and sperm production in studies.

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