Using Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) to Treat Sexual Dysfunction in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review

Background: With an increase in life expectancy and elderly population in the world, women experience a longer postmenopausal period and more menopausal symptoms. Maca belongs to the Cruciferous family and is cultivated in Peru. Maca plant is used to treat female sexual dysfunction. This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of maca on the treatment of sexual dysfunction during menopause. Methods: Key words lepidium meyenii, maca, lepidium meyenii and sexual dysfunction, lepidium meyenii and menopause, maca and sexual dysfunction, maca and menopause were searched in databases Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and EBSCOhost and randomized controlled studies and quasi-experimental studies published in the English language between 2000 and 2022 were reviewed. Results: Three studies involving a total of 85 participants were reviewed. One study showed no effect of maca on sexual desire. However, another study revealed that it was effective in sexual desire. Maca was also reported to improve arousal and orgasm in another study. Conclusion: Although there are studies that the use of maca is effective in sexual dysfunctions; there is not enough data on how long this plant should be used, at what dose it can be given, and what the long-term results will be.