Peruvian maca has centuries of traditional use and a growing body of clinical research. Here's a close look at what the data says.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous root vegetable grown in the high Andes of Peru, where it's been used traditionally for centuries to support energy, fertility, and libido. It's also one of the more clinically studied ingredients that shows up in male vitality supplements — which makes it a useful case study in separating tradition from evidence.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Andrologia gave men 1,500-3,000mg of maca daily for 12 weeks and found a statistically significant improvement in self-reported sexual desire compared to placebo — notably, without any measurable change in testosterone or other hormone levels.
That last detail matters: maca's effect on libido appears to work through a different mechanism than direct hormone manipulation, which is part of why it's generally considered a lower-risk option compared to ingredients that more aggressively target hormone levels.
A later systematic review pooling four separate randomized controlled trials in BMC Complementary Medicine confirmed the libido-supporting effect held up across multiple study populations, describing the evidence as consistent, if still relatively limited in the total number of large-scale trials.
Beyond libido, maca has a long traditional use for energy and endurance, and some smaller trials have measured improvements in mood and reduced anxiety symptoms in postmenopausal women (a population where maca has been separately studied). Data specific to men's energy levels is more anecdotal than the libido research, though it's consistent with maca's traditional use profile.
Clinical trials typically use 1,500-3,000mg of maca root extract daily, usually in gelatinized or extract form rather than raw powder, which can be harder to dose consistently. Maca is generally well tolerated, though those with thyroid conditions should check with a doctor, since maca is a cruciferous vegetable and can theoretically interact with thyroid function at high doses.
JellyFil® combines maca with eight other researched ingredients — including Ashwagandha, L-Arginine, and Tribulus Terrestris — in a single daily gummy. See the full ingredient audit.
See the Ingredient Audit →Clinical trials have not found a measurable change in testosterone from maca supplementation, despite its libido-supporting effect. The mechanism appears to be independent of hormone levels.
The main clinical trial measured effects after 12 weeks of consistent daily use, so it's reasonable to expect a similar timeline for noticeable results.
Yes, for most healthy adults maca is well tolerated at studied doses. Those with thyroid conditions should consult a doctor before regular use.