• Home
• Maca Guide
• Maca Benefits
• Red Maca: Benefits

Red Maca: Benefits

Red Maca Benefits: What the Research Shows

If you’re researching red maca benefits, you may be wondering whether red maca is really different from black or yellow maca and, more importantly, what it may be good for.

Red maca is often associated with women’s wellness, mood, energy, bone support and prostate health. There are some interesting reasons for those associations, but the evidence is not equally strong in every area.

There is human research specifically involving red maca, including a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Much of the research that distinguishes red maca from other maca colors, however, has been conducted in animals or in the laboratory.

At The Maca Team, we’ve specialized in Peruvian maca since 2006. We think the most useful way to understand red maca is to look at what has actually been studied, distinguish human findings from animal and laboratory research, and avoid turning promising results into promises.

That’s what we’ll do here.

Red Maca Benefits at a Glance

So there is genuine research behind the interest in red maca. The important question is not simply, “Does red maca have benefits?” but rather, “What kind of evidence do we have for each one?”

Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Red Maca?

Red maca is a naturally occurring color variety, or phenotype, of maca.

Maca itself is a cruciferous vegetable native to the high Andes of Peru, where it has been cultivated as a food for centuries. The edible portion grows underground and resembles a small turnip or radish.

Maca roots naturally occur in a range of colors. Yellow, red and black are the three colors most commonly separated for commercial use and the three that have received the most scientific attention.

Although all three belong to the same plant species and have much in common nutritionally, researchers have identified differences in their chemical composition and biological activity.

That is one reason we don’t consider all maca to be exactly the same.

Is Red Maca Really Different From Black and Yellow Maca?

Apparently, yes — although there is still a great deal to learn.

Research comparing maca colors has found both chemical differences and different biological responses in experimental studies.

One particularly interesting example is prostate research. In a 2005 rat study comparing red, yellow and black maca, researchers reported that red maca reduced ventral prostate size while yellow and black maca did not. [1]

Researchers have also identified differences in plant chemistry. A 2015 study comparing red, black and yellow Peruvian maca reported that red maca contained the highest concentrations of glucosinolates among the three colors tested. [7]

These findings do not mean red, black and yellow maca should be thought of as three completely different foods or medicines. Maca is still maca, and much of the color-specific research remains preliminary.

But the research does give us good reason to take maca color seriously.

For a broader comparison, see our Black vs. Red vs. Yellow Maca guide.

What Does the Research Say About Red Maca?

Here are the main areas scientists have investigated.

1. Mood, Energy and Quality of Life

This is one of the most useful areas to start because there is human research specifically involving red maca.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 2016, researchers followed 175 adults living at either low or high altitude in Peru. Participants received 3 grams per day of a spray-dried red maca extract, black maca extract or placebo for 12 weeks. [4]

The researchers measured mood, energy, health-related quality of life and several other outcomes.

Both red and black maca were associated with improvements in several quality-of-life measures compared with placebo. The researchers reported that effects on mood, energy and chronic mountain sickness scores were better with red maca in their comparisons.

That does not mean everyone taking red maca should expect to feel more energetic or experience a change in mood. It does, however, give us human evidence behind two of the most common reasons people become interested in red maca.

As with black maca, red maca contains no caffeine and is not a stimulant in the way coffee is.

2. Prostate Research

Red maca has a particularly interesting history of color-specific prostate research.

The important qualification is that this evidence comes from animal studies, not clinical trials in men.

In a 2005 study, researchers compared red, yellow and black maca in rats. Red maca, but neither yellow nor black maca, significantly reduced ventral prostate size. The researchers also reported that serum testosterone and estradiol were not significantly changed by the maca treatments. [1]

Subsequent studies continued investigating this effect.

A 2012 study examined rats with testosterone-induced prostate enlargement and reported that red maca treatment reversed changes in prostate weight and prostate zinc levels. [2]

Another study published in 2017 examined different fractions of red maca extract in rats with experimentally induced benign prostatic hyperplasia. The researchers again observed differences in prostate weight and investigated possible effects involving estrogen and androgen receptors. [3]

This cluster of studies is one of the clearest examples of red maca behaving differently from the other maca colors in experimental research.

It does not, however, establish that red maca treats benign prostatic hyperplasia or reduces prostate size in men.

3. Bone Structure

Red maca and black maca have also been compared in animal research involving bone structure.

In a 2010 study, researchers used ovariectomized rats as an experimental model and compared red, black and yellow maca. Red and black maca were associated with differences in femoral and vertebral bone measurements compared with untreated ovariectomized animals. [5]

An interesting finding was that estradiol increased uterine weight, whereas red and black maca did not.

This does not establish that red maca prevents osteoporosis or strengthens human bones. It does, however, help explain why red maca appears so frequently in discussions of bone health and women’s wellness.

4. Mood-Related Animal Research

Red maca has also been included in animal research involving mood-related behavior.

In a 2006 study using ovariectomized mice, researchers compared red, yellow and black maca. All three varieties produced changes in a forced-swim test commonly used in experimental research on antidepressant activity. [6]

Black maca performed better in the study’s latent-learning test, so this particular research should not be interpreted as showing that red maca is the best maca for cognition.

The more relevant red maca evidence for mood and energy comes from the later human study discussed above.

5. Glucosinolates and Plant Chemistry

One reason researchers are interested in maca colors is that their phytochemical composition is not identical.

A 2015 study analyzed red, black and yellow Peruvian maca and reported that red maca had the highest concentrations of glucosinolates among the three phenotypes tested. [7]

Glucosinolates are naturally occurring compounds found in cruciferous plants.

This chemical difference does not by itself establish a health benefit. It does, however, provide one possible explanation for why different maca colors sometimes produce different results in experimental studies.

6. Skin and UV Research

Red maca has also appeared in experimental skin research, although this area requires some important context.

A 2011 study compared extracts made from the leaves of red, yellow and black maca in mice exposed to UVB radiation. Researchers reported photoprotective effects in the experimental model. [8]

Because the study used maca leaf extracts applied in an animal model, it should not be interpreted as evidence that eating red maca root protects human skin from sun exposure.

It is best viewed as an interesting investigation of compounds present in the maca plant rather than a demonstrated benefit of ordinary red maca consumption.

7. Wound-Healing Research

A 2017 study also investigated red maca in a mouse wound-healing model at sea level and high altitude. [9]

In this experiment, researchers applied a spray-dried red maca extract topically to wounds and examined inflammatory and tissue-repair responses.

Again, this is quite different from taking red maca powder or capsules by mouth. It is interesting biological research, but it should not be interpreted as evidence that dietary red maca heals wounds in people.

8. Immune-Signaling Research

Red maca has also been studied in relation to immune signaling.

A 2014 study examined different doses of red maca extract in ovariectomized rats. Researchers reported a dose-related increase in IFN-γ, an immune-signaling protein, compared with untreated ovariectomized animals. [10]

This is preliminary animal research. It does not demonstrate that red maca “boosts the immune system” in people, and we would not describe it that way.

It does show that researchers continue to investigate red maca in biological systems beyond the areas for which it is most commonly known.

Red Maca Benefits for Women and Men

Red maca is sometimes informally described as a more “female-oriented” maca, just as black maca is sometimes described as “men’s maca.”

Both descriptions can be misleading.

Red Maca for Women

Many women choose red maca because they encounter it while researching topics such as menopause, mood, energy, bone health or hormone balance.

There is some research that helps explain those associations. The human red maca study examined mood, energy and quality of life, while several animal studies involving red maca used ovariectomized female animals to investigate bone structure, mood-related behavior and other biological measures.

But it is important to distinguish those studies from claims that red maca has been proven to balance hormones, relieve menopause symptoms or prevent bone loss in women. The color-specific human research is not strong enough to make those conclusions.

Red maca also does not contain estrogen or other human hormones.

Red Maca for Men

Men are often particularly interested in red maca because of the prostate research.

Several animal studies have indeed produced distinctive findings involving red maca and prostate size. But those findings have not yet been established in human clinical trials.

So red maca can certainly be used by men, but we would not describe it as a treatment for an enlarged prostate or other prostate condition.

Ultimately, choosing a maca color is less about whether you are male or female and more about what has led you to maca in the first place.

If you’re still deciding, our Which Maca Is Best for You? guide is a good next step.

How to Choose Red Maca

Once you’ve decided that red maca is the color you want to try, there are still a couple of choices to make.

You can choose between raw and gelatinized maca and between powders, capsules and extracts.

Raw maca powder is the closest to the traditionally dried whole root. Gelatinized maca has been cooked and has much of its starch removed, which some people find easier to digest.

Powder is versatile and generally the most economical option. Capsules are convenient. Extracts provide another format for people who prefer them.

Red maca also tends to have a somewhat milder, sweeter flavor than some other maca colors, which is one reason many people enjoy it as a powder.

You can learn more in our guides to raw vs. gelatinized maca and maca forms.

Or, if you already know you want red maca, compare all of our red maca products, including powders, capsules and extracts.

How Long Does Red Maca Take to Work?

There isn’t a scientifically established timetable that applies to everyone.

Maca is not a fast-acting stimulant or drug, and we generally encourage people to think of it as a food that is added consistently to the diet.

Some people tell us they notice a difference fairly quickly. Others use maca for several weeks before deciding how they feel about it, while some people notice very little.

The randomized human red maca study discussed earlier lasted 12 weeks and measured participants at multiple points during that period. [4]

That does not mean everyone needs to take red maca for 12 weeks. It simply illustrates why judging maca after one or two servings may not tell you very much.

Does Red Maca Have Side Effects?

Most people tolerate maca well when consumed as a food, but no food is right for everyone.

If you’re new to maca, starting with a modest amount is usually the simplest approach. People with sensitive digestion may also prefer gelatinized maca.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, take medication or have specific concerns about whether maca is appropriate for you, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

For a more detailed discussion, visit our Maca Root Side Effects guide.

Red Maca FAQs

What are the most commonly discussed benefits of red maca?

Red maca is commonly associated with mood, energy, women’s wellness, bone health and prostate wellness. The strength of the evidence differs considerably by area. There is human research involving mood, energy and quality of life, while most of the color-specific prostate, bone, skin and immune research comes from animal studies.

Is red maca better than black maca?

Not necessarily. Red and black maca have different research profiles. Black maca has received particular attention in research involving sperm parameters, learning and physical performance, while red maca has a distinctive body of animal research involving prostate size and has also been studied in relation to mood, energy and quality of life.

Is red maca good for women?

Women commonly choose red maca, and some red-maca research has involved female animal models. There is also human research involving mood, energy and quality of life. However, red maca has not been proven to balance hormones, treat menopause symptoms or prevent osteoporosis.

Is red maca only for women?

No. Red maca is not a female-only food. Men use it as well, and some of the most distinctive research involving red maca has actually focused on prostate biology in male animals.

Does red maca contain estrogen or hormones?

No. Red maca does not contain human hormones such as estrogen or testosterone. In one frequently cited animal study comparing maca colors, researchers found no significant changes in serum testosterone or estradiol after treatment with red, yellow or black maca.

Does red maca reduce prostate size?

Several animal studies have found reductions in prostate size after red maca treatment, including experimental models of prostate enlargement. These findings have not been established in human clinical trials, so red maca should not be considered a treatment for enlarged prostate or BPH.

Is red maca a stimulant?

No. Red maca naturally contains no caffeine and does not function like coffee or conventional stimulant products.

Do red maca powder, capsules and extracts have different benefits?

They all begin with red maca, but processing and concentration can differ. Powder offers the whole powdered root, capsules provide a convenient way to take maca powder, and extracts are processed into a more concentrated format. When evaluating research, it is important to notice which form of red maca was actually used in a particular study.

Final Thoughts

Red maca is one of the more scientifically interesting colors of maca.

There is human research involving mood, energy and quality of life, while animal and laboratory studies have explored prostate biology, bone structure, plant chemistry, mood-related behavior, skin responses, wound healing and immune signaling.

That doesn’t mean every proposed red maca benefit has been proven. It does mean researchers have repeatedly found differences between red maca and other maca colors that are worth understanding.

After working exclusively with Peruvian maca since 2006, we’ve found that people choose red maca for many different reasons. For some, its research profile makes it the obvious place to start. Others may be better suited to black, yellow or traditional tri-color maca.

We hope this article has helped you better understand what makes red maca different, why it has attracted so much research interest and where the science currently stands.

Enjoy the day!

References

1. Gonzales GF, Miranda S, Nieto J, et al. Red maca (Lepidium meyenii) reduced prostate size in rats. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 2005. PMID: 15661081. View study
2. Gonzales C, Leiva-Revilla J, Rubio J, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Effect of red maca (Lepidium meyenii) on prostate zinc levels in rats with testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia. Andrologia. 2012. View study
3. Fano D, Vásquez-Velásquez C, Gonzales-Castañeda C, et al. N-Butanol and Aqueous Fractions of Red Maca Methanolic Extract Exerts Opposite Effects on Androgen and Oestrogens Receptors (Alpha and Beta) in Rats with Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017. PMID: 29375645. View study
4. Gonzales-Arimborgo C, Yupanqui I, Montero E, et al. Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Pharmaceuticals. 2016. PMID: 27548190. View study
5. Gonzales C, Cárdenas-Valencia I, Leiva-Revilla J, et al. Effects of different varieties of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on bone structure in ovariectomized rats. Forschende Komplementärmedizin. 2010. PMID: 20616517. View study
6. Rubio J, Caldas M, Dávila S, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Effect of three different cultivars of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on learning and depression in ovariectomized mice. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2006. PMID: 16796734. View study
7. Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Mrozikiewicz M, et al. Peruvian Maca (Lepidium peruvianum): (I) Phytochemical and Genetic Differences in Three Maca Phenotypes. International Journal of Biomedical Science. 2015. PMID: 26508907. View study
8. Gonzales-Castañeda C, Rivera V, Chirinos AL, Evelson P, Gonzales GF. Photoprotection against the UVB-induced oxidative stress and epidermal damage in mice using leaves of three different varieties of Lepidium meyenii (maca). International Journal of Dermatology. 2011. PMID: 21781063. View study
9. Nuñez D, Olavegoya P, Gonzales GF, Gonzales-Castañeda C. Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands, Promotes Skin Wound Healing at Sea Level and at High Altitude in Adult Male Mice. High Altitude Medicine & Biology. 2017. PMID: 28846044. View study
10. Leiva-Revilla J, Guerra-Castañon F, Olcese-Mori P, et al. Effect of red maca (Lepidium meyenii) on IFN-γ levels in ovariectomized rats. Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Pública. 2014. PMID: 25597718. View study