What does this rating mean?
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant which is native to Peru. The root of the plant can be eaten and is also used in alternative medicine.
It is not clear how maca may help depression.
There is very little scientific evidence on maca for the treatment of depression. One study compared the effects of maca to a placebo (dummy pill) to treat symptoms of menopause, which included depression symptoms. Both the maca and placebo treatments reduced depression symptoms. None of the women who participated in the study had clinical depression. More studies are needed to understand the effectiveness of maca for depression.
It is not clear if maca has any side effects. Like all dietary supplements, maca may have negative interactions with prescribed medications or other supplements. It should always be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.
Maca can be purchased as a powder or tablet supplement from health food shops and supplement retailers.
Given the lack of evidence on maca, it cannot be recommended as a treatment for depression.
Last reviewed and updated: 9 September 2023
These treatments are very useful. They are strongly supported as effective by scientific evidence.
These treatments are useful. They are supported by scientific evidence as effective, but the evidence is not as strong.
These treatments are promising and may be useful. They have some evidence to support them, but more evidence is needed to be sure they work.
