Maca: An Andean crop with multi-pharmacological functions

A diet enriched with Pistacia atlantica fruits improves the female rats' reproductive system

Background and aim

Baneh (Pistacia atlantica) is a plant species that is commonly consumed as food and has a long-standing traditional use as a sexual enhancer. Despite its widespread use, a limited amount of academic and scientific literature is available regarding its potential impact on the reproductive system. The present research aimed to study the effect of a diet enriched with Baneh on the female rats' reproductive system.

Experimental procedure

Three groups of rats (n = 8) were subjected to the intended diet for six weeks. Subsequently, their histomorphometric parameters, sex hormone levels, as well as the expression of oxytocin (OXT) and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genes were measured. The rats' serum vitamin D, zinc, and lipid profiles were also evaluated.

Results and conclusion

Results revealed that compared to the normal food, the diet containing 20 % Baneh significantly increased the progesterone and estradiol levels three and two times, respectively. It decreased the total body weight while increasing the ratio of ovary weight to the body weight. Furthermore, the Baneh-enriched diet raised HDL, zinc, and vitamin D levels, though it reduced the LDL and TG levels by 15 μg/dl and 24 μg/dl, respectively, and the concentration of ovary malondialdehyde decreased by 50 % in the treated group. Also, the diet increased the follicle graph, corpus luteum, the thickness of the epithelium, the number of endometrial glands, and the expression of both OXT and OXTR genes. Our findings suggested that P. atlantica could considerably improve the female sex hormone levels and their reproductive system.

Not All Maca Is Created Equal: A Review of Colors, Nutrition, Phytochemicals, and Clinical Uses

Maca (Lepidium meyenii, Lepidium peruvianum) is part of the Brassicaceae family and grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes mountain range (3500-5000 m). Historically, it has been used as a nutrient-dense food and for its medicinal properties, primarily in enhancing energy and fertility. Scientific research has validated these traditional uses and other clinical applications by elucidating maca's mechanisms of action, nutrition, and phytochemical content. However, research over the last twenty years has identified up to seventeen different colors (phenotypes) of maca. The color, hypocotyl size, growing location, cultivation, and post-harvest processing methods can have a significant effect on the nutrition content, phytochemical profile, and clinical application. Yet, research differentiating the colors of maca and clinical applications remains limited. In this review, research on the nutrition, phytochemicals, and various colors of maca, including black, red, yellow (predominant colors), purple, gray (lesser-known colors), and any combination of colors, including proprietary formulations, will be discussed based on available preclinical and clinical trials. The gaps, deficiencies, and conflicts in the studies will be detailed, along with quality, safety, and efficacy criteria, highlighting the need for future research to specify all these factors of the maca used in publications.

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Ultrasound-Assisted Strategy for Simultaneous Extraction of Five Macamides from Lepidium meyenii Walp and In Vitro Bioactivities

This study aimed to develop an integrated approach of deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound-assisted extraction (DES-UAE) to simultaneously extract five major bioactive macamides from the roots of Lepidium meyenii Walp. Ten different DESs containing choline chloride and selected hydrogen-bond donors were prepared and evaluated based on the extracted macamide content determination using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Choline chloride/1,6-hexanediol in a 1:2 molar ratio with 20% water exhibited the most promising extraction efficiencies under the optimized parameters verified using single-factor optimization as well as Box-Behnken design. Using the optimized DES-UAE method, the extraction efficiencies of the five macamides were up to 40.3% higher compared to those using the most favorable organic solvent petroleum ether and were also superior to those of the other extraction methods, such as heating and combination of heating and stirring. Furthermore, using the macroporous resin HPD-100, the recoveries of the five target macamides from the DES extraction reached 85.62-92.25%. The 20 μg/mL group of the five macamide extracts showed superior neuroprotective activity against PC12 cell injury than that of the positive drug nimodipine. The macamide extracts also showed higher NO inhibition in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Thus, the developed approach was a green and potential alternative that can be used to extract bioactive macamide constituents from L. meyenii in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

The Distribution of Glucosinolates in Different Phenotypes of Lepidium peruvianum and Their Role as Acetyl- and Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitors-In Silico and In Vitro Studies

The aim of the study was to present the fingerprint of different Lepidium peruvianum tuber extracts showing glucosinolates-containing substances possibly playing an important role in preventinting dementia and other memory disorders. Different phenotypes of Lepidium peruvianum (Brassicaceae) tubers were analysed for their glucosinolate profile using a liquid chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS platform). Qualitative analysis in 50% ethanolic extracts confirmed the presence of ten compounds: aliphatic, indolyl, and aromatic glucosinolates, with glucotropaeolin being the leading one, detected at levels between 0–1.57% depending on phenotype, size, processing, and collection site. The PCA analysis showed important variations in glucosinolate content between the samples and different ratios of the detected compounds. Applied in vitro activity tests confirmed inhibitory properties of extracts and single glucosinolates against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (15.3–28.9% for the extracts and 55.95–57.60% for individual compounds) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) (71.3–77.2% for the extracts and 36.2–39.9% for individual compounds). The molecular basis for the activity of glucosinolates was explained through molecular docking studies showing that the tested metabolites interacted with tryptophan and histidine residues of the enzymes, most likely blocking their active catalytic side. Based on the obtained results and described mechanism of action, it could be concluded that glucosinolates exhibit inhibitory properties against two cholinesterases present in the synaptic cleft, which indicates that selected phenotypes of L. peruvianum tubers cultivated under well-defined environmental and ecological conditions may present a valuable plant material to be considered for the development of therapeutic products with memory-stimulating properties.

Effects of Oral Administration of Lepidium meyenii on Morphology of Mice Testis and Motility of Epididymal Sperm Cells After Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure

Background: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) administration is associated with testicular damage and reduced semen quality. Oral administration of Lepidium Meyenii (maca) improves spermatogenesis and sperm motility and count and reduces spermatogenic damage. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of THC, maca, and their combination on testicular tissue and semen parameters. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six-week-old male mice were classified into control, THC, Maca, and THC + Maca groups. The mice were subjected to Eco Color Doppler ultrasound examination of the testicles before and after treatment. After euthanasia, the epididymis, testes, liver, and kidney were collected for histological examination. For morphometry of the testis, tubular diameters and seminiferous epithelium height were measured. Sperm concentration and sperm motilities were assessed. Differences among the groups were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc test. Results: In all the groups, there were no significant changes in testicular morphology before and after treatment. Histological assessment of the testes showed no alterations in control, no significant alterations in Maca, mild to moderate alterations in THC, and mild alterations in THC + Maca groups. Histological examination of the other organs showed no significant differences among the groups. Tubular diameter showed significantly increased thickening for THC and THC + Maca compared with that for Maca and control. Moreover, seminiferous epithelium height decreased for THC compared with that in the control, Maca, and THC + Maca groups. No statistically significant reduction in the spermatogenic index was observed for THC compared with that for Maca and THC + Maca. Epididymal cross-sections of the groups showed no significant alterations. Sperm concentration and motility were higher for control and THC + Maca groups than in group THC and Maca. Conclusion: In vivo maca administration reduced the deleterious effect of THC on testicular parenchyma and semen production.

Comparison between the Biological Active Compounds in Plants with Adaptogenic Properties (Rhaponticum carthamoides, Lepidium meyenii, Eleutherococcus senticosus and Panax ginseng)

BACKGROUND

In the 1960s, research into plant adaptogens began. Plants with adaptogenic properties have rich phytochemical compositions and have been used by humanity since ancient times. However, it is not still clear whether the adaptogenic properties are because of specific compounds or because of the whole plant extracts. The aim of this review is to compare the bioactive compounds in the different parts of these plants.

METHODS

The search strategy was based on studies related to the isolation of bioactive compounds from Rhaponticum carthamoides, Lepidium meyenii, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and Panax ginseng. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

This review includes data from 259 articles. The phytochemicals isolated from Rhaponticum carthamoides, Lepidium meyenii, Eleutherococcus senticosus, and Panax ginseng were described and classified in several categories.

CONCLUSIONS

Plant species have always played an important role in drug discovery because their effectiveness is based on the hundreds of years of experience with folk medicine in different nations. In our view, there is great potential in the near future for some of the phytochemicals found in these plants species to become pharmaceutical agents.

Zebrafish Model for Studying Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy and Preventive Effect of Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Loss of myofibers during muscle atrophy affects functional capacity and quality of life. Dexamethasone, an inducer of rapid atrophy of skeletal myofibers, has been studied as a glucocorticoid receptor in muscle atrophy or motor neurodegeneration. In this study, we examined dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy using zebrafish (Danio rerio), a vertebrate model, and assessed whether administration of Lepidium meyenii (maca) as a dietary supplement can prevent muscle atrophy. Changes in skeletal myofibers in zebrafish were evaluated after exposure to dexamethasone for different periods and at different concentrations. Under optimized conditions, zebrafish pre-fed with maca for 3 days were exposed to 0.01% dexamethasone for 1 h/day for 7 days. Thereafter, myofiber loss, damaged muscle contractile proteins, and abnormal exploratory behavior due to the structural and functional impairment of skeletal muscle associated with muscle atrophy were investigated using hematoxylin-eosin, immunofluorescence staining, and behavioral analyses. Our findings suggest that dexamethasone induces muscle atrophy in zebrafish, inhibiting exploratory behavior by inducing myofiber loss, inhibiting muscle contraction, and causing changes in endurance and velocity. Thus, the zebrafish model can be used to screen pharmaceutical agents and to study muscle atrophy. Furthermore, maca is a potential dietary supplement to prevent muscle atrophy, as it protects muscle fibers.

Decoding Multiple Biofunctions of Maca on Its Anti-allergic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-thrombotic, and Pro-angiogenic Activities

Four active partition layers and ten isolates, including (5R)- and (5S)-macapyrrolidone A (1a, 1b), and four new alkaloids, (5R)- and (5S)-macapyrrolidone B (2a, 2b) and macapyrrolins D, E (3, 4), were isolated from maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.), an indigenous food plant from Peru. Derived from the n-hexane layer, the macamide-rich fraction exhibited pro-angiogenic activity on EPC and HUVEC cells. Anti-thrombotic activity was displayed by the polar part of maca extracts (n-butanol and water layers). Both 75% methanol aq. (midlower polar part) and n-hexane (low polar part) layers, which showed signs of fatty acid content, markedly inhibited superoxide and elastase release in an anti-inflammatory assay. The 75% methanol aq. layer showed strong anti-allergic activity, and macapyrrolin A (5) was found active based on β-hexosaminidase release inhibition assays and a ChemGPS-NP experiment. These valuable bioactivity results suggest that maca is a food plant with good benefits for human health.

Neuroprotective effects of macamide from maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) on corticosterone-induced hippocampal impairments through its anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic, and synaptic protection properties

The present study aims to investigate the protective effects of N-(3-methoxybenzyl)-(9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadecatrienamide (M 18:3) on corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity. A neurotoxic model was established by subcutaneous injection of corticosterone (40 mg per kg bw) for 21 days. Depressive behaviors (the percentage of sucrose consumption, the immobility time in the forced swimming test, and the total distance in the open field test) were observed. The levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, and the numbers of positive cells of doublecortin and bromodeoxyuridine in the hippocampus were measured. The density of hippocampal neurons was calculated. The morphological changes of hippocampal neurons (the density of dendritic spines, the dendritic length, and the area and volume of dendritic cell bodies) were observed. The expression levels of synaptophysin, synapsin I, and postsynaptic density protein 95 were measured. Behavioral experiments showed that M 18:3 (5 and 25 mg per kg bw) could remarkably improve the depressive behaviors. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that M 18:3 could considerably reduce hippocampal neuroinflammation and increase hippocampal neurotrophy. Nissl staining showed that M 18:3 could remarkably improve the corticosterone-induced decrease in the hippocampal neuron density. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that M 18:3 could considerably promote hippocampal neurogenesis. Golgi staining showed that M 18:3 could remarkably improve the corticosterone-induced changes in the hippocampal dendritic structure. Western blotting showed that M 18:3 could considerably increase the expression levels of synaptic-structure-related proteins in the hippocampus. In conclusion, the protective effects of M 18:3 may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory, neurotrophic, and synaptic protection properties.

Evaluation of the effect of Lepidium meyenii Walpers in infertile patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Male infertility refers to the inability to conceive a natural pregnancy in a fertile female, and approximately 15% of reproductive‐aged couples worldwide face this problem. Several plants were used to treat fertility disorders and, among them, Lepidium meyenii, a folk medicament of Andean regions, is still used to enhance vitality and treat sterility in humans and domestic animals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of L. meyenii Walpers on infertile patients by a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial. Fifty patients suffering from various reproductive‐related problems were enrolled for 16 weeks to evaluate the effect of yellow maca on semen quality and serum hormone levels. Treatment with maca improved the percentage of sperm concentration by 40%, whereas the placebo improved by 76% after 8 and 16 weeks of treatment, but the results were statistically non‐significant. No statistically significant change in hormone levels was reported by using maca, except a decrease in the level of free testosterone. Results are not sufficient to assess the efficacy of maca on male fertility. Further investigation and trials are required to obtain conclusive results.

Heavy metals in soils and edible tissues of Lepidium meyenii (maca) and health risk assessment in areas influenced by mining activity in the Central region of Peru

Heavy metal contamination of soil and agricultural products is an environmental problem, has an adverse effect on the quality of food crops, and is a danger to food security and public health. The concentration of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in surface soils and edible hypocotyls tissues of two ecotypes of Lepidium meyenii Walpers (maca) was evaluated in three districts of the Junín province, Peru. In addition, the risk to human health due to exposure to heavy metals from maca consumption was evaluated. Soil samples and maca hypocotyls were collected in areas influenced by mining and metallurgical activity. The mean concentration of Cd (0.32 ± 0.23 mg/kg) and Pb (0.20 ± 0.12 mg/kg) in maca samples exceeded the values established by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization. The bioconcentration factor was less than 1. The estimated daily intake of each metal was below the oral reference dose. The hazard quotient and hazard index were less than 1, it is unlikely to cause non-cancer adverse health outcome. The cancer risk for As and Cd was higher than the tolerable limit (1 × 10-6) in children and adults. In the district of Ondores, the cancer risk for As in children was higher than the acceptable limit (1 × 10-4). Residents of the Ondores district would be more exposed to As and Cd from consumption of maca hypocotyls. It is very important to carry out continuous monitoring of other toxic metals in different ecotypes of maca (red, black, yellow, purple, creamy white, pink) in order to evaluate the variation in the accumulation of heavy metals and the level of toxicity of each metal between ecotypes.

Lignans from Lepidium meyenii and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities

Meyeniines A-C (1-3), three new lignans, two known neolignans (4-5), and three known lignans (6-8) were isolated from the rhizomes of Lepidium meyenii. Their structures were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and computational methods. Compound 1 represents a unique lignan featuring an aromatic ring migration. Compounds 2 and 4-6 were analyzed by chiral HPLC column as enantiomers. Biological evaluation revealed that compound 8 could inhibit IL-6 production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Controlling the quality of maca (Lepidium meyenii) dietary supplements: Development of compendial procedures for the determination of intact glucosinolates in maca root powder products

The demand and sales of dietary supplements derived from maca (Lepidium meyenii) have skyrocketed in the last decade and a variety of related nutritional and healthcare products have mushroomed into a business with market prominence. However, the lack of standard testing protocols for quality control could jeopardize the immediate benefits of these products for public health. We describe herein the development of analytical procedures for the determination of glucosinolates (GLs), the biologically active ingredients in maca. Because of the high polarity and instability caused by enzymatic hydrolysis, GLs in maca have been exclusively analyzed using desulfated GLs. This indirect analysis requires additional sample preparation steps, which is labor-intensive, and may lose the original GLs and introduce artificial compounds. Furthermore, the reported GL profiles of maca are inconsistent and incomplete, some GLs may be structurally misidentified. In this context, we focused on direct analysis of intact GLs in maca without the enzymatic desulfation. Four GLs (sinalbin, glucolepigramin, glucolimnanthin, and glucotropaeolin) were identified as the major GLs in maca root powder. An HPLC method based on ion pair chromatography was developed to determine individual and total GLs; chromatographic separations were achieved on a Luna column (C18, 4.6 × 100 mm,3 mm) using 0.1 % TFA in water and in methanol as mobile phase in a gradient elution mode. The developed procedures were validated within the calibration range of 10-500 μg/mL. Inter- and intra-day precision were shown to be lower than 3% at all concentrations levels with recovery between 100.2 % and 103.3 %. The procedures were applied to a total of 42 maca root powder products from 11 manufacturers. Sample analysis revealed a consistent correlation of glucotropaeolin: glucolimnanthin (1: 0.19) across all products with a correlation coefficient of 0.994. The correlation in combination with total GL contents for each product could be used for authentication and GL content determination. Incorporation of the developed procedures into USP monographs will strengthen the public standards for maca powder dietary supplements.

Lepipyrrolins A-B, two new dimeric pyrrole 2-carbaldehyde alkaloids from the tubers of Lepidium meyenii

Nine new pyrrole alkaloids, including two undescribed dimeric pyrrole 2‑carbaldehyde alkaloids, lepipyrrolins A-B (1-2), seven pyrrole-alkaloid derivatives, macapyrrolins D-J (3-9), along with three known ones (10-12) were isolated from the rhizomes of Lepidium meyenii. Their structures and absolute configurations were demonstrated by extensive spectroscopic data (1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS), and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiment. Compounds 1, 3-12 were tested for their nitric oxide inhibitory effects. Furthermore, compound 1 was evaluated for its cytotoxic activity against five human tumor cell lines (HL-60, SMMC-7221, A549, MCF-7, and SW480) in vitro, and displayed selective cytotoxicity against SMMC-7721 with IC₅₀ value of 16.78 ± 0.49 μM.

Anti-fatigue effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Maca) on preventing mitochondria-mediated muscle damage and oxidative stress in vivo and vitro

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) has emerged as a popular functional plant food due to its various pharmacological properties, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-fatigue activity. In this study, we investigated the role of Maca aqueous extract (ME) on muscle during exercise-induced fatigue both in vivo and in vitro. As a result, ME significantly enhanced mouse leg grip-strength and increased exercise endurance in the rota-rod test. ME could clear the accumulation of metabolites - blood lactic acid (BLA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels after weight-loaded forced swimming. Focusing on muscle, we found that the administration of ME strengthened mouse muscle structures so that exercise-induced metabolic stress was alleviated by upregulating NAD⁺/NADH. Furthermore, ME inhibited the reduction of the viability and accumulation of ROS by treatment with H₂O₂ in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. ME-induced activation of energy metabolism in skeletal muscle might up-regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and function, thereby protecting against oxidative stress-induced damage. We concluded that the effects of Maca played a crucial role in the regulation of exercise-induced fatigue in mouse muscle, which could be expected to serve as a functional food supplement for improving exercise performance and alleviating physical fatigue.

Medicinal effects of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii): a review

Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root native to the Andean region, cultivated for at least 2000 years. Maca is rich in fiber, a large number of essential amino acids, fatty acids, and other nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, iron, and calcium. Besides these essential nutrients, this root contains bioactive compounds responsible for benefits to the human body, which has caused a considerable increase in its consumption in the last 20 years worldwide. This review documents the Peruvian maca composition and the recent findings regarding the medicinal effects of this root in sexual dysfunction regulation, neuroprotective effects, action in memory enhancement, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities, and skin protection.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the medicinal plant Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Cruciferae)

Lepidium meyenii Walp. is a frequently used medicinal plant (namely, ‘maca’) in Yunnan Province of China. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of L. meyenii to investigate its phylogenetic relationship in the family Cruciferae. The chloroplast genome of L. meyenii was 154,839 bp in length with 36.39% overall GC content, including a large single copy (LSC) region of 83,943 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,978 bp and a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 52,918 bp. The cp genome contained 103 genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 21 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis indicated L. meyenii was closely related to the genus Capsella.

Plants in the management of male infertility

This review attempts to collate existing data and provide the perspectives for future studies on the effects of plants on the male gonads. For many of these medicinal plants such as Lepidium meyenii, Rupus coreanus, Tribulus terrestres, Panax ginseng, Petasites japonicas, Apium graveolens, Eurycoma longifólia, Pedalium murex, Corchorus depressus, Mucuna pruriens, Astragalus membranaceus, Nigella sativa, Crataegus monogyna, Fagara tessmannii, Phaleria macrocarpa, Anacyclus pyrethrum, Cynomorium songaricum and Morinda officinalis, the mechanism of actions of their active principles and crude extracts has been shown in both laboratory animals, in vitro, and human studies, and includes their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, spermatogenesis-inducing, aphrodisiac, smooth muscle relaxing and androgenic properties. Several active chemical leads including glucosinolates, anthocyanins, protodioscin, ginsenosides, sesquiterpenes, phyto-oestrogens, quassinoids, diosgenin, thymoquinone, proanthocyanidins and bajijiasu isolated from these plants are known to have target effects on the testis, but efforts have been limited in their application at the clinical level. There still appear to be many more extracts of medicinal plants that have not been characterised to determine the phytochemicals unique to them that have target effects on the gonads. Further, collaborative efforts at isolating pro-drug candidates from medicinal plants for studies at the molecular, cellular and clinical level towards elucidating their mechanisms of action on the testes are therefore warranted in the light of the current male fertility crisis.

Differentiation of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) from Different Origins by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry with Principal Component Analysis

In this paper, we report a high-speed, high-sensitivity, and economic method to authenticate Maca. After being extracted by ethanol, nutritional components of a dozen kinds of Maca were detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Combined with principal component analysis (PCA), these samples can be rapidly differentiated after selecting the origins and principal components in the projection of components 1 and 2. The result suggests that sample 2 from Lijiang gets the highest comprehensive score among the samples and sample 1 from Huize gets the lowest comprehensive score among the samples in positive-ion mass spectra. However, sample 2 from Peru gets the highest comprehensive score among the samples and sample 3 from Lijiang gets the lowest comprehensive score among the samples in negative-ion mass spectra. Compared with the PCA results, the data of negative-ion mass spectra can better differentiate these samples than those of positive-ion mass spectra. This method has the advantages of easy operation and high efficiency, which make it a differential tool in the fields of food safety, medicinal chemistry, and materials science.

Origin identification of Chinese Maca using electronic nose coupled with GC-MS

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.), originated in the high Andes of Peru, is rich in nutrients and phytochemicals. As a new resource food in China, Maca suffers marketing disorders due to the limitation of basic research. Due to the close relationship of Maca quality and origin of place, it's of scientific, economic and social importance to set up a rapid, reliable and efficient method to identify Maca origin. In the present study, 303 Maca samples were collected from 101 villages of the main producing area in China. Using electronic nose and BP neutral network algorithm, a Maca odor database was set up to trace the origin. GC-MS was then employed to analyze the characteristic components qualitatively and semi-quantitatively. As a result, very significant differences (p < 0.01) were detected in the volatile components of Maca from different areas. This study not only constructs a network model to forecast the Maca origin, but also reveals the relationship between Maca odor fingerprints and origins.

Effects of combined extracts of Lepidium meyenii and Allium tuberosum Rottl. on erectile dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Sexual problems are widespread and adversely affect the interpersonal relationships and the quality of life. Currently, synthetic drugs improving sexual function are available, but expenditures for such agents are extremely high. To discover relatively inexpensive, widely available and effective natural drugs, we identified a combined extracts from Lepidium meyenii (maca) root and Allium tuberosum Rottl. (Chinese chive) seed, assessed the effects of this combined extracts on erectile dysfunction, and explored its potential mechanisms.

METHODS

The extracts were obtained via supercritical fluid extraction. Male BALB/c mice received doses of extract from single plant or the combined extracts (200 mg/kg) by gastric gavage for 14 d, and Viagra was used as the positive control drug. Sexual behaviour was observed, and concentrations of serum testosterone, nitric oxide (NO), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in serum as well as in penis were measured. In addition, weights of genital organs were also measured.

RESULTS

The combined extracts of maca root and Chinese chive seed (1:1, w/w) had a 45-fold increase in macamide content compared with maca extract. It also led to significantly higher ejaculation frequency (P < 0.05) than single extract from maca root or Chinese chive seed, with no corresponding effect on genital indices. In addition, the NO level in serum (P < 0.01) and penis (P < 0.05) increased notably, as well as the level of cGMP in penis (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that the combined extracts produced better synergistic effects on male sexual function than maca extract or Chinese chive extract alone. These positive effects may involve the upregulation of NO and cGMP concentrations in penis.

Physicochemical and functional properties of a protein isolate from maca (Lepidium meyenii) and the secondary structure and immunomodulatory activity of its major protein component

Maca protein isolate (MPI) was extracted from maca root, and its physicochemical and functional properties, and the secondary structure and immunomodulatory activity of its major protein component, MMP, were investigated. The MPI lacked essential amino acids compared with soybean protein isolate (SPI) and casein, but was rich in cysteine and proline. The MPI had rich free sulfhydryl (20.6 μmol g-1), and its surface hydrophobicity (H0, 812.4), oil absorption capacity (7.4 g g-1), foaming capacity (100%) and emulsifying activity (58.2 m2 g-1) were higher than that of SPI. However, the thermal stability (Td, 87.4 °C), foaming stability (75%) and emulsifying stability (26.3 min) of the MPI were weaker than that of the SPI. MMP was a pentamer with a molecular weight of 22 kDa and rich in β-sheets. MMP could significantly enhance the phagocytic capacity and promote the NO, TNF-α and IL-6 secretion of RAW 264.7 cells, involving toll-like receptor 4 and complement receptor 3 mainly.

Chemical composition and health effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walpers) has emerged as a popular functional plant food due to various claimed health effects. This review details the major (i.e., starch, dietary fiber, and protein) and minor constituents (i.e., minerals, non-starch polysaccharides, polyphenols (flavonolignans), macaenes, macamides, glucosinolates, and alkaloids) of maca (root and aerial parts). Diverse health effects of maca are also summarized. Various bioactivities of maca include enhanced reproductive health, antifatigue, antioxidation, neuroprotection, antimicrobial activity, anticancer, hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, and improving skin health and digestive system's function. Plant genetics, botanical parts, processing, extraction, and experimental protocols represent the major factors affecting the chemical composition, physicochemical attributes, and health effects of maca-based products. However, clinical studies to support the claimed health effects of maca and related mechanisms appear to be lacking. Product innovation and diversification in food and non-food utilization of different parts of maca to maximize the value perceptions are suggested.

Two macamide extracts relieve physical fatigue by attenuating muscle damage in mice

BACKGROUND

Macamides, the main active components contained in maca, have attracted increasing attention due to their various bioactivities. In this study, crude macamide extract (CME) and purified macamide extract (PME) were prepared by enzyme-assisted extraction and macroporous resin separation, and the anti-fatigue effects of CME and PME were evaluated in a forced swimming model.

RESULTS

The composition analysis results revealed that both CME and PME mainly contain eight kinds of macamide. Based on the results of a weight-loaded forced swimming test, compared with a control group, CME and and PME groups could prolong exhaustive swimming time, increase levels of liver glycogen (LG) and muscle glycogen (MG), accelerate fatty acid oxidation in serum to provide energy, eliminate the accumulation of blood lactic acid (BLA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and decrease the serum biomarkers for muscle damage, such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). Histological analysis also indicated that CME and PME attenuated damage to skeletal muscle and the myocardium in mice during exercise.

CONCLUSION

Two macamide extracts have a beneficial effect on relieving physical fatigue by attenuating the damage of skeletal muscle and myocardium during exercise, and a better effect was observed in the PME group. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protective effects of macamides from Lepidium meyenii Walp. against corticosterone-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells

Maca has attracted considerable attention owing to its neuroprotective effects in vitro and vivo. Macamides, a series of nonpolar and long-chain fatty acid N-benzylamides, are considered unique constituents in maca. This study investigated the protective effects of ethanol extracts of maca (EEM) and macamides on corticosterone-induced (CORT) neurotoxicity in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. CORT reduced cell viability and increased LDH release, intracellular ROS levels, and MMP decline rate, and induced mitochondrial apoptosis. However, pretreatment with EEM and macamides ameliorated CORT-induced neurotoxicity. EEM increased the cell viability and reduced the LDH release. M 18:1, M 18:2, and M 18:3 increased cell viability and reduced LDH release and intracellular ROS generation. M 18:2 and M 18:3 inhibited MMP reduction and reduced the Bax/Bcl-2 ratios. M 18:1 reduced the intracellular ROS without affecting other factors. Moreover, M 18:3 prevented CORT-induced mitochondrial apoptosis, restrained the expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins, namely, Bax, cytochrome C, cleaved-caspase-3, and cleaved-PARP, and increased the expression levels of Bcl-2. In addition, M 18:3 increased Akt phosphorylation and the ability of M 18:3 to protect against CORT-induced cytotoxicity was remarkably reduced by LY294002, a PI3K phosphorylation inhibitor. M 18:3 also elevated the phosphorylation of CREB and activated the BDNF protein levels in CORT-induced PC12 cells. In conclusion, macamides, especially M 18:3, exert protective effects on CORT-induced PC12 cells. The cellular mechanism of M 18:3 against CORT-induced cytotoxicity may involve inhibition of mitochondrial apoptosis, and activation of Akt and CREB phosphorylation. Overall, macamides may potentially treat neuronal damage induced by CORT.

Neuroprotection of macamides is probably associated with inhibition of the mitochondrial apoptotic and the activation of the phosphorylation of Akt and CREB.

Transcriptome analysis of maca (Lepidium meyenii) root at different developmental stages

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Maca (Lepidium meyenii; Brassicaceae) has been cultivated by Andeans for thousands of years as a food source and has been used for medicinal purposes. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying material accumulation during plant growth.

METHODS

RNA-Seq technology was used to compare the transcriptome of black maca root at three developmental stages. Gene Ontology term enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were applied for the identification of pathways in which differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched.

RESULTS

Trinity was used to de novo assemble the reads, and 120,664 unigenes were assembled. Of these, 71.53% of the unigenes were annotated based on BLAST. A total of 18,321 differentially expressed genes were observed. Gene Ontology term enrichment analysis found that the most highly represented pathway among the differentially expressed genes was for genes involved in starch and sucrose metabolism. We also found that genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, such as glucosinolate biosynthesis, were significantly enriched.

DISCUSSION

The genes that were differentially expressed between developmental time points likely reflect both developmental pathways and responses to changes in the environment. As such, the transcriptome data in this study serve as a reference for subsequent mining of genes that are involved in the synthesis of important bioactive components in maca.

Progress on the Chemical Constituents Derived from Glucosinolates in Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.), a famous food supplement, has drawn an unprecedented international interest over the last two decades. It was assumed that glucosinolates, macamides, macaenes, and alkaloids are the main bioactive components of Maca before. Recently, a series of novel thiohydantoins which generally exhibit a variety of activities have been isolated from Maca. This review focuses on the progress on the main bioactive components of Maca and their biosynthetic pathway, which indicates that macamides, thiohydantoins, and some alkaloids may originate from glucosinolates. Interestingly, thiohydantoins from Maca are the first type of thiohydantoin derivatives to be found from a natural source and may contribute to some significant effects of Maca.

Isolation and synthesis of a new benzylated alkamide from the roots of Lepidium meyenii

A new benzylated alkamide, N-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)-9Z-oleamide (1), along with two known ones (2 and 3) were isolated from the roots of Lepidium meyenii collected from Lijiang, Yunnan Province of China. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and the new compound further confirmed by a one-step synthesis. All the isolated alkamides were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines. However, no significant activities were detected at concentrations up to 40 μM.

Action of the hydroethanolic extract of the flowers of Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen on the reproductive performance of Wistar females rats: A popular female aphrodisiac from the Amazon

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The species Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen (Asteraceae), popularly known as jambú, is marketed in fairs as a female aphrodisiac and has several pharmacological activities already confirmed, among them the sexual stimulant action. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the oral administration of the hydroethanolic extract of A. oleracea flowers (EHAo) on wistar rats during the pre-mating, mating, and pre-implantation period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During the treatment period, measurements of feed intake, water intake, weight, estrous cycle, behavior, reproductive parameters, biochemical parameters, hematological parameters, and histopathology of ovaries were performed daily.

RESULTS

In the gas chromatography analysis - mass spectrometry characterization, the compound (2E, 6Z, 8E) -N-isobutyldeca-2,6,8-trienamide (spilanthol) was detected as the majority compound at the 84% concentration. In the conditions of this study, EHAo did not cause maternal toxicity. However, in the estrous cycle, the frequency of the Proestrous (P) and Estrous (E) phase was significantly increased with the doses of 88.91 and 444.57mg/kg of the EHAo in relation to the control. On the other hand, the metaestrous (M) and diestrous (D) phases showed a significant reduction in their frequency in the groups treated with EHAo. Water intake increased significantly (p < 0.01), as well as the triglyceride levels, the total cholesterol and fractions (p < 0.05), and the percentage of neutrophils (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It is concluded, therefore, that the treatment with EHAo, which is one of the forms popularly used, is safe in the concentrations and time of treatment studied as it is able to influence the estrous cycle without altering folliculogenesis and fertility.

Isolation, purification, structural characterization and immunostimulatory activity of water-soluble polysaccharides from Lepidium meyenii

A water-soluble polysaccharide LMP-1 was isolated and purified by ion-exchange chromatography from maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.). LMP-1 has a molecular weight of 1.01 × 10⁴ Da, and is composed of glucose and arabinose with a molar ratio of 7.03:1.08. Methylation and the 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy of LMP-1 revealed that it is mainly composed of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →3)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, and β-D-Araf-(1→, with branching at O-6 of →4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → . LMP-1 showed up-regulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). The upstream proteins of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) (CD14 and MD2) and mRNA level of IL-1β also increased. Increased transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 was found in the nuclei and cytoplasm in LMP-1-treated RAW264.7 macrophages. These results indicated that LMP-1 activated RAW264.7 macrophages and elicited immunostimulatory activities via the TLRs/NF-κB signalling pathway.

Is the hype around the reproductive health claims of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) justified?

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Maca - Lepidium meyenii Walp. has been cultivated and used by Andean people for over 1300-2000 years in Peru as food and medicine. Starting in the late 1990's it has developed into an important herbal medicine in China and is now cultivated there widely, too AIM OF STUDY: This study aims to provide an insight into the emergence of maca on the global market as an alternative remedy to treat reproductive health related problems in both men and women and to critically assess these health claims.

METHODOLOGY

A search of electronic databases such as EMBASE and a hand-search was done to acquire peer-reviewed articles and reports about maca.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Lepidium meyenii is used traditionally as a tonic, fertility enhancer for both humans and cattle, and to treat a variety of ailments such as rheumatism, respiratory disorders and anaemia among others. Maca root is cooked, baked, fermented as a drink and made into porridge. In the last twenty years, maca was introduced onto the global market and demand has dramatically grown over this time with its promotion on the internet, as the 'Peruvian Ginseng' for libido and fertility enhancement. It has also been said to treat menopausal symptoms, erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The sky-rocketing demand for the plant has seen a shift from traditional cultivation methods to mass production practices with the use of fertilisers and also pesticides; as maca is now grown in areas other than the Andes such as in the Yunnan province in China. This can potentially affect the phytochemistry and composition of the plant and thus, the quality, safety and efficacy of maca products. Meanwhile, research into maca's medicinal properties has followed the spike in popularity of maca and has been focused mainly on maca's aphrodisiac and fertility enhancing properties. So far, the in vivo studies and clinical trials conducted have yielded inconclusive results. Some of the key limitations reside in methodology and sample size. Chemical profiling, led to the discovery of new compounds unique to maca, such as, 'macamides' and also other active metabolites like the glucosinolates; to which the medicinal effects of maca have been ascribed but cannot be confirmed due to lack of data.

CONCLUSIONS

To date, the health claims of maca cannot be fully supported from a scientific standpoint and more research is needed. It appears that the indigenous local knowledge about the health benefits of maca has been dragged out of context to fit the demands of a growing market for herbal remedies. This globalisation (or hype esp. in China) also has had serious consequences for the local producers in Peru. The lack of protocols to regulate the production and marketing of maca during this rapid expansion, poses a threat to both the safety of consumers and the sustainability of supply.

Monoamine Oxidase-A Inhibition and Associated Antioxidant Activity in Plant Extracts with Potential Antidepressant Actions

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) catalyzes the oxidative deamination of amines and neurotransmitters and is involved in mood disorders, depression, oxidative stress, and adverse pharmacological reactions. This work studies the inhibition of human MAO-A by Hypericum perforatum, Peganum harmala, and Lepidium meyenii, which are reported to improve and affect mood and mental conditions. Subsequently, the antioxidant activity associated with the inhibition of MAO is determined in plant extracts for the first time. H. perforatum inhibited human MAO-A, and extracts from flowers gave the highest inhibition (IC₅₀ of 63.6 μg/mL). Plant extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS and contained pseudohypericin, hypericin, hyperforin, adhyperforin, hyperfirin, and flavonoids. Hyperforin did not inhibit human MAO-A and hypericin was a poor inhibitor of this isoenzyme. Quercetin and flavonoids significantly contributed to MAO-A inhibition. P. harmala seed extracts highly inhibited MAO-A (IC₅₀ of 49.9 μg/L), being a thousand times more potent than H. perforatum extracts owing to its content of β-carboline alkaloids (harmaline and harmine). L. meyenii root (maca) extracts did not inhibit MAO-A. These plants may exert protective actions related to antioxidant effects. Results in this work show that P. harmala and H. perforatum extracts exhibit antioxidant activity associated with the inhibition of MAO (i.e., lower production of H₂O₂).

Bioactive Potential of Andean Fruits, Seeds, and Tubers

The Andes is considered the longest continental mountain range in the world. It covers 7000km long and about 200-700km wide and an average height of about 4000m. Very unique plant species are endemic of this area including fruits (e.g., lucuma, cherimoya, sweet pepino, sauco), roots and tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes, yacón, chicuru, mashua, olluco, etc.), and seeds (quinoa, amaranth, tarwi, etc.). These crops have been used for centuries by the native population and relatively recently have gained the world attention due to the wide range of nutrients and/or phytochemicals they possess. In this chapter, main Andean fruits, seeds, and roots and tubers have been selected and detailed nutritional and functional information is provided. In addition, traditional and current uses are provided and their bioactive potential is reported based on published scientific literature.

MGH: a genome hub for the medicinal plant maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a Brassicaceae herb plant originated from Andean mountains, has attracted wide interests due to its unique health benefits in reproduction and fertility. Because of its adaptation to the 4000 m high-altitude harsh environment, maca is attracting more and more attention from both crop breeders and basic biologists. After our previous release of the maca genome sequence, there's a growing need to store, query, analyze and integrate various maca resources efficiently. Here, we created Maca Genome Hub (MGH), a genomics and genetics database of maca. Currently, the MGH V1.0 harbors the genome sequence, predicted coding sequences and protein sequences, various annotations, markers and expression data. For the maca research community, we also provided the publications, researchers and related news. MGH is designed to enable users' easy access to analyze, retrieve and visualize the genomic or genetic information through a series of online tools, including the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, the JBrowse, the query system, the synteny tool and the data downloads. These integrated heterogeneous data, tools and interfaces in MGH allow efficient mining of the latest genomics and genetics data. We hope that MGH will accelerate the research and development in maca.