What are the psychological effects of maca?

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2008 randomized, double-blind study, maca consumption significantly reduced psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, in postmenopausal women. This provides preliminary evidence that the Peruvian root may indeed have positive psychological effects of maca.

Quick Summary

Maca is an adaptogenic root that can help the body manage stress, potentially benefiting psychological well-being. Research suggests it may boost mood, energy, and cognitive function while also helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Key Points

Adaptogenic Action: Maca helps the body cope with stress by supporting the endocrine and nervous systems, increasing mental resilience.
Mood Booster: Contains flavonoids and other compounds that may help stabilize mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Energy without Jitters: Provides a sustained, non-jittery energy boost unlike traditional stimulants like caffeine.
Cognitive Support: Studies, primarily in animal models, suggest maca can improve cognitive function, memory, and learning.
Hormonal Balance: Effects on mood are often linked to its ability to help regulate hormones, particularly in relation to menopause.
Dose-Dependent Effects: The specific psychological effects may vary depending on the type (black, red, yellow) and dosage of maca used.
Generally Safe: Considered safe for most adults when used appropriately, but consulting a doctor is recommended, especially for certain conditions.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a root vegetable native to the high altitudes of the Andes, has been a staple in traditional Peruvian medicine and food for over 2,000 years. While it is widely recognized for its effects on energy, stamina, and libido, modern research is increasingly focused on what are the psychological effects of maca. It is important to note that many studies on maca are preliminary, small-scale, or animal-based, and more human research is needed to draw firm conclusions. However, a growing body of evidence and anecdotal reports point to several potential psychological benefits associated with this nutrient-dense superfood.

Understanding Maca's Adaptogenic Properties

One of the most significant aspects of maca's psychological impact is its role as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are substances believed to help the body adapt and cope with stress, supporting the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. Maca does this by nourishing the adrenal glands and helping to regulate the body's stress response without acting as a direct stimulant like caffeine. By promoting hormonal balance, maca helps to mitigate the physiological toll that chronic stress takes on mental well-being. This can lead to a more stable emotional state, enhanced resilience, and a general sense of mental vitality.

Maca and Mood Regulation

Maca's reputation as a mood booster stems from its rich profile of flavonoids and fatty acids. These bioactive compounds are thought to interact with neurotransmitter pathways, particularly those involving dopamine and noradrenaline. By potentially influencing these neurotransmitters, which are linked to happiness and reward, maca may contribute to a brighter mental landscape and help regulate mood. Unlike synthetic medications, maca's approach is more subtle and holistic, working to restore overall balance rather than targeting a single chemical pathway.

Alleviating Anxiety and Depression

Several studies have investigated maca's potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, with some promising results, particularly in specific populations.

Menopausal Women: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Menopause found that postmenopausal women who took 3.5g of maca daily for 6 weeks showed significant reductions in scores for anxiety and depression compared to the placebo group.
Animal Models: Animal studies have also shown antidepressant-like effects. A 2014 study on mice found that maca extract demonstrated antidepressant-like effects by activating noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems in the brain.
Hormonal Influence: Maca's hormone-balancing properties, especially in relation to menopause, are believed to play a role in reducing mood swings, anxiety, and other psychological symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations.

Enhancing Cognitive Function

Beyond mood, some evidence suggests maca may also support cognitive health, particularly in relation to age-related decline. Research points to maca's antioxidant properties and its effects on mitochondrial activity in the brain as potential mechanisms.

Spatial Memory: A 2016 study on middle-aged mice demonstrated that maca improved cognitive function, spatial learning, and memory retention. The study attributed this to improved mitochondrial activity and the upregulation of autophagy-related proteins in the brain's cortex.
Protective Effects: The antioxidant capacity of maca, particularly certain extracts, has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the brain, which can help protect neurons and support optimal central nervous system function.
Concentration and Focus: The combination of sustained energy and neuroprotective effects can lead to improved mental performance, better concentration, and overall alertness.

Comparing Different Maca Types

Different colors of maca root are believed to offer slightly varied benefits, though all share the core nutritional profile. The three main types are yellow, red, and black maca.


Feature	Yellow Maca	Red Maca	Black Maca
Availability	Most common, widely available	Rarer, accounts for 20-25% of crops	Rarest, accounts for 10-15% of crops
Potency	Mildest effects	More stimulating than yellow	Most potent and nutrient-dense
Stress/Mood	Good for general well-being and mood stabilization	Particularly effective for mood and hormonal balance in women	Potent adaptogenic effects to boost resilience and mood
Cognitive	Supports overall brain function	Contains high levels of neuroprotective antioxidants	Best for memory, learning, and cognitive performance

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While maca is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in recommended doses (up to 3g daily for up to 4 months), some individuals may experience mild side effects.

Common side effects include:

Stomach upset
Gas or bloating
Headaches or jitters
Insomnia
Moodiness

It is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting maca, especially if you have a hormone-sensitive condition such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, as some extracts might act like estrogen. The safety of maca during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established, so caution is advised.

Conclusion: The Holistic View of Maca's Psychological Impact

The psychological effects of maca are multifaceted, stemming from its adaptogenic properties, rich nutrient profile, and potential influence on neurotransmitters and hormones. While not a cure for conditions like anxiety or depression, it can serve as a supportive tool for enhancing mental well-being, mood, energy, and cognitive function. The benefits appear to arise from maca's ability to help the body better manage stress and maintain overall balance, rather than providing a quick, jittery boost. For optimal and safe usage, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional, especially when considering different maca varieties for specific psychological goals.

For more detailed research, a 2008 study in the journal Menopause examined maca's effect on psychological symptoms in postmenopausal women, finding significant reductions in anxiety and depression scores independent of hormone levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

While preliminary studies, particularly on menopausal women and in animal models, have shown maca can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, it is not a cure for these conditions and should not replace prescribed medication. It works as an adaptogen to help the body manage stress and emotional balance.

No, maca is not a stimulant like caffeine and does not produce a high or jittery feeling. It provides a more sustained, natural energy boost by nourishing the body's systems, rather than over-activating the adrenal glands.

The timeframe can vary. While some people report feeling an energy boost shortly after taking it, the adaptogenic effects of stabilizing mood and coping with stress often take several weeks of consistent use to become noticeable.

Yes, different colors may have varied effects. Black maca is often associated with the most potent effects on energy and cognition, while red maca is noted for its impact on hormonal balance and mood regulation, especially in women.

As an adaptogen, maca is believed to help the body adapt to and manage stress more effectively. By helping to regulate stress hormones like cortisol, it can contribute to a more stable emotional state and potentially reduce stress-induced anxiety.

Maca should be avoided by individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast, ovarian, or uterine cancers, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should also consult a doctor before use, as safety is not fully established.

Yes, maca can interact with some medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and blood pressure medication. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before adding maca to your regimen, especially if you are taking any prescription drugs.