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Can MyCern Maca Root Improve Libido, Mood, and Energy? Here's What Studies Suggest

Can MyCern Maca Root Improve Libido, Mood, and Energy? Here's What Studies Suggest

by MyCern Research Team in News

You know that feeling when you're doing everything "right" and still running on empty? Your energy tanks by 2pm, your mood goes flat, and your drive in the bedroom isn't what it used to be. More and more people are turning to MyCern Maca Plus for support with all three, and the research behind maca root is more solid than you'd expect.

✓ Medically Reviewed by Dr. Donika Vata, MD

Reviewed for scientific accuracy and wellness education.

Last reviewed: May 2026

MyCern is a US-based wellness brand creating research-supported, doctor-reviewed educational content.

Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) has been cultivated in the Peruvian Andes for over 2,000 years. Researchers are now putting it through proper clinical trials, and the results keep coming back encouraging. Let's look at what we actually know.

The research on libido, mood, and energy points here.

MyCern Maca Plus is built around the compounds most studied for hormonal wellness and natural energy. Over 1,500 mg of organic tri-color maca with black pepper for absorption. See the full ingredient list and the science behind each one.

Explore the Formula →

Does Maca Root Actually Do Anything for Libido?

Let's start with the benefit people are most curious about. In a 2002 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Andrologia, 57 healthy men received either maca (1,500 or 3,000 mg daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. By week 8, the maca groups reported improved sexual desire compared to placebo.

Testosterone levels didn't change. Neither did mood scores. The desire for improvement appeared to work through a separate pathway. It's worth noting this was a small trial, and the authors called for larger confirmatory studies.

It's not just a guy thing. A 2010 systematic review found limited but encouraging evidence in both men and menopausal women, though sample sizes were small. A 2015 double-blind trial with 45 participants also showed maca may help women with antidepressant-related sexual side effects. The evidence is promising but early-stage.

What About Mood? Can Maca Help You Feel Better?

In a small 2008 clinical trial with 14 postmenopausal women, researchers found that maca reduced anxiety and depression scores over 6 weeks without changing estrogen or androgen levels. The mood improvement wasn't hormonal. However, the sample size was very small, and the authors acknowledged this limits their conclusions.

A double-blind crossover trial with 29 women supported this: those on 3.3 g of maca daily showed lower depression scores and reduced blood pressure vs. placebo. A 2023 preclinical study in iMeta suggested maca-derived compounds may promote serotonin production through the gut-brain axis. That's an exciting lead, but it was an animal study, so human confirmation is still needed.

Maca isn't a replacement for professional mental health care. But for everyday stress and mood dips, small human studies have suggested it may offer meaningful support. For more on how adaptogens work, see our article on Ashwagandha: The Science Behind the World's Most Popular Adaptogen.

How maca root works in the body — MyCern Maca Plus

What the Research Shows at a Glance

Benefit What Studies Found
Libido Improved desire in men and women after 6-8 weeks
Mood Reduced anxiety and depression scores
Energy Improved endurance and fatigue resistance

*Based on published studies. Individual results vary. This is not a guarantee of specific outcomes.

Does Maca Really Help with Energy?

A 2025 systematic review in Nutrients analyzed multiple studies and found maca was associated with improvements in endurance, fatigue resistance, and performance. The authors noted the animal data was strong but called for more large-scale human research.

Maca doesn't spike your adrenaline. Its macamides and polysaccharides appear to help mitochondria work more efficiently and may clear lactic acid faster, meaning sustained energy without the crash. A separate 2024 meta-analysis found maca's antioxidants may help protect cells from exercise-related oxidative damage, though more human data is needed.

If energy is your main focus, also see How Beetroot Supports Energy, Circulation, and Daily Performance and our science-based Maca Plus guide.

What does sustained energy, a better mood, and a healthy libido actually require?

Based on the research above, MyCern Maca Plus may support all three through adaptogenic and cellular mechanisms. Over 1,500 mg of organic tri-color maca per serving, $19.90 for a full 30-day supply.

Learn More →

Does the Color of Maca Matter?

A 2024 Nutrients review found that each maca color has a distinct bioactive profile. Black maca is associated with men's reproductive wellness and stamina. Red maca is most studied for bone support and perimenopause comfort. Yellow maca is the all-rounder for mood and vitality.

That's why MyCern Maca Plus is a tri-color blend: organic black, red, and yellow maca, plus black pepper for absorption. No fillers, no junk. For more on how antioxidant-rich ingredients support your cells, read How Antioxidants Support Cellular Health and Daily Wellness.

The difference between black, red, and yellow maca — MyCern Maca Plus

The Honest Bottom Line

Few supplements have peer-reviewed evidence, however preliminary, for libido, mood, and energy in one plant. Maca is one of them. Small but well-designed, placebo-controlled trials with encouraging results that warrant further study.

MyCern Maca Plus was built around that evidence: over 1,500 mg of organic tri-color maca, black pepper for bioavailability, USA-made, GMP-certified. 60 capsules, every batch Eurofins verified. Keep learning: Maca Root: Nature's Ancient Energy Booster Backed by Modern Science.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor?

Supplements may support general wellness, but they are not a substitute for medical care. If you are experiencing any of the following, speak with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your routine!

Persistent low libido that doesn't improve with lifestyle changes. Ongoing anxiety or depression that affects your daily life. Chronic fatigue that sleep and nutrition don't resolve. Unexplained symptoms like irregular cycles, hair loss, or significant weight changes. You're currently pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medication.

Maca root is a food-based adaptogen, not a medical intervention. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a thyroid condition or hormone-sensitive history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is maca root and how does it work in the body?

Maca root is a cruciferous vegetable from the Peruvian Andes, classified as an adaptogen. It contains unique compounds called macamides that may support the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, the body's internal signaling system for hormonal wellness. It doesn't add hormones to your body. Instead, research suggests it may help your body's own processes work more efficiently.

How long does it take to notice results from MyCern Maca Plus?

Some people notice subtle energy improvements within the first couple of weeks. For mood and libido, clinical studies typically observed changes after 6 to 8 weeks of consistent daily use. Consistency matters more than dose size. Results may vary depending on individual factors like age, diet, and overall health.

Is MyCern Maca Plus safe to take every day?

Maca root is generally well-tolerated. Clinical trials using 1,500 to 3,000 mg daily for up to 12 weeks reported no serious side effects. Mild stomach discomfort is the most common report, and even that's uncommon. Side effects are rare, but individual responses vary. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

What is the recommended dose and when should I take it?

Take two capsules 20 to 30 minutes before a meal, ideally in the morning or early afternoon. Each serving delivers over 1,500 mg of organic maca. Since maca supports natural energy without stimulants, it won't interfere with sleep.

Who should avoid maca root or check with a doctor first?

If you're pregnant, nursing, taking prescription medication, or have a thyroid condition or history of hormone-sensitive conditions, talk to your doctor before starting maca. While maca is generally well-tolerated and contains no hormones, it's always wise to get professional guidance when adding anything new to your routine.

Every batch of MyCern Maca Plus is independently third-party tested by Eurofins, one of the world's largest and most respected testing networks. Testing covers heavy metals and microbiological safety, along with composition and active-ingredient verification to confirm the product's potency. MyCern Maca Plus is also FDA-compliant for the US market. We believe quality should be something you can verify, not just something a brand claims.

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References

  1. Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Vega K, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (MACA) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia. 2002;34(6):367-372. doi:10.1046/j.1439-0272.2002.00519.x
    Found improved sexual desire at 8 weeks without changes in testosterone. Relevant as the earliest RCT on maca and libido.
  2. Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al. A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Maca Root as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi:10.1155/2015/949036 · PMC4411442
    Maca may help alleviate sexual side effects of SSRIs in women. Relevant for libido support in female populations.
  3. Brooks NA, Wilcox G, Walker KZ, et al. Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause. 2008;15(6):1157-1162. doi:10.1097/gme.0b013e3181732953
    Found reduced anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women, independent of hormonal changes. Key evidence for mood support.
  4. Huerta Ojeda A, et al. Effects of Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) on Physical Performance in Animals and Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2025;17(1):107. doi:10.3390/nu17010107
    Comprehensive review finding maca is associated with improved endurance and fatigue resistance. Authors noted that more human RCTs are needed.
  5. Minich DM, et al. Not All Maca Is Created Equal: A Review of Colors, Nutrition, Phytochemicals, and Clinical Uses. Nutrients. 2024;16(4):530. doi:10.3390/nu16040530
    Showed different maca colors (black, red, yellow) have distinct bioactive profiles and complementary health benefits. Key evidence for tri-color formulation.

Love this? Read more: Why More Men and Women Are Taking Maca Root for Energy and Hormonal Wellness

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement or wellness program.

 

Tags: best supplements for focus black maca black maca benefits daily wellness supplement energy supplement exercise endurance supplements focus supplements maca capsules maca for active lifestyle maca for energy maca for men maca for mood support maca for women maca root maca root benefits maca root supplement mycern maca MyCern Maca Plus organic maca capsules red maca red maca benefits yellow maca
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