Meissner H O, Reich-Bilinska H, Mscisz A, Kedzia B
Faculty of Health Studies, Charles Sturt University & Therapeutic Research, TTD International Pty Ltd, Sydney, Australia;
Int J Biomed Sci. 2006 Jun;2(2):143-59.
Roots of cruciferous plant Lepidium peruvianum Chacon cultivated in high plateaus of Andes and known under its common name Maca, have been traditionally-used as an energizing vegetable with therapeutic properties for both men and women. Maca has been recognized by natives of Peru as herbal remedy helping to treat conditions affecting menopausal women.
The effects of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Maca-GO) on quantitative physiological responses and alleviation of symptoms contributing to menopausal discomfort in perimenopausal women was examined.
IN THIS, FOUR MONTHS, DOUBLE BLIND, CROSSOVER, RANDOMIZED PILOT TRIAL, MONTHLY MEASUREMENTS OF THE FOLLOWING BLOOD SERUM CONSTITUENTS WERE TAKEN: Estrogen (E2), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Progesterone (PGS), Cortisol (CT), Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), Thyroid Hormones (TSH, T3, T4), minerals (Ca, K, Fe) and lipid profile (Triglicerides, Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL). In monthly interviews conducted by gynecologist, body weight and blood pressure were registered and Menopausal Index according to Kupperman's was determined. Toxicity of Maca -GO determined on rats showed its safe use at the level of 7.5mg/kg body weight. A group of 20 women (aged 41-50 years), who fulfilled criteria of being in perimenopausal stage (E2 above 40pg/ml and FSH below 30IU/ml), were randomly allocated to two even groups, one receiving for two months Maca-GO and the other Placebo capsules followed by a crossover with treatment change for another two months period. All participants signed informed consent to participate. Two 500mg hard capsules with Maca-GO or Placebo were self-administered by participants twice daily with meals (total 2g/day).
Two months administration of Maca-GO significantly alleviated symptoms of discomfort observed in majority of women involved in the study (74%-87%) as assessed by Kupperman's Menopausal index. This was associated with significant increase in E2 and FSH, Progesterone and ACTH levels, and reduction in blood pressure, body weight, Triglycerides and Cholesterol levels. There was a distinctive placebo effect observed at the beginning of the study.
The results showed that in addition to reduction in body weight, blood pressure and increasing serum HDL and Iron, pre-gelatinized Maca-GO may be a valuable non-hormonal plant preparation for balancing levels of hormones (FSH, E2, PG and ACTH) and alleviating negative physiological and psychological symptoms (frequency of hot flushes, incidence in night sweating, interrupted sleep pattern, nervousness, depression and heart palpitations) experienced by women in perimenopausal stage. It appears that Maca-GO may act as a toner of hormonal processes, leading to alleviation of discomfort felt by perimenopausal women, hence, its potential use as non-hormonal alternative to HRT program.
十字花科植物秘鲁独行菜的根生长于安第斯高原，其俗名为玛卡，传统上被用作一种具有治疗功效的活力蔬菜，对男性和女性均有益。玛卡被秘鲁当地人视为有助于治疗影响更年期女性病症的草药。
研究预糊化有机玛卡（Maca - GO）对围绝经期女性定量生理反应以及缓解导致更年期不适症状的影响。
在这项为期四个月的双盲、交叉、随机试点试验中，每月测量以下血清成分：雌激素（E2）、促卵泡激素（FSH）、促黄体生成素（LH）和孕酮（PGS）、皮质醇（CT）、促肾上腺皮质激素（ACTH）、甲状腺激素（TSH、T3、T4）、矿物质（钙、钾、铁）以及血脂谱（甘油三酯、总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白、高密度脂蛋白）。在妇科医生每月进行的访谈中，记录体重和血压，并根据库珀曼指数确定更年期指数。对大鼠进行的玛卡 - GO毒性测定表明，其在7.5mg/kg体重水平下使用是安全的。一组20名年龄在41 - 50岁之间、符合围绝经期阶段标准（E2高于40pg/ml且FSH低于30IU/ml）的女性被随机分为两组，一组服用玛卡 - GO胶囊两个月，另一组服用安慰剂胶囊两个月，之后两组交叉，再进行两个月的治疗更换。所有参与者均签署了知情同意书以参与研究。参与者每日两次随餐自行服用两粒500mg的玛卡 - GO或安慰剂硬胶囊（每日总量2g）。
根据库珀曼更年期指数评估，服用玛卡 - GO两个月显著缓解了参与研究的大多数女性（74% - 87%）所观察到的不适症状。这与E2、FSH、孕酮和ACTH水平显著升高以及血压、体重、甘油三酯和胆固醇水平降低有关。在研究开始时观察到了明显的安慰剂效应。
结果表明，除了减轻体重、降低血压以及提高血清高密度脂蛋白和铁水平外，预糊化的玛卡 - GO可能是一种有价值的非激素植物制剂，可平衡激素（FSH、E2、PG和ACTH）水平，缓解围绝经期女性经历的负面生理和心理症状（潮热频率、盗汗发生率、睡眠模式中断、紧张、抑郁和心悸）。玛卡 - GO似乎可能作为激素调节过程的调节剂，减轻围绝经期女性的不适感，因此，其有可能作为激素替代疗法（HRT）项目的非激素替代品。
