Phytochemical Properties and Health Effects of Lepidium Meyenii

Lepidium meyenii, commonly known as Maca, is a Brassicaceae herb cultivated at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes. Its hypocotyls accumulate a diverse array of bioactive metabolites, notably glucosinolates, macamides and macaenes, which underpin a spectrum of physiological actions. Glucosinolates and their derivatives contribute to anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, while macamides are implicated in neuromodulation, endurance enhancement and antioxidant defence. Variation in colour phenotypes, cultivation altitude and post-harvest processing further modulates Maca’s phytochemical fingerprint and bioefficacy. Collectively, preclinical and emerging clinical data suggest benefits in reproductive health, cognitive function, metabolic regulation and neuroprotection, with a favourable safety profile and growing relevance as a nutraceutical and functional food.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A comprehensive chemical analysis employing UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap mass spectrometry identified over 160 constituents in Maca, including glucosinolates, macamides, macaenes and novel alkaloids. Fifteen representative compounds were quantified across 17 samples, revealing that material sourced from Yunnan can match the phytochemical quality of Peruvian Maca. Neuroprotective potential was demonstrated in a zebrafish model of neurotoxin-induced injury: particular methanol fractions exhibited strong restoration of motor function and suppressed acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activities, suggesting cholinesterase inhibition as a key mechanism. This work establishes a robust analytical platform for quality control and pinpoints active fractions for further neuropharmacological development.

Phytochemical Properties and Health Effects of Lepidium Meyenii publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and health effects of lepidium meyenii across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Macamides: A class of amide alkaloids unique to Maca, believed to mediate its effects on energy metabolism, neurotransmission and anti-fatigue activity.

Glucosinolates: Sulfur-containing glycosides abundant in Brassicaceae; upon hydrolysis they yield biologically active isothiocyanates with chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory properties.

Phenotype (in Maca): The visible hypocotyl colour variant (eg, red, black, yellow) that correlates with distinct phytochemical profiles and bioactivities.

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (DES-UAE): A green extraction method using eutectic mixtures and ultrasound to enhance yield and selectivity of target compounds.

UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry: An advanced analytical technique combining ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution Orbitrap detection for precise compound identification.

Neuroprotective Activity: The capacity of a substance to preserve neuronal structure or function in models of neurological injury or degeneration.

References

1. Chemical profiling analysis of Maca using UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap MS coupled with UHPLC-ESI-QqQ MS and the neuroprotective study on its active ingredients. Scientific Reports (2017).
2. Not All Maca Is Created Equal: A Review of Colors, Nutrition, Phytochemicals, and Clinical Uses. Nutrients (2024).
3. Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Ultrasound-Assisted Strategy for Simultaneous Extraction of Five Macamides from Lepidium meyenii Walp and In Vitro Bioactivities. Foods (2023).
4. Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2024).