A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #antidepressive-agents-second-generation #depressive-disorder #dose-response-relationship-drug #double-blind-method

A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction

Dording et al., 2008 | CNS Neurosci Ther | Rct

Citation

Dording Christina M, Fisher Lauren, ... Mischoulon David. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of maca root (L. meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008;14(3):182-91. doi:10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00052.x

Abstract

We sought to determine whether maca, a Peruvian plant, is effective for selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-induced sexual dysfunction. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, parallel group dose-finding pilot study comparing a low-dose (1.5 g/day) to a high-dose (3.0 g/day) maca regimen in 20 remitted depressed outpatients (mean age 36+/-13 years; 17 women) with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Function Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ) were used to measure sexual dysfunction. Ten subjects completed the study, and 16 subjects (9 on 3.0 g/day; 7 on 1.5 g/day) were eligible for intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses on the basis of having had at least one postbaseline visit. ITT subjects on 3.0 g/day maca had a significant improvement in ASEX (from 22.8+/-3.8 to 16.9+/-6.2; z=-2.20, P=0.028) and in MGH-SFQ scores (from 24.1+/-1.9 to 17.0+/-5.7; z=-2.39, P=0.017), but subjects on 1.5 g/day maca did not. Libido improved significantly (P<0.05) for the ITT and completer groups based on ASEX item #1, but not by dosing groups. Maca was well tolerated. Maca root may alleviate SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, and there may be a dose-related effect. Maca may also have a beneficial effect on libido.

Key Findings

Maca may also have a beneficial effect on libido.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 16
Age Range mean age 36
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Depressive Disorder
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lepidium
  • Libido
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy
  • Pilot Projects
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plant Roots
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: maca-fertility

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09