MACA + Arginine and Zinc

Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) is an Andean plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family (mustards) and contains numerous nutrients and active principles, including macamides, macaene, glucosinolates and alkaloids (1). Maca is a source of energy (2) and helps to maintain sexual performance (3). It is an aphrodisiac plant that stimulates sexual desire (4) and also has a benefical influence on fertility (5).

To enhance the effects of maca, we have developed Maca +, a product that combines maca root extract from Peru, standardised to contain 0.6% macaene and macamides of the highest quality, together with the amino acid L-arginine and the mineral zinc.

Why L-arginine base and zinc?

To contribute to the overall effect of Maca +, we have selected L-arginine, a precursor amino acid in the synthesis of nitric oxide, a molecule that causes blood vessels to dilate and reduces vascular resistance (6). Due to its role in nitric oxide production, the relationship between L-arginine levels and erectile dysfunction has been the subject of research (7).

In addition, and to complement the action of Maca +, we have included zinc, an indispensable mineral for the body that contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, as well as contributing to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels (8).

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Shin, B. C., Lee, M. S., Yang, E. J., Lim, H. S., & Ernst, E. (2010). Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 10(1), 44. https://bmccomplementalternmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-10-44
2. Extracted from the European Commission compilation list, under EFSA validation (ID3864).
3. *Extracted from the European Commission compilation list, under EFSA validation (ID3416).
4. *Extracted from the European Commission compilation list, under EFSA validation (ID2838).
5. Extracted from the European Commission compilation list, under EFSA validation (ID2839).
6. Campbell, B. I., La Bounty, P. M., & Roberts, M. (2004). The ergogenic potential of arginine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 1(2), 35. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-1-2-35
7. Barassi, A., Corsi Romanelli, M. M., Pezzilli, R., Damele, C. A. L., Vaccalluzzo, L., Goi, G., ... & Melzi d'Eril, G. V. (2017). Levels of l-arginine and l-citrulline in patients with erectile dysfunction of different etiology. Andrology, 5(2), 256-261. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/andr.12293
8. COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 432/2012 of 16 May 2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods, other than those referring to the reduction of disease risk and to children’s development and health.