Nauka Przyroda Technologie

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Scientific journal presents original papers and articles relevant to all aspects of agricultural sciences.

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2017 volume 11 issue 1 #3 , DOI: 10.17306/J.NPT.2017.1.3
Marzena Grdeń, Anna Gramza-Michałowska
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) – health benefits
Summary.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a biennial plant of the crucifer family (Brassicaceae), cultivated on the Andean plateaus of Peru. According to traditional beliefs, maca is considered to be an aphrodisiac, also known as ‘Peruvian ginseng’. The edible parts of the plant are the bulbous root and hypocotyl, which have health-promoting properties. The analysis of the chemical composition showed that L. meyenii had a high nutritional value and contained biologically active compounds such as: polyphenols (flavonoids, anthocyanins), tannins, saponins, prostaglandins and alkaloids. Furthermore, the plant is a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, sterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol) and glucosinolates, which are valuable dietary components. According to the available literature, maca is currently the only known plant that contains macamides – components improving sexual functions. The results of studies have confirmed its impact on fertility, physical performance and health improvement in animals and humans. Moreover, maca also shows anti-cancer, anti-osteoporosis and neuroprotective potential.

Key words: maca, health benefits, sexual functions
PDFFull text available in Polish in Adobe Acrobat format:
https://www.npt.up-poznan.net/pub/art_11_3.pdf

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For citation:

MLA Grdeń, Marzena, and Anna Gramza-Michałowska. "Maca (Lepidium meyenii) – właściwości prozdrowotne." Nauka Przyr. Technol. 11.1 (2017): #3. https://doi.org/10.17306/J.NPT.2017.1.3
APA Marzena Grdeń, Anna Gramza-Michałowska (2017). Maca (Lepidium meyenii) – właściwości prozdrowotne. Nauka Przyr. Technol. 11 (1), #3 https://doi.org/10.17306/J.NPT.2017.1.3
ISO 690 GRDEń, Marzena, GRAMZA-MICHAłOWSKA, Anna. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) – właściwości prozdrowotne. Nauka Przyr. Technol., 2017, 11.1: #3. https://doi.org/10.17306/J.NPT.2017.1.3
Corresponding address:
Marzena Grdeń
Katedra Technologii Żywienia Człowieka
Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Poznaniu
ul. Wojska Polskiego 31/33
60-624 Poznań
Poland
e-mail: marzena.grden@up.poznan.pl
Accepted for print: 31.03.2017