Maca extract
The Peruvian Andes are home to maca, a plant that is somewhat similar to our native garden cress. It has been highly valued by the Incas for thousands of years, as the tuberous root in particular is rich in valuable nutrients and vital substances. The tuber is considered a powerful aphrodisiac: in many Andean villages, only married couples are allowed to consume maca extract to this day.
The herbaceous plant, which is only about 20 centimetres tall, is extremely frost-resistant and even thrives at altitudes of more than 4000 metres. It is harvested in July and August and is used as food by the Peruvians. The sweet-tasting tubers are mainly eaten: either baked or made into porridge after cooking, which is called “mazamorra”. The flavour is musky and sweet and lasts for up to two years when the tubers are dried. Maca extract is also obtained from the tuber. It can now be found in many sexual enhancers and dietary supplements, as well as in cosmetics. And with good reason.
The ingredients and mode of action of maca extract
Maca extract contains more calcium and iron than potatoes, and the proportion of linolenic, palmitic and oleic acids is also remarkably high. The tubers consist of 13 to 16 per cent protein, they are rich in sterols, essential amino acids and minerals and contain a lot of iodine. Maca extract is also particularly rich in antioxidants. Alkaloids, tannins and saponins are also present in small quantities. In total, the maca tuber contains around 60 different vital substances.
The effect of maca extract as an aphrodisiac has now been scientifically proven. Maca extract not only helps to increase sexual desire, but also improves sperm production and the ability to orgasm. The plant sterols promote blood circulation in the pelvic tissue and stimulate testosterone production in men and oestrogen production in women.
But maca extract can do much more: it helps to lower cholesterol levels, has a positive effect on menstrual and menopausal symptoms, can be used to treat anaemia, tuberculosis and osteoporosis and is generally suitable for anyone seeking to improve vitality, strength and stamina. For this reason, maca extract is also highly valued by athletes. The hormone-balancing effect of maca also ensures that hormone-induced water retention is reduced more easily.
The extract of the Peruvian tuber is also considered a brain power food, as it keeps the mind alert and can therefore improve the ability to concentrate.
Maca extract also boosts fat burning by stimulating lipolysis. It is even said to be able to reduce annoying orange peel skin.
So far, no significant side effects of maca have been observed, so maca extract is very well tolerated. However, overdoses should be avoided as they could cause an imbalance in hormone levels. However, this mainly applies when taking maca extract as a dietary supplement and less so for cosmetics containing maca.
Maca extract in cosmetics
The concentrated load of nutrients and vital substances naturally also has an effect in cosmetics. Maca extract strengthens the skin structure and has a firming effect. It reduces the negative effects of stress on the skin and provides a pleasant boost of freshness. The high zinc content has a positive effect on the growth and regeneration of skin, hair and nails. Maca extract is able to prevent hair loss and makes hair more durable and thicker in the long term. By stimulating keratinocyte synthesis, hair appears healthier and more vital.
Maca extract is also increasingly being used to treat skin problems and is particularly suitable for acne or skin blemishes. It helps to increase the oxygen content in the blood and effectively counteracts ageing processes thanks to the antioxidants it contains (vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin B12, folic acid, flavonoids, fibre), as these support cell renewal and combat the death of cells caused by dangerous free radicals. Microcirculation and skin firmness are improved by the effects on the vascular structure.
Maca extract as an anti-ageing active ingredient
Through the targeted stimulation of the skin’s own fibroblasts, the regular use of cosmetic products containing maca extract results in younger-looking skin that looks smoother, more vibrant, fresher and supple. Maca can therefore rightly be categorised as a natural anti-ageing ingredient. Ultimately, however, the extract also has a stimulating effect on the metabolism and has a pleasant revitalising effect.
However, the extract should be used in cosmetic products in organic quality wherever possible, as only then can absolute purity be guaranteed.
Maca extract profile
INCI: Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Obtained: from the white, yellow, pink or red root tubers of the maca plant (cruciferous family), depending on the variety
Most important ingredients: proteins, iron, zinc, mustard oil glycosides (glucotropaeolin), magnesium, calcium, steroids (e.g., sitosterol), carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phosphorus, sugar, starch, minerals and several vitamins.
Effect: strengthens muscle growth and vitality, increases potency, improves mental and physical performance, has a balancing effect on the hormone balance, reduces oxidative stress, anti-ageing effect, firms the skin structure, can be used against skin blemishes, stimulates hair growth
Maca extract in cosmetics from Cosmacon
Maca extract is ideal for fresh and sophisticated cosmetic formulations and is an absolutely natural anti-ageing ingredient with vitalising and invigorating properties. Cosmacon will be happy to develop target group-orientated cosmetics for you with the extract of the Peruvian plant tuber.
Literature:
Nutraceutical Profiling, Bioactive Composition, and Biological Applications of Lepidium sativum L.
Painuli S, Quispe C, Herrera-Bravo J, Semwal P, Martorell M, Almarhoon ZM, Seilkhan A, Ydyrys A, Rad JS, Alshehri MM, Daştan SD, Taheri Y, Calina D, Cho WC.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022 Jan 19;2022:2910411
Yang J, Cho H, Gil M, Kim KE.Antioxidants (Basel). 2023 Mar 24;12(4):798.
The medicinal activity of lyophilized aqueous seed extract of Lepidium sativum L. in an androgenic alopecia model
Marzough Aziz Albalawi , Ahmed M Hafez, Seham S Elhawary , Nada K Sedky , Omnia F Hassan , Rofanda M Bakeer , Soha Abd El Hadi, Ahmed H El-Desoky , Sebaey Mahgoub, Fatma A Mokhtar
Sci Rep 2023 May 11;13(1):7676. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37169776/
Maca Cosmetics: A Review on Constituents, Therapeutics and Advantages.
Li Y, Wang S, Xin Y, Zheng M, Xu F, Xi X, Cao H, Cui X, Guo H, Han C.J Oleo Sci. 2018;67(7):789-800