Effects of lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract supplementation on oxidative stress, muscle damage, and aerobic capacity after exhaustive endurance exercise

BACKGROUND: Maca extract may regulate oxidative stress and muscle damage after exhaustive endurance exercise (EEE); however, its impact on these physiological activities remains obscure. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of Maca extract supplementation on oxidative stress, muscle damage and aerobic capacity after EEE. METHODS: Twenty healthy men were assigned to Maca or placebo groups and received two doses per day for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-EEE tests assessed levels of oxidative stress and muscle damage. The EEE test also recorded metrics such as time to exhaustion, peak oxygen consumption, and maximal and average heart rates. RESULTS: Post-exercise, there was no significant difference in oxidative stress markers between the Maca and placebo groups. However, the Maca group exhibited lower stress levels at both Post-4 and Post-24 in comparison to Post-0, while the placebo group only displayed a decrease at Post-4. Notably, Maca extract supplementation immediately increased catalase activity at Post-0. Though muscle damage markers did not significantly differ, the slope of CK elevation in the Maca group appeared lower than the Placebo group, suggesting Maca’s potential in preventing muscle damage. However, no differences were noted on aerobic capacity markers. CONCLUSIONS: Maca extract may have some beneficial effects on reducing oxidative stress and possibly muscle damage after EEE.