Effect of Day Length on Growth and Root Morphology of Yellow Maca (Lepidium meyenii) Seedlings

Zaytseva, Olga; Gutierrez, Meylin Terrel; Graeff‐Hönninger, Simone

doi:10.3390/ijpb13020008

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 29 publications

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“…Several maca phenotypes characterized by different colors of their hypocotyls, from white to black, have been described. The rosette of leaves is usually sessile to the ground with a wavy edge, and the flower stalk bearing whitish flowers grows out of the center [ 182 , 183 , 184 , 185 ].…”

Section: Specific Nootropic Herb Shrub and Tree Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nootropic Herbs, Shrubs, and Trees as Potential Cognitive Enhancers

Malík

Tlustos

2023

Plants

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Plant-based nootropics are a diverse group of natural drugs that can improve cognitive abilities through various physiological mechanisms, especially in cases where these functions are weakened or impaired. In many cases, the nootropics enhance erythrocyte plasticity and inhibit aggregation, which improves the blood’s rheological properties and increases its flow to the brain. Many of these formulations possess antioxidant activity that protects brain tissue from neurotoxicity and improves the brain’s oxygen supply. They can induce the synthesis of neuronal proteins, nucleic acids, and phospholipids for constructing and repairing neurohormonal membranes. These natural compounds can potentially be present in a great variety of herbs, shrubs, and even some trees and vines. The plant species reviewed here were selected based on the availability of verifiable experimental data and clinical trials investigating potential nootropic effects. Original research articles, relevant animal studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical trials were included in this review. Selected representatives of this heterogeneous group included Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim., Ginkgo biloba L., Lepidium meyenii Walp., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Paullinia cupana Kunth, Rhodiola rosea L., Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. The species are depicted and described, together with their active components and nootropic effects, and evidence of their efficacy is presented. The study provides brief descriptions of the representative species, their occurrence, history, and the chemical composition of the principle medicinal compounds, with uses, indications, experimental treatments, dosages, possible side effects, and contraindications. Most plant nootropics must be taken at optimal doses for extended periods before measurable improvement occurs, but they are generally very well tolerated. Their psychoactive properties are not produced by a single molecule but by a synergistic combination of several compounds. The available data suggest that including extracts from these plants in medicinal products to treat cognitive disorders can have substantial potential therapeutic benefits.

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Section: Specific Nootropic Herb Shrub and Tree Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nootropic Herbs, Shrubs, and Trees as Potential Cognitive Enhancers

Malík

Tlustos

2023

Plants

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

Liu,

Weng,

Chien

et al. 2024

Isokinetics and Exercise Science

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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.

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