Scientific Reports

Scientist Gustavo Gonzalez of Peru's Cayetano Heredia University, who led what the scientists say is the world's first study into maca's effect on humans, told a news conference the three-month trial involving 12 volunteer men pointed to an 180-200 percent lift in libido and up to a doubling of sperm production.

"It's a miracle (product)," said Dr. Fernando Cabieses, a professor and authority on maca. The plant, he said, was a nutritional gem for people of all ages.

The studies were preliminary and not subject to independant review and confirmation, factors which may influence the degree to which the research is accepted by other scientists. But experts said the data so far was promising.

"According to reports from the international medical community, the plant definitely has energy giving properties, boosts physical and sexual performance... Preliminary reports are promising," Julio Castro, dean of Peru's College of Doctors told Reuters.

-source: Reuters

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Could cruciferous vegetables such as maca, watercress, and broccoli prevent prostate cancer?

A researcher at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) has received a $1.7 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to study prostate cancer prevention by phytochemicals found in cruciferous plants. Maca, watercress and broccoli are in the same family, maca and watercress being the most closely related.

Shivendra Singh, a professor of pharmacology and urology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, has previously shown that plant chemicals called isothiocyanates (ITCs) are highly effective in suppressing the growth of human prostate cancer cells, even at concentrations achieved through eating cruciferous vegetables such as watercress. Note: While broccoli is a crucifer, the same family as maca, watercress is even more closely related to maca, both being in the genus Lepidium.

"Clearly, what we eat has an effect on the development of diseases such as cancer," said Dr. Singh, also co-leader of UPCI's cancer biochemoprevention program. "However, we know little about the mechanisms by which certain edible cruciferous plants help our bodies fight prostate cancer and other diseases. Our goal with this study is to better understand the function and relationship of substances that appear to be linked to inhibiting prostate cancer growth."

In his current study, the researcher is hoping to further define the mechanisms by which ITC's induce apoptosis, or cancer cell death, to provide insights into the key structural relationships between ITC's and cell processes and to indentify potential biomarkers that could be useful for future intervention trials involving ITC's.

"The knowledge we gain from this study will help guide us in formulating practical and effective nutritional strategies for the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, " said Dr. Singh.

-source: Nutra USA News and Analysis 12-23-03