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

This article investigates the effects of 12-week supplementation with Maca extract, derived from Lepidium meyenii, on oxidative stress, muscle damage, and aerobic capacity following exhaustive endurance exercise (EEE) in healthy men. The study found that Maca extract supplementation may reduce oxidative stress markers—particularly by increasing catalase activity immediately post-exercise—and potentially mitigate muscle damage, as suggested by a lower rate of creatine kinase elevation compared to placebo. However, no significant differences were observed between the Maca and placebo groups in aerobic capacity measures such as time to exhaustion, peak oxygen consumption, or heart rate parameters. These findings indicate that while Maca extract might offer some protective effects against oxidative stress and muscle damage after intense endurance exercise, it does not appear to enhance aerobic performance under the conditions studied.