Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Of the 21 depression–induced sexually dysfunctional females who supplemented with 1500 mg of maca root, those who were postmenopausal showed the greatest improvement compared to placebo.
Sexual dysfunction due to anti-depressant medication is a serious concern. Sexual dysfunction may affect libido, arousal and/or orgasm (3). It affects more than 50% of individuals taking anti-depressants and is related to a reduction in quality of life, self-esteem and relationships (1, 2). Many people choose to discontinue taking anti-depressant medication due to the side effect of sexual dysfunction (4). For this reason, alternative options are being researched. Current research has found that supplementing with maca root improves anti-depressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women (1).
The current research included 42 depressed females with an average age of 41.5 years who were experiencing anti-depressant induced sexual dysfunction. Twenty-one women were randomly assigned to the maca root group (1500 mg twice a day) and twenty-one were randomly assigned to the placebo group for a 12-week period. All participants were assessed twice a week on various areas of sexual function, including arousal, orgasm and satisfaction (via Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ) and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX).
| All Participants | Remission Rates in Maca Group | Remission Rates in Placebo Group |
|---|---|---|
| ASEX score of greater than or equal to 10 | 9.5% | 4.8% |
| MGH-SFQ of greater than or equal to 12 | 30% | 20% |
| MGH-SFQ of greater than or equal to 8 | 9.5% | 5% |
After 12 weeks, remission rates were higher in for the maca group than the placebo group. Results were as follows:
| Postmenopausal Women Only | Remission Rates in Maca Group | Remission Rates in Placebo Group | Maca/Placebo Odds Ratio (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASEX score of greater than or equal to 10 | 14.3% | 0% | 5.553 (0.104-295.862) |
| MGH-SFQ of greater than or equal to 12 | 57.1% | 20% | 5.333 (0.375-75.779) |
| MGH-SFQ of greater than or equal to 8 | 14.3% | 0% | 5.553 (0.104-295.62) |
For the tables above: A score of 10 or greater on the ASEX test indicated a very satisfying sexual experience. A score of 8 on the MGH-SFQ indicated a normal sexual experience. A score of 12 or more on the MGH-SFQ indicated a minimally diminished sexual experience.
The results in the tables above show the greatest improvement in the maca root group among all participants compared to placebo. The results were even more significant in post-menopausal women, showing the greatest improvement with maca root supplementation in this group (1).
In conclusion, supplementing with maca root in this study showed improvement in sexual functioning compared to placebo in women who suffered from anti-depressant induced sexual dysfunction. This was the first double-blinded placebo-controlled trip to examine maca root as a treatment for anti-depressant induced sexual dysfunction in women (1). The researchers are currently working on another study with more participants to confirm results and to study various doses of maca root (1).
Source: Christina M. Dording et al. A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Maca Root as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Women. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015, 949036, 9 pages; http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/949036
© 2015 Christina M. Dording et al. This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
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Posted November 9, 2015.
Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health. She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Visit her website at www.awarenesswellness.com.
References:
- Dording C, et al. A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Maca Root as Treatment for Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction in Women. 2015. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. DOI: 10.1155/2015/949036
- Williams VSL, et al. Prevalence and impact of antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction in three European countries: replication in a cross-sectional patient survey. 2010. Journal of Psychopharmacology, vol 24, no 4, 489.496.
- American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC, USA, 4th ed, 2000.
- P Cassano and M Fava. Tolerability issues during long-term treatment with antidepressants. 2004. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, vol 16, no 1, 15-15.
