Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Peruvian Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.)

Lepidium meyenii (Peruvian maca or maca) is a medicinal plant native to the Peruvian Andes region that grows in adverse environments, such as extreme cold and intense sunlight. Maca has different variations depending on the color of its root, and 13 types have already been identified. Many biological activities have already been identified in maca extracts, such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressive activities. Maca extracts contain several chemical substances that have already been identified, including glucosinolates, alkaloids, polysaccharides, flavonoids, fatty acids, and macamides. Macamides are an exclusive class of compounds present in maca extracts and are the main responsible compounds for the pharmacological properties of the extracts. They are composed of benzylamine and fatty acids, and 32 macamides have already been identified. Macamides have shown biological activities like neuroprotection, antitumoral, and antifatigue activities. Therefore, maca and their isolated compounds, the macamides, are potential therapeutic targets in treating various diseases and disorders.