An Important Clarification: Maca Doesn’t Affect Testosterone, Even Though Zinc Does
This formula combines 3000mg black maca and 2000mg yellow maca root extract (100:1) with 500mg Panax ginseng, 50mg L-arginine, 20mg black pepper extract, and 5mg zinc. As covered in more detail in our maca root guide, it’s important to separate two different claims here: zinc genuinely has an EFSA-recognised role in maintaining normal testosterone levels in the blood — this is accurate for zinc, particularly relevant if you have a genuine zinc deficiency. But this doesn’t extend to maca itself: multiple rigorous human trials, including one specifically testing 1.5g and 3g daily doses over 12 weeks, have found maca doesn’t change testosterone, LH, FSH, or prolactin levels at all. Maca’s genuine, better-supported research area is libido and sexual function, which appears to work through a different, non-hormonal pathway — worth knowing so you don’t expect a hormonal effect specifically from the maca component here.
On the zinc form specifically: this product uses zinc oxide, one of the less well-absorbed forms of zinc compared to citrate, glycinate, or picolinate — worth knowing if absorption is a priority for you.
Maca belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family and contains compounds that can potentially interfere with thyroid hormone production in some people — anyone with a thyroid condition, or taking thyroid medication, should check with their GP before regular use.
L-arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide, studied in relation to blood flow — if you take medication for blood pressure or erectile dysfunction (such as PDE5 inhibitors), it’s worth checking with your GP before combining these, given the shared effect on blood vessel dilation. Panax ginseng may also affect blood sugar and interact with blood-thinning medication, covered in more detail in our ginseng guide.
Vegan, non-GMO, manufactured to GMP standards in the UK. Capsules can be opened and mixed into food or drinks if preferred. Take one capsule daily with a full glass of water, preferably with a meal. Not suitable for under-18s. Speak to your GP before use if you have a thyroid condition, take blood pressure or blood-thinning medication, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an existing health condition.
The Research Behind This Product
Hormonal Balance
Shatavari, Triphala and Maca Root: Ayurvedic Herbs for Women’s Health
Shatavari, triphala and maca root are frequently bundled together as "women's wellness" herbs, but they don't actually do the same job. Here's what UK-relevant research supports for each one individually — and the specific claims worth reading with caution.
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