Anyone heard of or used Maca?

[Resumer]

I've just been introduced to an energy supplement that comes from the root of a plant found in the Peruvian Andes -- it's called Maca, commercially, but the plant name is actually lapidium peruvianum checon. I like that it works primarily on the circulatory system, and helps the body adapt to strenuous activity (it's also been marketed and shown to affect libido in women, hence is used for menopausal symptoms of low sex drive..go figure). Just curious if anyone else has had experience with it because I'm feeling like it's a good supplement for me right now while I'm in training and my body is adapting to the new regimen I'm putting it through in prep for the AIDS Life Cycle Ride.

Here's some info on it:

One of the chief attributes of Maca, according to the Peruvian Indians who grow it, is its ability to enhance fertility. When the Spanish conquistadors first began to raise sheep in the higher regions the sheep were reproducing poorly. When the Indians suggested Maca, the results were so amazing that the Spanish began to demand Maca as payment from the colonies. Maca’s fertility enhancement may be due to its rich content of iodine (essential for thyroid balance), zinc (important for prostate function), amino acids (precursors to hormone production) and vitamin C. Maca is also high in essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. It contains vitamins B1, B2, B12 and E and is a source of glycoside steroids, making Maca a natural and safe alternative to anabolic steroids for weight lifters.

Maca is an adaptogen, meaning it helps to restore balance or homeostasis to the body. Other adaptogen herbs are ginseng and astragalus. Maca has traditionally been used to increase energy and to promote improvement in stamina and endurance in athletes. Unlike caffeine, Maca is a healthy choice for increasing physical and mental energy because it is not a stimulant, making it ideal for students, professionals, writers, sports enthusiasts and anyone who needs a lift. It has been especially helpful for those with chronic fatigue.

And here's another bit 'o data:

Maca is rich in nutrients, so, in theory, it should boost energy, but supporting research is lacking. Still, as an adaptogen; maca may help the body adjust to higher exercise workloads and prevent excessive damage from the stress of training. That the Andean people have used maca for countless years should be evidence enough of its usefulness. Witnessing 80-year-old men hike up the Andes mountainside with 100-pound packs as if it were a walk in the park, all while munching maca root, is very convincing.

[KnottedYet]

I would be extremely careful. Can you ask your doc what she/he thinks of this?

[Zen]

Here's the Wiki entry-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maca

and here's more or less the same info from the NYU Medical Center
http://www.med.nyu.edu/patientcare/l...hunkIID=104590