Black Maca | Dual Support for Training Performance and Energy Endurance
What Is Black Maca?
Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.), also known as Peruvian ginseng, is a cruciferous plant native to the Peruvian Andes. It is available in black, red, and yellow varieties, with black maca being the most concentrated in nutrients and bioactive compounds, making it a popular choice for energy and endurance support.
Research indicates that properly processed maca extracts may help support vitality and overall physiological balance.
Why Do Active and Athletic Populations Pay Attention to Black Maca?
Just as creatine is commonly used to support explosive power and short-duration performance, black maca has gained increasing attention among athletes and highly active individuals for its association with endurance maintenance, fatigue management, and post-exercise recovery.
As training intensity rises and daily life becomes more demanding, the ability to sustain performance longer and recover faster has become a key focus in sports nutrition—making black maca a frequently discussed ingredient in performance and training-related nutrition content.
The Relationship Between Black Maca and Exercise Performance
Based on research findings and practical applications, black maca is commonly discussed in sports nutrition in the following areas:
● Physical Strength and Endurance Support
May help reduce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, delay the onset of fatigue, and support overall exercise performance.
● Focus and Energy Maintenance
Associated with dopamine and serotonin balance, which may help stabilize mood and enhance mental alertness and reaction speed.
● Male Vitality and Performance Support
Traditional use and research suggest a relationship between black maca and male physiological function and energy management, making it a common ingredient for supporting overall vitality and stamina.
● Post-Exercise Recovery Support
Studies indicate that black maca supplementation is associated with the regulation of blood lactate (BLA) and inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α, making it a potential nutritional option during the recovery phase after training.
Black Maca–Related Research (I)
This study employed a mouse model in which exercise-induced fatigue was triggered by a weight-loaded swimming test to evaluate the effects of Maca extract (ME) on post-exercise fatigue and muscle metabolic stress–related markers. Mice were orally supplemented with ME for four consecutive weeks, followed by a forced weight-loaded swimming test. After exercise, blood lactate (BLA/BLD), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and markers related to muscle energy metabolism were assessed.
source：Zhu et al. Anti-fatigue effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Maca) on preventing mitochondria-mediated muscle damage and oxidative stress Food & Function, 2021, 12, 3132–3141.
Figure. Effects of Maca extract (ME) supplementation on post-exercise fatigue–related biochemical markers. Following exhaustive swimming exercise, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood lactic acid (BLD) levels were significantly increased in the exercise group (Ex), while mice supplemented with ME for four weeks (Ex+ME) showed lower post-exercise BUN and BLD levels compared with the exercise-only group and the caffeine-supplemented positive control (Ex+Pos). Con, control group.
Black Maca–Related Research (II)
This study evaluated the effects of Black Maca supplementation on post-exercise inflammation–related markers in male subjects engaged in high-intensity and regular training. A total of 24 male participants were enrolled, including 16 elite athletes (8 soft tennis players [ST] and 8 table tennis players [TT]) and 8 non-athletes (NA). Participants consumed 2.5 g of a 100% concentrated Black Maca extract daily for 12 weeks. Fasting venous blood samples were collected before and after the supplementation period, and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were quantified using ELISA.
source：Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1618. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071618
Figure. Changes in inflammation-related markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) following 12 weeks of Black Maca supplementation. Decreases in IL-6 and TNF-α were observed in elite athlete groups (ST and TT), while no significant changes were detected in the non-athlete group (NA).
Application Suggestions for Black Maca
● Combined with B-Complex Vitamins or American Ginseng Extract (Cereboost™)
Positioning: Sustained Energy × Mental Focus
B-complex vitamins play a key role in energy metabolism and help support physical performance during daily activities and exercise. American ginseng extract is commonly applied to support cognitive function, focus, and mental alertness. When combined with Black Maca, this formulation approach supports both physical stamina and mental performance.
Suitable for:
✔ Individuals with long working hours
✔ Regular exercisers
✔ Those requiring sustained energy and high levels of concentration
● Combined with Creatine or Amaranth Extract (OXYSTORM®)
Positioning: Strength and Endurance Support × Training Sustainability
Creatine is widely used in exercise scenarios involving short-duration, high-intensity output. Amaranth Extract (OXYSTORM®) focuses on circulation- and endurance-related support.When combined with Black Maca, this pairing provides a training support solution that balances power output, endurance, and recovery rhythm.
Suitable for:
✔ Resistance training
✔ High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
✔ Endurance sports or athletes with higher training volumes
For further formulation design and application support, please contact Shinemate.
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