Royal Maca Forte

  • Ginseng has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • 2022 studyTrusted Source in 12 physically active males found that short-term supplementation with American ginseng extract reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and decreased markers of inflammation compared with a placebo.

  • Another 2022 studyTrusted Source in mice also suggests that ginseng root extract could help reduce inflammation, though more research is necessary.

Learn about over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.

  • 2021 studyTrusted Source suggests that ginseng may be a useful alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
  • A 2022 studyTrusted Source shows that ginseng may promote the production of nitric oxide, a compound that improves muscle relaxation in the penis and increases blood circulation.
  • 2021 reviewTrusted Source suggests that nitric oxide may play a role in erectile dysfunction.
  • Still, research on the effects of ginseng on ED has turned up mixed results, and more high quality studies are needed.
  • A 2021 reviewTrusted Source of nine studies found that ginseng could improve self-reported ability to have intercourse in men.
  • However, researchers also noted that ginseng had little to no effect on ED or satisfaction with intercourse compared with a placebo.

Learn more about treatments for ED.

  • According to a 2020 reviewTrusted Source, ginseng possesses potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It may enhance the function of the immune system.
  • Interestingly, a 2018 animal studyTrusted Source found that black red ginseng extract (BRGE) increased the number of immune cells and enhanced antioxidant levels in the liver.
  • Similarly, a 2020 studyTrusted Source of 100 people showed that taking 2 grams (g) of Korean red ginseng per day for 8 weeks significantly increased levels of immune cells compared with a placebo.

However, more studies in humans are necessary to understand the potential effects of ginseng on immune function.

  • Ginseng has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • 2022 studyTrusted Source in 12 physically active males found that short-term supplementation with American ginseng extract reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and decreased markers of inflammation compared with a placebo.

  • Another 2022 studyTrusted Source in mice also suggests that ginseng root extract could help reduce inflammation, though more research is necessary.

Learn about over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.

  • 2021 studyTrusted Source suggests that ginseng may be a useful alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
  • A 2022 studyTrusted Source shows that ginseng may promote the production of nitric oxide, a compound that improves muscle relaxation in the penis and increases blood circulation.
  • 2021 reviewTrusted Source suggests that nitric oxide may play a role in erectile dysfunction.
  • Still, research on the effects of ginseng on ED has turned up mixed results, and more high quality studies are needed.
  • A 2021 reviewTrusted Source of nine studies found that ginseng could improve self-reported ability to have intercourse in men.
  • However, researchers also noted that ginseng had little to no effect on ED or satisfaction with intercourse compared with a placebo.

Learn more about treatments for ED.

  • According to a 2020 reviewTrusted Source, ginseng possesses potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It may enhance the function of the immune system.
  • Interestingly, a 2018 animal studyTrusted Source found that black red ginseng extract (BRGE) increased the number of immune cells and enhanced antioxidant levels in the liver.
  • Similarly, a 2020 studyTrusted Source of 100 people showed that taking 2 grams (g) of Korean red ginseng per day for 8 weeks significantly increased levels of immune cells compared with a placebo.

However, more studies in humans are necessary to understand the potential effects of ginseng on immune function.

Royal Jelly Powder

Royal jelly is comprised of water, carbs, protein and fat (1). The full chemical makeup of royal jelly is unknown, but its positive effects on health are thought to stem from its unique proteins and fatty acids (12Trusted Source).

  • These include nine glycoproteins collectively known as major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) and two fatty acids, trans-10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid and 10-Hydroxydecanoic acid (2Trusted Source).
  • Royal jelly also contains several B vitamins and trace minerals.
  • However, nutrient composition varies considerably between sources of royal jelly (1).

Some of the vitamins typically present in royal jelly include:

Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Pantothenic acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Niacin (B3), Folic acid (B9), Inositol (B8) & Bioti (B7)

These nutrients may provide some of royal jelly’s potential health benefits, though more research on this unique substance is needed.

Royal jelly is widely claimed to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. In multiple test-tube and animal studies, specific amino acids, fatty acids and phenolic compounds found in royal jelly appear to have potent antioxidant effects (3Trusted Source).

  • Additionally, several test-tube studies show reduced levels of pro-inflammatory chemicals released from immune cells treated with royal jelly (4Trusted Source5Trusted Source6Trusted Source).
  • While these results are promising, human studies are lacking. More data is needed to draw any definitive conclusions on treating inflammation with royal jelly.

Both animal and human studies demonstrate that royal jelly may positively impact cholesterol levels and thereby reduce heart disease risk. Though the exact mechanism remains unclear, specific proteins in royal jelly may help lower cholesterol (7Trusted Source).

  • One 12-week study found that rabbits supplemented with royal jelly significantly reduced their total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels by 28% and 23%, respectively (8Trusted Source).
  • Similarly, a one-month human study saw an 11% and 4% reduction in total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in people taking about 3 grams of royal jelly daily (9Trusted Source).
  • Conversely, another small human study determined no significant differences in cholesterol levels between participants treated with royal jelly and those on a placebo (10Trusted Source).

While these studies are promising, more research is needed to better understand royal jelly’s impact on heart health.

Royal jelly — both used orally and topically — may support wound healing and other inflammatory skin conditions. It’s known to have an antibacterial effect, which can keep wounds clean and free from infection (11Trusted Source).

  • One animal study revealed an increase in collagen production in rats given royal jelly extract. Collagen is a structural protein vital for skin repair (12Trusted Source).
  • A test-tube study showed significantly enhanced tissue repair capacity in human cells treated with royal jelly (13Trusted Source).
  • Conversely, a more recent human study did not notice any difference in wound healing between a control group and participants treating diabetic foot ulcers topically with royal jelly (14Trusted Source).

Ultimately, more research is needed on royal jelly’s effects on wound healing and tissue repair.

Royal jelly may protect your heart and circulatory system by reducing blood pressure. Several test-tube studies indicate that specific proteins in royal jelly relax smooth muscle cells in your veins and arteries, thereby lowering blood pressure (15Trusted Source).

 

A recent animal study examined a supplement combining royal jelly with other bee-derived substances and found a significant reduction in blood pressure. However, the exact role royal jelly played in this supplement is unclear (16Trusted Source).

 

More research is needed to understand royal jelly’s relationship with blood pressure.

Royal jelly may also improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

However, research on this topic is limited.

Royal jelly may boost brain function. One study revealed that stress-induced mice treated with royal jelly had lower levels of stress hormones and a more robust central nervous system than the control group (20Trusted Source).

  • A separate study resulted in improved memory and reduced symptoms of depression in postmenopausal rats given royal jelly (21Trusted Source).
  • Another animal study showed that rats treated with royal jelly were better able to remove certain chemical deposits in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease (8Trusted Source).
  • Most of these studies attribute the protective effect on brain and nervous tissue to royal jelly’s antioxidant capacity.

Though this data is encouraging, human research is needed.

Royal jelly may treat dry eyes when taken orally. One animal and one small human study showed improvements in chronic dry eyes for those treated orally with royal jelly. The results indicate that this bee-derived substance may increase tear secretion from lacrimal glands within your eyes (22Trusted Source23Trusted Source).

  • No adverse effects were reported from the human study. Thus, royal jelly could serve as a low-risk solution for chronic dry eyes.
  • Keep in mind that this very small data sample doesn’t indicate that royal jelly is able to treat most people’s dry eyes.

Ultimately, more research is needed.

Royal jelly may slow the aging process in several ways. A few studies show increased lifespan and improved cognitive performance in rats treated orally with royal jelly (24Trusted Source).

  • Royal jelly is sometimes included in topical skin care products to support maintenance of healthy, younger-looking skin.
  • Animal research indicates that royal jelly may support increased collagen production and protection from skin damage associated with UV radiation exposure (12Trusted Source25Trusted Source).
  • Since human research on the anti-aging benefits of oral or topical royal jelly use is insufficient, more studies are needed.

Maca Root

Maca is a plant native to Peru. Its root is a natural remedy for some people to treat specific health issues, including infertility and low sex drive. However, more research is needed.

  • Maca is a plant that some populations in Peru have used for thousands of years as food and medicinally.
  • In the last few decades, maca has grown in popularity. This article explains what maca root is, highlights some potential benefits, and answers whether it’s safe to add to your diet

The maca plant, called Lepidium meyenii or “Peruvian ginseng,” is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale.

Native to the high Andean plateaus, it has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and can survive the harsh weather of the Peruvian Andes. Traditionally, the Andean people used maca as food or medication to treat respiratory conditions and rheumatic disease.

Maca products have increased in popularity due to claims they may help increase libido and fertility. Maca is now grown worldwide, including in China.

It contains beneficial compounds, including:

  • fiber
  • vitamins and minerals
  • bioactive compounds, such as macamides, macaridine, alkaloids, and glucosinolates

However, research on its benefits has been mixed, with more studies needed to support the claims.

It’s still unclear whether maca has any real benefit for treating low libidosexual dysfunction, or infertility in either males or females. The available studies have shown mixed results.

 

Are sex and gender the same thing?
People often use the terms sex and gender interchangeably, but they have different meanings:

  • “Sex” refers to the physical characteristics that differentiate male, female, and intersex bodies.
  • “Gender” refers to a person’s identity and how they feel inside. Examples include man, woman, nonbinary, agender, bigender, genderfluid, pangender, and trans. A person’s gender identity may be different from the sex they were assigned at birth.

While research is limited, this older 2002 studyTrusted Source suggests that maca root may benefit males with low sexual desire or libido.

Similarly, a 2008 study found that supplementing with 3 grams of maca improved sexual function. That included benefiting libido in men being treated with antidepressants.

 

A 2020 study suggests that taking 2 grams (g) of maca per day for 12 weeks may significantly improveTrusted Source sperm concentration in males with low sperm count, compared with a placebo. However, they didn’t find a significant difference in sperm motility between the treatment and placebo groups.

 

Further research is needed to confirm these results.

One older 2015 studyTrusted Source of 45 females with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction also found that taking 3 grams of maca root per day for 12 weeks resulted in higher remission rates, compared with a placebo. This was only observed in post-menopausal women.

However, larger studies in humans are still needed to investigate the effects of maca on female libido and sexual function.

Menopause happens naturally in people who menstruate. It’s the time of life when menstrual periods stop permanently.

 

ResearchTrusted Source suggests that maca may benefit people going through menopause by helping to relieve some symptoms, including hot flashes and interrupted sleep.

 

More research is needed.

Limited evidence suggests that maca may help improve energy levels and enhance mood.

Trusted Source in mice found maca helped regulate exercise-induced fatigue. Another 2022 study in mice reached a similar conclusion.

2022 study in young adult females also showed that maca extract might reduce fatigue. Meanwhile, a 2016 study of 175 people living at either low or high altitudes demonstrated that taking 3 g of red or black maca daily for 12 weeks improved mood and energy scores compared with a placebo.

However, there is not enough evidence yet to draw firm conclusions about maca’s impact on energy or mood.

Human research investigating the potential health benefits of maca is limited.

 

However, initial findings from test tube studies and animal studies in mice and rats suggest maca may benefit health by:

Keep in mind that there’s currently no evidence that these potential benefits apply to humans, so research on humans would be needed to investigate them.

Gensing

  • Ginseng has beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • 2022 studyTrusted Source in 12 physically active males found that short-term supplementation with American ginseng extract reduced exercise-induced muscle damage and decreased markers of inflammation compared with a placebo.

  • Another 2022 studyTrusted Source in mice also suggests that ginseng root extract could help reduce inflammation, though more research is necessary.

Learn about over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.

  • 2021 studyTrusted Source suggests that ginseng may be a useful alternative for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
  • A 2022 studyTrusted Source shows that ginseng may promote the production of nitric oxide, a compound that improves muscle relaxation in the penis and increases blood circulation.
  • 2021 reviewTrusted Source suggests that nitric oxide may play a role in erectile dysfunction.
  • Still, research on the effects of ginseng on ED has turned up mixed results, and more high quality studies are needed.
  • A 2021 reviewTrusted Source of nine studies found that ginseng could improve self-reported ability to have intercourse in men.
  • However, researchers also noted that ginseng had little to no effect on ED or satisfaction with intercourse compared with a placebo.

Learn more about treatments for ED.

  • According to a 2020 reviewTrusted Source, ginseng possesses potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It may enhance the function of the immune system.
  • Interestingly, a 2018 animal studyTrusted Source found that black red ginseng extract (BRGE) increased the number of immune cells and enhanced antioxidant levels in the liver.
  • Similarly, a 2020 studyTrusted Source of 100 people showed that taking 2 grams (g) of Korean red ginseng per day for 8 weeks significantly increased levels of immune cells compared with a placebo.

However, more studies in humans are necessary to understand the potential effects of ginseng on immune function.

One older 2015 studyTrusted Source of 45 females with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction also found that taking 3 grams of maca root per day for 12 weeks resulted in higher remission rates, compared with a placebo. This was only observed in post-menopausal women.

However, larger studies in humans are still needed to investigate the effects of maca on female libido and sexual function.

Menopause happens naturally in people who menstruate. It’s the time of life when menstrual periods stop permanently.

 

ResearchTrusted Source suggests that maca may benefit people going through menopause by helping to relieve some symptoms, including hot flashes and interrupted sleep.

 

More research is needed.

Limited evidence suggests that maca may help improve energy levels and enhance mood.

Trusted Source in mice found maca helped regulate exercise-induced fatigue. Another 2022 study in mice reached a similar conclusion.

2022 study in young adult females also showed that maca extract might reduce fatigue. Meanwhile, a 2016 study of 175 people living at either low or high altitudes demonstrated that taking 3 g of red or black maca daily for 12 weeks improved mood and energy scores compared with a placebo.

However, there is not enough evidence yet to draw firm conclusions about maca’s impact on energy or mood.

Human research investigating the potential health benefits of maca is limited.

 

However, initial findings from test tube studies and animal studies in mice and rats suggest maca may benefit health by:

Keep in mind that there’s currently no evidence that these potential benefits apply to humans, so research on humans would be needed to investigate them.

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