Across the world, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is rising, possibly due to the parallel increase in obesity and diabetes¹. In the United States, 40%  of men and 30% of women are overweight. Obesity rates are nearly as high, with 35% of men and 36% of women meeting the criteria for obesity². Canada has a 10% lower prevalence of obese adults compared to the US¹, demonstrating international differences in prevalence and criteria. Within countries, metabolic syndrome prevalence varies within population subgroups divided by race/ethnicity measured in the US¹ and UK³. Metabolic syndrome doubles the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease^1,4.

Diagnosis and assessment with three of the five factors⁵

• Elevated waist circumference
• Elevated triglycerides
• Reduced high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C)
• Elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
• Elevated fasting glucose

Associated medical conditions⁶

• Cholesterol gallstones
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Fatty liver
• Gout
• Depression
• Musculoskeletal disease
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Causal links⁶

• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Adipose tissue disorders
• Genetic and racial factors
• Ageing
• Endocrine disorders

Most patients with type 2 diabetes will have metabolic syndrome by the proposed criteria⁵. Waist circumference guidelines generally followed according to the international diabetes foundation, although there are different thresholds for population subgroups which can be divided into nationality and race/ethnicity^1,5.

The fundamental component of metabolic syndrome treatment consists of eating a healthier diet, increased physical activity and weight loss. Maca is a traditional medicinal root grown in the Andes mountains at high altitude and has several properties to counter metabolic syndrome. It is traditionally used to improve energy and vitality and ensure longevity in life.

To bolster a healthier diet, maca provides^7,8,9:

• Alkaloids
• 5 important amino acids
• A cocktail of phytosterols and flavonoids
• 6 Minerals
• 5 Vitamins
• Macaenes (good fatty acids)
• Macamides (good fatty acids)

In laboratory and clinical studies, maca combated elevated triglycerides and increased low levels of good cholesterol (HDL). In post-ovariectomised rats, maca prevented cholesterol and HDL levels from increasing and maintained them at an ongoing healthy level¹⁰. In a human clinical pilot study, maca treatment reduced increased HDL levels¹¹.

In addition to changing blood lipid profile, maca addresses the typical feature of metabolic syndrome – elevated waist circumference. In a study comparing maca treatment periods, male rats exhibited weight loss after short-term administration of maca, whereas female rats taking maca showed an effect over long term treatment¹². In a human clinical pilot study, maca treatment reduced body weight¹¹. The mechanism behind these results may be, in part, due to the chemical composition of maca. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity positively correlates with body mass index (BMI)¹³. Maca contains high amounts of macamides, which directly inhibit FAAH in a concentration and time-dependent manner ^14,15,16. The presence of N-alkylamides within maca root also contributes to FAAH inhibition¹⁷. These molecular components in maca have the potential to reduce BMI and weight.

For those with diabetes maca has been shown in animal studies to significantly improve glucose tolerance as well as liver function by increasing production and activity of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase¹⁸. Maca combats fatigue, a symptom of metabolic syndrome^19,20,21,22, and likely a key player in reducing the motivation for physical activity. See our article on the anti-fatigue effects of maca in our previous blog article. Maca has some unique molecular properties to alter brain biochemistry as a potential target for anti-fatigue effects. By inhibiting FAAH, maca increases available anandamide (AEA) in neurons and the synapse. AEA  is the primary endocannabinoid agonist for cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R)²³. In correlation with the molecular evidence, maca positively affects mood in women post-menopause or experiencing sexual dysfunction^24,25. Elevated mood may increase the likelihood of physical activity by decreasing stress.

Further evidence identifies maca as a potential treatment for the reduction in blood pressure, a hallmark for increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In post-menopausal women, maca treatment reduced blood pressure²⁶. In a human clinical pilot study, maca treatment reduced blood pressure¹¹. These studies provide evidence for maca to treat metabolic syndrome in humans and furthermore no known contraindications prohibit it’s use with medication related to metabolic syndrome.