Eight participants each completed a 40xa0;km cycling time trial before and after 14 days supplementation with both maca extract (ME) and placebo, in a randomised cross-over design. Subjects also completed a sexual desire inventory during each visit.
ME administration significantly improved 40xa0;km cycling time performance compared to the baseline test (Pxa0;=xa0;0.01), but not compared to the placebo trial after supplementation (Pxa0;x3e;xa0;0.05). ME administration significantly improved the self-rated sexual desire score compared to the baseline test (Pxa0;=xa0;0.01), and compared to the placebo trial after supplementation (Pxa0;=xa0;0.03).
14 days ME supplementation improved 40xa0;km cycling time trial performance and sexual desire in trained male cyclists. These promising results encourage long-term clinical studies involving more volunteers, to further evaluate the efficacy of ME in athletes and normal individuals and also to explore its possible mechanisms of action.