It has an adaptogenic effect and increases overall strength and endurance, and decreases fatigue, as supported by tests done on athletes. Panax Ginseng is recognized for thousands of years as a powerful tonic, which gives the user the strength and power of youth. Often called 'Chinese Ginseng', the shape of this root resembles the human form, and is a powerful sexual tonic, as well as an overall adaptogen. The part of the plant used is the tuberous root structure . Research has uncovered specific compounds, macamides and macaenes, which showed a significant increase in sexual function in laboratory animals in controlled trials.
History reports that Incan warriors used maca before battle to increase strength and endurance.
It has been used throughout recorded history up to the present day by both men and women as an aphrodisiac. It is considered a tonic for the neuromuscular system, and helps with joint pains, menstrual cramps, PMS symptoms and mental disturbance. The entire plant is used in medicinal preparations, and contains sterols, including beta-sitosterol, which may account for its activity as a sexual stimulant. Muira Puama is listed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and is recommended for the treatment of impotence. In Brazil , it is used by both men and women to increase libido and sexual performance.