Because of the potential estrogenic properties of maca, there are safety concerns regarding its use by individuals with a history of estrogen-dependent cancers, such as some types of breast cancer.[1] While direct research on maca's effects in individuals with a history of breast cancer is limited, in vitro studies conducted on breast cancer cell lines have had mixed findings.
For instance, one in vitro study found that maca extract had no effect on MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell lines. However, it was also observed that macamides (a class of amide alkaloids found in maca) showed inhibitory effects similar to those of cisplatin (a chemotherapy drug) on five cancer cell lines, including MCF-7. Additionally, other studies have reported strong anticancer effects of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC; a breakdown product of maca glucosinolates) in human breast cancer cells and in mice.[2][3][4]
Conversely, a 2022 study found that although maca root extract exhibited toxicity towards triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines (which is potentially beneficial in reducing tumor cell viability), it also increased the migratory capacity of cancer cells and caused gene expression changes that might promote cancer progression.[5]
Given these mixed findings, until more conclusive evidence is available, it may be prudent for individuals with a history of estrogen-dependent cancers or people concerned about breast cancer to approach maca supplementation with caution.
References
- ^Valentová K, Buckiová D, Kren V, Peknicová J, Ulrichová J, Simánek VThe in vitro biological activity of Lepidium meyenii extracts.Cell Biol Toxicol.(2006-Mar)
- ^Tseng E, Scott-Ramsay EA, Morris MEDietary organic isothiocyanates are cytotoxic in human breast cancer MCF-7 and mammary epithelial MCF-12A cell lines.Exp Biol Med (Maywood).(2004 Sep)
- ^Kim SH, Sehrawat A, Singh SVDietary chemopreventative benzyl isothiocyanate inhibits breast cancer stem cells in vitro and in vivo.Cancer Prev Res (Phila).(2013 Aug)
- ^Yan S, Wei J, Chen REvaluation of the Biological Activity of Glucosinolates and Their Enzymolysis Products Obtained from Lepidium meyenii Walp. (Maca).Int J Mol Sci.(2022 Nov 25)
- ^Bizinelli D, Flores Navarro F, Lima Costa Faldoni FMaca Root (Lepidium meyenii) Extract Increases the Expression of MMP-1 and Stimulates Migration of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells.Nutr Cancer.(2022)