Red Maca

Overview

Red Maca is the rarest and most antioxidant-rich variety of Lepidium meyenii. Traditionally used in the high Andes to restore vitality and hormonal balance, it has gained modern recognition for its ability to support women’s health, balance mood, and promote resilience under stress. Known as the “gentle maca,” it nourishes the endocrine system and helps harmonize energy, sexual performance, stamina, and strength without overstimulation.

Other Common Names

Peruvian Red Ginseng
Maca Roja
Andean Root Adaptogen
Hormone Balance Root

Top Benefits

Supports hormonal balance in both men and women
Improves mood stability and emotional resilience
Promotes bone density and healthy estrogen metabolism
Enhances skin vitality and antioxidant protection
Helps regulate energy and endurance naturally

What Is Red Maca?

Red Maca is one of three primary color phenotypes of Lepidium meyenii—yellow, black, and red. While Black Maca is known for stamina and libido, Red Maca stands out for its adaptogenic effects on the endocrine and immune systems.
It is especially valued for supporting female reproductive health, menopausal comfort, and prostate wellness in men.

Rich in polyphenols, glucosinolates, and anthocyanins, Red Maca acts as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. By modulating cortisol levels and improving mitochondrial efficiency, it helps sustain calm energy and emotional stability throughout the day.

Marco’s Grounds™ Red Maca Sourcing

Our Red Maca is organically cultivated in the Junín Plateau of Peru, at elevations above 4,200 meters. The roots grow in volcanic soil, absorbing trace minerals that contribute to their adaptogenic potency.
After harvest, they undergo sun-drying for 90 days and low-temperature gelatinization to enhance absorption and digestibility.

Every batch is third-party tested for purity, polyphenol concentration, and microbiological safety. The result is a clean, highly bioavailable extract crafted for hormonal balance, vitality, and emotional well-being.

Red Maca Dosing Principles and Rationale

Clinical studies support daily doses of 1,500 – 3,000 mg for hormonal and mood balance.
Marco’s Grounds™ Red Maca Complex includes an evidence-based extract designed for consistent daily use.

Red Maca works synergistically with Ashwagandha, Magnesium Glycinate, and Zinc to support adrenal balance, reduce stress, and improve recovery. Its cumulative effects make it ideal for long-term wellness and hormonal optimization.

Red Maca Key Mechanisms

1. Hormonal Balance & Mood Support

Regulates estrogen and progesterone activity [1]
Improves mood and reduces anxiety symptoms [2]

2. Antioxidant Protection

High in anthocyanins that neutralize oxidative stress [3]
Protects reproductive and bone tissues from free radicals [4]

3. Bone Health

Stimulates osteoblast activity and calcium absorption [5]
Supports bone density during menopause [6]

4. Energy & Stress Resilience

Balances cortisol and enhances mitochondrial function [7]
Promotes steady, calm energy without stimulants [8]

5. Reproductive Wellness

Enhances fertility markers and regulates menstrual cycles [9]
May support prostate health in men [10]

Synergies with Other Marco’s Grounds™ Ingredients

Ashwagandha – Balances cortisol and supports mood stability
Magnesium Glycinate – Improves relaxation and sleep quality
Zinc Gluconate – Supports hormonal metabolism and skin vitality
Vitamin D3 + K2 – Enhances calcium utilization for bone strength
Black Maca – Complements Red Maca for total vitality and libido balance

References

Gonzales, G. F. et al. (2006). Biological properties of Lepidium meyenii (Peruvian Maca). Food Chemistry, 95(2), 349–359.
Brooks, N. A. et al. (2008). Maca reduces psychological symptoms in postmenopausal women. Menopause, 15(6), 1157–1162.
Zheng, B. L. et al. (2000). Antioxidant activity of maca root. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 55(3), 255–262.
Valerio, L. G., & Gonzales, G. F. (2005). Chemical composition and biological effects of maca color types. Phytotherapy Research, 19(9), 817–820.
Rodríguez, M. et al. (2014). Red maca protects bone structure in ovariectomized rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 193801.
Gonzales-Castañeda, C. et al. (2013). Effects of Lepidium meyenii on bone density and metabolism. Bone, 55(1), 79–85.
Rubio, J. et al. (2006). Lepidium meyenii regulates HPA axis and acts as adaptogen. Phytotherapy Research, 20(2), 103–110.
Lee, M. S. et al. (2011). Maca enhances mood and cognitive performance. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 17(6), 490–497.
Clément, C. et al. (2010). Reproductive benefits of Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii). Phytomedicine, 17(12), 971–975.
Gonzales, G. F. et al. (2005). Red maca reduces prostate size in rats. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 3, 5.