Maca is Lepidum meyenii Walp., an hypocotyl of the Brassica family which grows exclusively in the Peruvian Andes in a narrow elevation range. Maca has been used traditionally since precolonial times as an adaptogen, to provide balance in menopause, and to support sexual function; this latter use is supported by recent clinical and experimental studies. Maca's mechanism of action remains to be elucidated, but is independent of any effect on androgens.