Natural Energy and Absorption Boost

Today, natural supplements remain popular among those looking to boost energy levels, support hormonal balance and optimize nutrient absorption. Two important ingredients stand out in this field Maca extract and Piperinare. Maca is an adaptogenic plant from the high mountains of Peru, while Piperine is a compound found in black pepper that enhances bioavailability. This comprehensive content details the definition, biochemical composition, effects on the body (especially hormonal balance, energy, immunity, inflammation, cardiovascular health, physical performance and reproductive health), uses, side effects, dosage information and storage conditions of both ingredients based on scientific sources.

Maca Extract (Lepidium meyenii Walp.)

Definition and Biochemical Composition

Macais an herbaceous plant of the cruciferous family, native to the Peruvian Andes. The edible part is the root, called the hypocotyl, which usually has a radish-like shape. It is dried and powdered and used as a supplement. Maca comes in different color varieties (yellow, red, black), each of which is thought to have different bioactive profiles.

Maca's rich biochemical composition includes:

• Karbonhidratlar, Proteinler (%13-16), Lif (%8.5) ve Esansiyel Yağ Asitleri: Provides essential macronutrients.
• Vitamins Vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B6, D and E.
• Minerals Iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper and iodine.
• Phytochemicals (Bioactive Compounds): 
  • Glucosinolates and Isothiocyanates: It has potential anticancer and detoxifying properties.
  • Macaen and Macamiders: These alkyamides, unique to maca, are the key compounds responsible for the plant's adaptogenic and sexual health effects.
  • Sterols Contains plant sterols such as beta-sitosterol.
  • Polysaccharides and Flavonoids: It has immune modulating and antioxidant properties.

Effects on Body Functions

1. Hormonal Balance and Reproductive Health: The most well-known effect of Maca is that it optimizes hormonal balance by supporting the endocrine system without directly altering hormone levels. This is important for both male and female reproductive health.
   • Men May improve sperm count, motility and quality. May help relieve symptoms of erectile dysfunction. 
     • Research Example: A human study by Gonzales et al. (2001) showed that 4 months of Maca supplementation increased sperm concentration and motility in healthy men, but did not alter levels of hormones such as testosterone. This suggests that the effects of Maca may be through non-hormonal mechanisms.
   • Women: It can improve sexual dysfunction (especially those related to antidepressant use). It can help reduce vaginal dryness and relieve menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, mood swings). 
     • Research Example: In a study conducted by Brooks et al. (2008) in postmenopausal women, Maca supplementation was reported to alleviate menopausal symptoms and balance hormone levels.
2. Energy and Physical Performance: It is traditionally used to combat fatigue and boost energy levels. Thanks to its adaptogenic properties, it can help the body adapt to stress and increase endurance.
   • Research Example: A systematic review by Dong et al. (2020) examined the anti-fatigue effects and energy-boosting potential of Maca, but noted the need for larger randomized controlled trials in humans.
3. Mood and Mental Health: Thanks to its adaptogenic properties, it can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Some studies have reported positive effects on mood and a reduction in symptoms of depression.
4. Immune System and Inflammation: Thanks to its vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it may support the immune system and reduce oxidative stress. More research is needed on its direct anti-inflammatory effects, but its improvement of overall metabolic health may indirectly affect inflammation.
5. Cardiovascular Health: Extensive human studies directly on cardiovascular health are limited. However, there is some preliminary data that it may help regulate blood pressure and improve lipid profile.

Areas of Use

• Nutritional Supplement: It is used for energy, stamina, increased libido, hormonal balancing and general health.
• Food: In Peru, it is traditionally ground into flour and used in food. The powder form can be added to smoothies, yogurts or drinks.

Side Effects

It is generally considered safe. However, mild gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, gas), insomnia may rarely occur. Because of its potential effects on hormonal balancing, people with a history of thyroid disorders or hormonal cancer are advised to be cautious and consult a health professional. There is insufficient scientific data for pregnant and lactating women, it is recommended to avoid use during these periods.

Dosage Information

• Usually per day 1.5 grams to 5 grams of dry powdered Maca is recommended.
• For certain conditions (e.g. sexual function) higher doses between 3 grams and 9 grams have been used.
• It is recommended to start with a low dose and increase it slowly according to tolerance.

Storage Conditions

Away from moisture, light and extreme heat, in a cool and dry placeshould be stored in its original packaging.

Piperine (Black Pepper Extract)

Definition and Biochemical Composition

Piperinand black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper (Piper longum) is the main bioactive alkaloid that gives it its characteristic pungent taste. It has been used for centuries in the traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda, especially to improve the absorption of nutrients.

Effects on Body Functions

1. Bioavailability Enhancing Effect: The most important effect of piperine is that it increases the absorption of other components (especially vitamins, minerals and herbal components) from the digestive tract. It does this by several mechanisms:
   • Increasing Thermogenesis: By slightly increasing body temperature, it speeds up metabolism and facilitates absorption.
   • Stimulating Digestive Enzymes: It increases the activity of digestive enzymes and provides better breakdown of nutrients.
   • Improving Intestinal Permeability: It gently opens the intercellular spaces in the intestinal wall, facilitating the passage of the components into the bloodstream.
   • P-glycoprotein Inhibition: By inhibiting the P-glycoprotein pump, which is responsible for the excretion of certain drugs and compounds from the body, it allows these substances to stay in the body longer and be better absorbed.
   • Glucuronidation Inhibition: It slows down the glucuronidation process involved in the detoxification of certain components in the liver, prolonging the time they remain in active form. 
     • Research Example: Shoba ve ark. (1998) tarafından yapılan klasik bir çalışma, piperinin kurkuminin (zerdeçalın aktif bileşeni) insanlardaki biyo-yararlanımını %2000’e kadar artırdığını göstermiştir. Bu, piperinin diğer bitkisel bileşiklerle sinerjistik etkileşiminin önemli bir kanıtıdır.
2. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Piperine has strong antioxidant properties and reduces oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. It has also been reported to show anti-inflammatory effects in some in vitro and animal studies.
   • Research Example: A study by Vedavanam and Sreepriya (2004) showed that piperine exhibits antioxidant activity in vitro.
3. Immune System: Its direct effects on the immune system have not been clearly defined, but its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may indirectly support immune functions.
4. Cardiovascular Health: Some animal studies suggest that piperine may help improve lipid levels and lower blood pressure. However, evidence in humans is limited.
5. Physical Performance and Reproductive Health: There is insufficient scientific data on the direct effects of piperine on these areas. However, it may indirectly support energy metabolism and cell health by increasing overall nutrient absorption.

Areas of Use

• Dietary Supplements: In particular, curcumin is added to formulations to improve the absorption of low bioavailability compounds such as resveratrol, coenzyme Q10.
• Traditional Medicine: It has been used for digestive problems and inflammatory conditions.

Side Effects

It is generally safe in recommended doses. However, excessive doses may lead to gastrointestinal problems such as stomach upset, diarrhea or reflux. Piperine may affect the metabolism of drugs (due to its inhibition of P-glycoprotein and its effect on cytochrome P450 enzymes). Therefore, it is vital that people taking any medications (especially blood thinners, antidepressants, heart medications) consult their doctor before taking piperine supplements.

Dosage Information

• There is no standard RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for piperine.
• In supplements it is usually used in doses ranging from 5 mg to 20 mg, with the aim of increasing the absorption of other ingredients.
• Doses exceeding 20 mg per day are generally not recommended.

Storage Conditions

Away from moisture, light and extreme heat, in a cool and dry placeshould be stored in its original packaging.

Combined Use of Maca Extract and Piperine

The combined use of Maca extract and piperine could theoretically increase the absorption of the bioactive compounds contained in Maca. Given the overall bioavailability-enhancing effect of piperine, it may help the potential benefits of Maca to be utilized more efficiently by the body. However, direct scientific studies on the effects of this specific combination are still limited. It is important to consult a health professional before using this combination.

Conclusion and Future Research

Maca extract and Piperine are two powerful ingredients that have a prominent place in the world of natural dietary supplements. Maca is particularly notable for its adaptogenic effects on hormonal balance, energy boost and reproductive health, while Piperine offers the potential to increase overall effectiveness by enhancing the absorption of other beneficial compounds. Both ingredients have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them valuable for overall health.

However, as with any natural supplement, caution should be exercised regarding potential side effects and drug interactions. Future research should elucidate the specific mechanisms of these ingredients, their efficacy in different populations, their long-term safety profile and the synergistic effects of their combination through larger randomized controlled human studies. This will better understand the full health potential of Maca and Piperine and expand their evidence-based use.

Sources

• Brooks, N. A., Wilcox, G., Walker, K. Z., Ashton, J. F., Cox, M. B., & Stojanovska, L. (2008). Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen levels. Menopause, 15(6), 1157-1162.
• Dong, Z., Yu, L., Liu, K., Li, X., & Tang, Z. (2020). Anti-fatigue effects of maca (Lepidium meyenii) and its underlying mechanisms: A systematic review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 262, 113063.
• Gonzales, G. F., Cordova, A., Vega, K., Chung, A., Villena, A., & Gongora, C. (2001). Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia, 33(6), 367-372.
• Shoba, G., Joy, D., Joseph, T., Majeed, M., Rajendran, R., & Srinivas, P. S. S. (1998). Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Medica, 64(04), 353-356.
• Vedavanam, K., & Sreepriya, M. (2004). Antioxidant activity of piperine: a component of black pepper. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 42(9), 920-924.