Native to Andes region of Peru, Lepidium meyenii is a root vegetable in the broccoli family, commonly known as maca. Maca root, which looks like a turnip, but with various colors red, black, pink or yellow, has been valued for a long time as it is thought that it can increase energy, stamina and fertility. Maca root has sweet and pleasant flavor, and is widely used as a food ingredient and dietary supplement. 

Maca also has a long history of use in herbal medicine and there has been researches on the benefits of using maca in the improvement of sexual function, fertility, and menopause. Although there have not been many studies, it is reported that maca leaves can protect from UVB induced oxidative stress and epidermal damage. Lepidiline B, a flavonolignans isolated from the root, showed anti inflammatory activities in macrophages cells.