Objective. We sought to demonstrate that maca root may be an effective treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction\n(AISD) in women. Method. We conducted a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of maca root (3.0 g/day) in 45 female\noutpatients (mean age of 41.5 �± 12.5 years) with SSRI/SNRI-induced sexual dysfunction whose depression remitted. Endpoints were\nimprovement in sexual functioning as per the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and the Massachusetts General Hospital\nSexual Function Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ). Results. 45 of 57 consented females were randomized, and 42 (30 premenopausal and\n12 postmenopausal women) were eligible for a modified intent-to-treat analysis based on having had at least one postmedication\nvisit. Remission rates by the end of treatmentwere higher for the maca than the placebo group, based on attainment of anASEX total\nscore ? 10 (9.5% for maca versus 4.8% for placebo), attaining an MGH-SFQ score ? 12 (30.0% for maca versus 20.0% for placebo)\nand reaching anMGH-SFQ score ? 8 (9.5% for maca versus 5.0% for placebo). Higher remission rates for the maca versus placebo\ngroup were associated with postmenopausal status. Maca was well tolerated. Conclusion. Maca root may alleviate SSRI-induced\nsexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. This trial is registered with NCT00568126.
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