Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) roots on spermatogenesis of male rats

Aim: To determine the effect of oral administration of an aqueous extract f rom the roots of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on spermatogenesis in adult male r ats. Methods.. Male rats received an aqueous extract of the root (66. 7 mg in one mL) twice a day for 14 consecutive days. Results, Treatment with Lep idium meyenii resulted in an increase in the weights of testis and epididym is but not the seminal vesicle weight. The length and frequency of stages I X-XIV seminiferous tubules, where mitosis occurred, were increased and stag es I-VI were reduced in rats treated with Lepidium meyenii. Conclusion: The Lepidium meyenii root invigorates spermatogenesis in male rats by acting o n its initial stages (IX-XIV).