Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, and Antinociceptive Effects of Peruvian Black Maca (<i>Lepidium meyenii</i> Walp.).

ABSTRACT: Lepidium meyenii Walp. (black maca, BM) is a traditional Andean crop increasingly studied for its bioactive potential. This work characterized the phytochemical profile and evaluated the antioxidant, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties of a lyophilized aqueous extract of BM hypocotyls. UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified twelve major compounds, including macamides, imidazole alkaloids, sterols, and fatty acid amides. BM showed a moderate total phenolic content but strong electron transfer-based antioxidant activity in CUPRAC and FRAP assays, together with moderate radical scavenging capacity in ABTS and DPPH systems. In ovariectomized rats, BM significantly reduced brain malondialdehyde levels, mitigated oxidative stress, and improved spatial learning during acquisition in t

SUBMITTER: Quispe-Diaz IM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12561524 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature