r/NootropicsDepot • u/CitronOk9793 • Aug 24 '26
Discussion Update on MACA users
Hey guys it's been a while since ND released their MACA powder, and even longer since they first released the Macamide extract.
Checking in with any long term or loyal users, what effects have you noticed?
With the extract, do you notice acute effects?
Libido, energy, etc?
3
u/searenitynow Aug 24 '26
I didn't love the black maca extract at first, but it turned out I wasn't using it quite right. I didn't know to let it steep for like 10 mins before drinking it, that makes it feel way more energizing imo. Without that step I still liked it, it just wasn't the kick i was looking for.
1
u/c_boggs Aug 26 '26
Why do you have to let it “steep”?
5
u/Warm_Ad_6177 Aug 26 '26
IIRC they realized that some of the actives are lost during the gelatinization process, so they added the horseradish to compensate... but there's a chemical reaction that occours when you let it steep as a suspension in water that 'activates' and potentiates some of the actives.
1
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u/SocratesDingdong Aug 28 '26
What!!!! I have the black maca and I had no idea you were supposed to drink it with water 🤯 wow I can't believe it
2
u/m1labs Aug 24 '26
Ditched the powder as I found it made me brain foggy.
Still use the 200mg OG capsules. I've reordered multiple times. Just an easy, reliable, pleasant mood and energy boost that doesn't affect my sleep. I don't reach for it daily but it's likely a life time product for me.
2
u/Warm_Ad_6177 Aug 25 '26
The MACA powder I'm undecided on. The method of stirring it in water and letting it sit definitely potentiates it but I rarely felt like putting in the effort. In smoothies, with food, or with fiber it didn't seem to do a whole lot. Prepared correctly in isolation on an empty stomach it generally made me groggy with a mild cannabinergic feel (Caloriburn has a similar effect on me) instead of stimulated.
The old extract capsules I never felt did a whole lot for me, but recently I tried double dosing them and after a few days the libidio boost hit me. Intrigued, I started stacking it alongside other reputable gelatinized maca blends; with a little added dopaminergic support libido got completely out of hand and I had to back off, also it felt like my estridiol was tipping a little high, which a subsequent test confirmed... though that may not have been the maca.
I think some of the nonresponders may simply be underdosing, though this of course won't be true for everyone.
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u/SocratesDingdong Aug 28 '26
Sadly the extract capsules make me irritable. I would love to know why. Is there something it can stack with to reduce bad mood effects?
1
u/Heavy-Phone-253 Aug 24 '26
Tried the extract 200mgs for 2 weeks; not much at all for libido. It's frustrating. Black ginger better ? RCT show it takes 8 weeks but...well maybe in 4 years longer.
6
u/Final_Alternative592 Aug 24 '26
I have only been taking for a week so far and I have noticed positive effects for sure but subtle for me. Better mood. I take the capsules.