Influence of abiotic factors on the growth and development of maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.)

Introduction: Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant that grows naturally in the high Andes. It has a storage organ underground called a root tuber. This species was nearly extinct at various points in history, despite its long-standing recognition since antiquity. However, it was rediscovered for scientific purposes in the 1980s. Objective: The objective of this review paper is to introduce L. meyenii and to describe the ways in which its growth is influenced by factors such as climate, temperature, UV radiation, water availability, and soil quality. Methods: The article includes characteristic of L. meyenii, its environmental requirements regarding cultivation and harvesting, chemical composition and activity, and the influence of abiotic factors on its growth and development. Results: Root tuber, which comes in a wide range of colours, due to slight differences in chemical composition, exhibits a distinct profile of physiological effects. Such a diverse composition of the raw material translates into a broad spectrum of effects on the human body. Conclusion: From phytotherapeutic perspective L. meyenii should be considered a fully valuable raw material only when originating from the high-altitude regions of Peru. Moreover, the key to sustainable development of its cultivation sector is to reconcile production needs with protection of Andean soil resources.