Maca Maxima

Per 2 capsules:

Proprietary Blend Tongkat Ali Extract (Eurycoma longifolia)(root), (Standardized to 2 - 3% Eurycomanone), Black Ginger Extract (Kaempferia parviflora) (root)(Standardized to 2.5% 5,7-dimethoxyflavone), Maca Extract (Lepidium meyenii) (root) (Standardized to 2.4% Benzyl Glucosinolate), Brewer's Yeast (contains 10mg Zinc), BioPerine^® Black Pepper Extract (Piper nigrum) (fruit) (Standardized to 95% Piperine): 555mg

2 capsules daily

Note: Do not exceed recommended dosage

Research Proven Benefits of Key Ingredients

The following are extracted from published clinical studies, in-house studies, and/or case studies and are for reference purposes only. This does not imply that the product from Lifestream Group Pte Ltd is claimed to replicate the same results produced in the studies. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions about a medical condition, please consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Any statements or claims made have not been evaluated by the relevant regulatory bodies and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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1. Boost metabolism and energy

Study 1: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a pivotal cellular energy sensor and regulator. When the energy level is low, AMPK is activated to promote energy (ATP) production. Polymethoxyflavones in black ginger extract was shown to activate AMPK,
which improves glucose and fat metabolism to produce energy, it also enhances physical fitness performance and muscular endurance (Patent no. JP6086953). 

Study 2: Black ginger extract was shown to improve expression levels of GLUT4 (an insulin-regulated glucose transporter responsible for glucose uptake into fat and muscle cells). It also increased expression level of PGC-1α (a transcriptional coactivator that regulates genes involved in energy metabolism). These findings suggest that black ginger extract improved glucose consumption, which in turn helped improve energy metabolism.

2. Relieve fatigue and improve performance

Maca, black ginger and Tongkat Ali extracts help improve physical fitness in athletes, bodybuilders and the elderly. They help to gain muscle mass and strength, increase energy levels, reduce chronic fatigue, as well as improve exercise performance, endurance and reduce the risk of muscle pain in the following day.

Study 1: In this animal test, 4-week-old male mice were orally administered 6 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg maca extract with 5 doses per week. A weight of 10% of the mice’s body weight was attached to the tail as the mice in a water tank with a temperature of 25ᴼC. The duration of the mice below the water surface (at least 5 seconds) was then recorded. Results showed that maca extracts at both 6 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg doses significantly increased swimming time, suggesting the effects of maca extract on endurance.

Study 2: In this animal test, mice which were orally administeredbenzylglucosinolate (BGSL), an active ingredient of Maca, showed significant prolonged swimming time compared to the control. 

Study 3: Hemoglobin is a protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen to cells. Administration of Maca extract increased the mice’s hemoglobin levels. 

Study 4: In this animal test, 4-week-old male mice were orally administered 6 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg maca extract with 5 doses per week. A weight of 5% of the mice’s body weight was attached to the tail for 5 weeks. These mice swam for 15 minutes, followed by a 60-minute rest. During this period, their blood samples were collected over time to measure the concentrations of lactic acid (responsible for muscle fatigue) in the blood. Compared to control, maca extract resulted in lower concentration of blood lactic acid, suggesting the beneficial effects of maca extract in relieving muscle fatigue during exercise.

Study 5: Benzyl glucosinolate (BGSL) in Maca markedly suppressed the increase of lactic acid levels (measured as plasma lactate), where lactic acid is a fatigue substance. Hence, the lower the lactic acid levels, the lower the fatigue level.

Study 6: In a double-blind clinical trial, 24 men and women aged 25 to 62 were orally administered 100 mg/day of black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract (KPE) or dextrin (control) as shown in the following schedule. The effects of black ginger extract on exercise performance and fatigue recovery were then evaluated. 

i) Leg strength
To evaluate leg strength, a 30-second chair stand test was conducted, in which the number of stands a person can complete in 30 seconds were recorded. Compared to before intake, the group administered with black ginger extract (KPE) showed a greater increase in number of stands made, this demonstrated the beneficial effects of the extract on leg strength. 

ii) Movement balance
To evaluate movement balance, a 5m tandem walking test was performed. With each step, the test subjects had to walk with the toes of their back foot touching the heel of the front foot. Compared to before intake, group administered with black ginger extract (KPE) showed a greater decrease in time taken, indicating the beneficial effects of the extract on movement balance.

iii) Endurance
To evaluate endurance, a cycle ergometer test was performed. The test subjects were to pedal for 10 minutes and the amount of exercise was calculated by multiplying pedalling times with load. Compared to before intake, group administered with black ginger extract (KPE) showed a greater increase in the amount of exercise, indicating the beneficial effects of the extract on endurance.

iv) Subjective evaluation by questionnaire
Based on results of questionnaires, black ginger extract (KPE) remarkably improved physical performance of the test subjects.

These findings suggested that black ginger extract is effective in supporting exercise performance, this included grasping power, leg strength, balancing power and endurance. This extract is particularly advantageous to the elderly, those lacking in exercise, as well as athletes.

Study 7: In this animal test, mice were orally administered 150mg/kg/day black ginger extract for a week. The mice were then subjected to a wire hanging test, followed by forced swimming. After a 5-minute interval, the mice were subjected to second wire hanging test. Mice administered with black ginger extract was shown to recover 70% of performance after the 5-minute break.

Study 8: In this clinical trial, 14 healthy men performed an intense strength training programme with initial load of 60% RM (2 sets of 10 repetions with 1 minute rest between, for 10 stations) on alternate days for five weeks. They were simultaneously orally administered either 100 mg/day Tongkat Ali extract or placebo. Thereafter, the intensity of the exercise was increased by 10% RM per week. Body composition, arm circumference and one repetition maximum (1 RM) were measured and recorded one day before and after 5 weeks of supplementation and intervention. Results showed that Tongkat Ali extract resulted in significant increase in lean body mass, mean arm circumference and 1RM test, as well as significant decrease in percentage body fat. These findings suggest the ergogenic effect (enhancement of physical performance) of Tongkat Ali extract, which may be beneficial to athletes in enhancing their strength and energy production. 

3. Improve blood circulation

Poor blood circulation could lead to cold hands and feet as well as edema, a swelling condition due to accumulation of interstitial fluid underneath the skin. In addition, poor blood flow to the penis could also affect male sexual function. Black ginger extract helps increase dilation in the blood vessels and improve peripheral blood circulation, this in turn helps to stabilise body temperature, relieve edema and remove waste products or toxins from the body, as well as support healthy sexual function.

Study 1: In a clinical trial, 14 individuals (8 healthy males aged 24 – 59 and 6 healthy females aged 26 – 48) were orally administered 150 mg/day black ginger extract in a single dose and continuous intake for 1 week. Their peripheral blood circulation, peripheral vasculature and blood pressure were monitored before and afer ingestion of black ginger extract.

The peripheral blood circulation of test subjects improved 57.1% and 50.0% after 1 hour and 1 week of continuous intake of black ginger extract, respectively. 

Meanwhile, peripheral vasculature (deposition and arrangement of blood vessels) was observed to return to its normal arrangement from a deformed state.

In addition, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the test subjects were normalised following single dose of black ginger extract. The systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced 2 hours after the single dose (p < 0.05) and the normalised blood pressure was maintained for 2 hours. 

Lastly, a questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the subjective improvements. Most test subjects noticed an improvement to coldness, energy levels, physical condition and edema. 

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) generates nitric oxide (NO), which is involved in regulating blood vessel function, especially vasodilation (widening of blood vessels). Nitric oxide is important for a healthy cardiovascular system, as well as normal sexual function.

Study 1: In an in vitro study, maca was found to activate eNOS which helps to widen blood vessels, thereby improving blood circulation. 

Study 2: In an in vitro study, black ginger extract (KPE) was found to upregulate eNOS mRNA and protein expression and enhance nitric oxide production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, indicating the beneficial roles of black ginger extract in improving blood circulation, regulating blood pressure and potentially protecting against hardening and stiffening of blood vessels.

4. Protect against anti-metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These include high blood pressure, high triglycerides and cholesterol levels, elevated fasting blood sugar and excess body fat around the waist. Metabolic syndrome is not an uncommon condition, the American Heart Association indicates that 23% of adults currently suffers from this condition.

Study 1: In this animal test, 4-week-old male mice were orally administered either a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD + 6 mg/kg maca extract or HFD + 30 mg/kg maca extract, for 33 days. Their body weight was measured throughout the experiment. Compared to HDF, maca extracts at both 6 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg doses significantly reduced body weight. 

Study 2: In this clinical trial, 76 overweight and pre-obese subjects aged 20 to over 65 years old, with a body mass index of ≥24 and <30 kg/m2 were orally administered either 150 mg black ginger extract or placebo daily for 12 weeks and the anti-obesity effects were evaluated. The findings showed that compare to placebo, intake of black ginger extract has resulted in a significant reduction in visceral, subcutaneous, total fat and triglyceride levels after 12 weeks. This suggests the beneficial effects of black ginger extract in reducing body fat in overweight and pre-obese subjects. 

Study 3: In an animal test, feeds containing 1% and 3% black ginger extract were orally administered to spontaneously obese and type-2 diabetic mice for 8 weeks. Black ginger extract was found to suppress weight gain, accumulation of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat, as well as blood glucose levels; while no suppression of the above-mentioned was observed in normal healthy mice. These findings suggest that black ginger extract could potentially be a promising alternative natural remedy for metabolic syndrome. 

Study 4: In this animal test, Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic (high blood sugar levels) rats which were orally administered Tongkat Ali extract at 150 mg/kg of body weight, demonstrated positive blood glucose lowering effect. There is no significant reduction in blood glucose for normoglycaemic (normal blood sugar levels) rats. These findings suggest the beneficial effect of Tongkat Ali extract on supporting healthy blood glucose (J Ethnopharmacol. 95(2-3): 205-208 (2004).

5. Support emotional wellness

Negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, anger and depression can have a negative impact on the mental health, thoughts, behaviours and body reactions. Over time, chronic emotional distress may contribute to serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease and mental disorders. Tongkat Ali contains alkaloid - a bioactive compound responsible for calming effect, may be an effective approach to shield the body from the detrimental effects of chronic stress, general day-to-day stress, stress relating to sleep deprivation or physical training.

Study 1: In this clinical trial, 32 men and 31 women who are moderately stressed are orally administered either a standardised 200 mg/day Tongkat Ali root extract or placebo for 4 weeks. Results showed significant improvements in tension, anger and confusion among the group which had Tongkat Ali extract. In addition, there were significantly improvement in stress hormone profile with reduced levels of salivary cortisol, which is a primary stress hormone. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of Tongkat Ali extract in managing chronic stress. 

6. Support healthy weight loss

Overeating or consuming excessive calories and sedentary lifestyles are the prominent causes of weight gain. If more calories are consumed than burned, then a person is likely to gain weight. Obesity is one of the world’s largest health problems. It is associated with metabolic syndrome which includes high blood pressure, high blood glucose and a poor blood lipid profile.

Mice taking Maca extract showed suppression of gain weight caused by high-calorie food. Benzylglucosinolate (BGSL) is the key component of Maca extract to have this weight loss effect.

7. Support healthy brain function

Phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2) is highly expressed in various regions of the brain and plays a crucial role in cognition, perception, concentration and emotion. Studies suggest that inhibition of PDE2 activity in the brain improves memory function by potentiating long-term increase in nerve cells as well as protects against depressionand anxiety-like behaviors.

In this in vitro study, the effect of black ginger extract on PDE2 activity was examined. It was found that 1 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL black ginger extract demonstrated inhibitory effect on PDE2 activity. Similarly, 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, a standardised compound of black ginger extract inhibited PDE2 activity at concentrations of 3 µM and 30 µM. This suggests that the PDE2 inhibitory effect of black ginger extract is attributed to 5,7-dimethoxyflavone. On the other hand, long pepper (Piper longum) extract which helps improve blood circulation, did not show inhibitory effect on PDE2 activity at low concentration of 10 µg/mL but only at higher concentration of 100 µg/mL. These findings suggest that black ginger extract is 100 times more potent than long pepper extract in inhibiting PDE2 activity. 

8. Support healthy bones

Bones which become weak and brittle are susceptble to a fracture when there is a fall, bending over, during a cough or sneezing. This type of bone fractures most commonly happen at the hip, wrist or spine. Recent research has shown that Tongkat Ali extract has positive effects to bone development & strengthening, which could potentially be used to mitigate bone problems.

Study 1: In this animal test, 40 orchidectomised (removed testes) (ORX) rats were administered Tongkat Ali extract (ORX + EL), or testosterone + Tongkat Ali extract (ORX+ T + EL) for 6 weeks. Testosterone was injected intramuscularly at 4 mg/kg, while Tongkat Ali extract was administered via oral gavages at the dose of 15 mg/kg daily. Following the 6 weeks of treatment, the treated group showed significantly lower osteocalcin than SHAM (control) group and higher strain parameter than ORX rats without treatment. Osteocalcin levels are typically increased in metabolic bone diseases. These findings suggest the beneficial effects of combined therapy of low dose testosterone and Tongkat Ali extract as a potential remedy for hormone deficiency-related bone problem in men.

9. Provide antioxidant protection

Studies have associated oxidative stress from free radicals to the development of various health conditions, including clogged arteries, inflammation and aging. Hence, antioxidants, which scavenge and neutralize free radicals, are crucial to protect the body against various diseases and delay age-related changes.

In this study, the antoxidant effect of black ginger extract on superoxide dismutase (SOD) model and DPPH radical scavenging model was examined. SOD constitute a crucial antioxidant defense against oxidative stress in the body. Black ginger extract demonstrated antioxidant effects on both SOD and DPPH radical scavenging models in a dose-dependent manner.

10. Support strong immune system

The immune system is made up of various organs, cells and proteins. A strong immune system is crucial to protect the body from bacteria and viruses, thereby preventing illnesses. People with a poor immune system have a higher risk of frequent infections and suffer severe symptoms from infection.

Study 1: Spleen and thymus are two important organs in the immune system. Spleen produces white blood cells that synthesize antibodies and fight infection. Thymus produces progenitor cells, which mature into T cells used by the body to destroy infected or cancerous cells.

In this animal test, 18 female mice aged 6 months old and above were administered either a control, black ginger extract (15 mg/kg) or black ginger extract (45 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, the volume of their spleen and thymus were measured. Compared to control, the organs of mice which were given black ginger extract (45mg/kg) had increased in volume. This suggests the beneficial effects of black ginger extract on the immune system.

11. Support anti-allergy

An allergy is an immune response to a normally harmless substance such as pollen, molds and certain foods. Some of the common symptoms of an allergic reaction include sneezing, itchy eyes, shortness of breath, itch and red rashes, swollen lips or face and abdominal discomforts. After detecting an allergen, a type of immune cells known as mass cells is degranulated, resulting in the release of mediators responsible for immediate allergic reactions.

Study 1: In an in vitro study, the anti-allergic activity of black ginger extract and other Zingiberaceous (ginger family) plants were compared using rat mass cell line RBL-2H3. Among the Zingingeraceous plants, black ginger extract demonstrated the most potent anti-allergic effect on the prevention of mast cells degranulation with an IC50 of about 10 µg/ml. IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) is a measure of the potency of a substance in inhibiting a specific biological function, with lower IC50 value indicating the substance is effective at lower concentrations.