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eCAM Advance Access published online on June 19, 2008
eCAM, doi:10.1093/ecam/nen041
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© The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

Commentary

The Methyltetrahydro-β-Carbolines in Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Gustavo F. Gonzales and Cynthia Gonzales-Castañeda

Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 431, Lima 31, Peru

Maca, a plant native to the Peruvian highlands, contains (1R,3S)-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (MTCA). The family of the tetrahydro-β-carbolines has been associated with both biologically helpful and harmful compounds. We present evidence that MTCA is a natural constituent of Maca, and on consumption no toxicity is found. This suggests that, when consumed as multi-component, MTCA may loose its adversity as drug action.

Keywords: Lepidium meyenii – Maca – methyltetrahydro-β-carbolines – polyphenols

For reprints and all correspondence: Dr Gustavo F. Gonzales, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, Lima 31, Peru. Tel: +00511 3190000 (2535); Fax: +00511 3821762; E-mail: ggr{at}upch.edu.pe

Received April 16, 2008; accepted May 14, 2008


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