Extagen by J3 Labs has become something of a celebrity in the world of men's health. While the efficacy of the capsules in regards to male enhancement has not been proven in independent trials, mostly because such trials are not required for herbal supplements, the tens of thousands of men who attest to its benefits are a vocal bunch, and word of mouth endorsements have caused sales of the supplement to eclipse that of other male enhancement products. Extagen contains a number of herb and herbal extracts that have been used for years by indigenous cultures for the treatment of various forms of sexual dysfunction. This article will look at one of the key ingredients, the Andean tuber known as maca root.

Maca root has been cultivated for centuries by the indigenous peoples of Bolivia and Peru. The root grows best at altitudes of four thousand feet and higher. Since maca does not grow well in the lowlands, the mountain people often used Maca as currency to trade for corn and beans which grow better in the lowlands than in the highlands. Maca is considered to be a staple of the diet of some mountain tribes, and is considered to be a delicacy in some of the surrounding regions.

The reason that maca is held in such high regard has little to do with its flavor, which has been variously described a "starchy" and "pungent." Rather, the native peoples of South America noticed early on that men who consumed maca were more vigorous and libidinous than their non maca consuming peers. There are even legends of Inca warriors consuming large quantities of Maca before battle in order to give themselves the vigor necessary to best the enemy. The same tales go on to say that the warriors, flush with victory and in the grips of maca effects, would often be insatiably amorous after battle.

Maca is just one of the ingredients in Extagen that have been used by indigenous cultures to promote male health. Along with Yohimbe, Ginseng, and other natural ingredients, maca root forms the core of this particular male enhancement herbal supplement.