A study in the journal Nutrients explored the effects of Lepidium meyenii Walpers (LMW), also known as Maca, on salivary gland damage caused by radiation in mice. Researchers found that mice treated with an LMW extract (LMWE) showed significant improvements compared to an untreated radiation-injury group. Specifically, LMWE treatment reduced the saliva secretion lag time from about 198 seconds in the injured group to as low as 159 seconds. Furthermore, the higher dose of LMWE increased salivary amylase activity by over 20% and helped restore the weight of the salivary glands. The study also identified two potentially new active compounds in Maca, DHPPD and E4Z-PD, which appeared to selectively promote the differentiation of specific types of salivary gland cells in a lab setting. These findings suggest that LMWE may help protect against and regenerate salivary gland dysfunction following radiation injury through its antioxidant and cell-differentiating properties.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. The study discussed was conducted on animals and in vitro (lab) models. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, supplement regimen, or treatment plan, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.
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Tsai, Y.-T.; Lin, Y.-C.; Cheng, M.-J.; Shih, C.-M.; Tsai, C.-S.; Lai, Z.-H.; Wu, C.-Y.; Liu, C.-W.; Lin, F.-Y.; Lin, Y.-W. Lepidium meyenii Walpers Promotes the Regeneration of Salivary Gland and Prevents Xerostomia After Irradiation Injury. Nutrients 2025, 17, 3033. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193033
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