Abstract: Macamides are the typical active components in maca.More than thirty monomeric macamides have been reported,which show weak polarity and do not possess typical characteristics of alkaloids.The content of macamides in dired maca roots ranged from 0.15 to 0.97%,but they play an important role in biological efficacy in maca.Because of the unique medicinal and edible value,the typical active components of maca had attracted increasing focus of researchers and market.This paper reviewed the chemical structures,extraction and separation,biological function and market situation of macamides,and discussed future research and market development of maca,providing beneficial references and ideas for related researches of maca as health food and drug.

Key words: maca, macamides, health food