Lepidium meyenii Walper (Maca) is an annual or biennial herb of the genus Lepidopsis in the cruciferous family.It originates from South America and has a long history of consumption.In addition to the locals in Peru who consume maca,the interest and demand for Maca are growing all over the world.Maca was gradually introduced into China in the early 1990s and was approved as a new resource food in 2011.At this stage,maca has been successfully introduced in high-altitude regions such as Yunnan and Tibet.A large number of experimental studies have shown that Maca can regulate sex hormones,improve sexual function and inhibit prostatic hyperplasia of the reproductive system.It can promote gastrointestinal motility and protect against liver injury in digestive system.It has the effect of improving memory,anti-depression,protecting nerve and analgesia to nervous system.Maca can enhance cellular immunity and humoral immunity to the immune system.It can reduce diastolic blood pressure and systolic blood pressure in the blood circulation system.It also has the functions of anti-inflammatory,fatigue resistance,oxidation resistance,resistance to ultraviolet radiation and anti osteoporosis and other effects.Relevant toxicological studies showed that maca had no cytotoxicity,in vitro hepatotoxicity,acute toxicity,long-term toxicity or reproductive toxicity.In this paper,the pharmacological and toxicological studies of maca in recent years were reviewed,and the pharmacological and toxicological studies were summarized.It was found that maca had no toxic and side effects,as well as a variety of pharmacological and nutritional functions.It is hoped that this paper can provide help and reference for maca's future medicinal experiment and clinical research.