Cordyceps Medicinal Benefits
Cordyceps militaris growing wild
Cordyceps mushrooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have the unique distinction of being an entomopathogenic fungi, which means they develop as parasites on insects in nature. Cordyceps is a fungus that grows and is found on caterpillars or the larvae of insects. It is most commonly called Cordyceps or Caterpillar fungus. It is known by several other names as well: vegetable caterpillar, Chinese caterpillar fungus, Dong Chong Xia Cao, Semitake, Hsia ts'ao tung Chung, and Yarsha gumba [1].
It's mostly found in meadows above 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) on the Tibetan Plateau in Southwest China, as well as Bhutan and Nepal's Himalayan areas. It was discovered by Tibetan ranchers working at high altitudes and has an odd spindly appearance similar to that of a brilliant orange caterpillar [2]. Cordyceps mushroom’s scientific names are Cordyceps sinensis and Sphere sinensis which were renamed in 2007 as Ophiocordyceps sinensis [1].
It feeds on ghost moth larvae and develops a fruiting body that was once regarded as a valuable and common ingredient of herbal treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. Cordyceps was taken by Tibetan ranchers to help them cope with the effects of low oxygen and also to combat disease, boost stamina, and extend life [2]. Cordyceps is available as supplements and used in the form of capsules, powders, and liquid extracts.
Cordyceps militaris
Cordyceps and athletic performance
In 1993, when world-record-breaking performances by Chinese female athletes were attributed to a dietary program that included cordyceps intake in the form of supplements, it acquired notoriety in the West for its impact on athletic performance. [2].
In a research study investigating the effects of a cordyceps-based mushroom blend on athletic performance in young people, the participants' fitness level increased by 11% after three weeks [3].
The mechanism by which cordyceps helps boost athletic performance is by producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is necessary for pumping energy to the muscles [3].
Antitumor activity
Cordyceps has been demonstrated to have anticancer activity in a variety of tumors through various mechanisms. It has been shown to have anticancer properties in both natural and cultivated forms [4]. Cordyceps has been proven to prevent the growth of a variety of human cancer cells, including lung, colon, skin, and liver [6]. Cordyceps may also help to reverse the adverse effects of various cancer treatments like leukopenia [3].
Cordyceps has several bioactive substances, the most important of which is cordycepin, which has tremendous medicinal and nutraceutical significance. Cordycepin has anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, anticancer, antiviral, hepato-protective, hyposexuality, cardio-protective, antimalarial, anti-osteoporotic, anti-arthritic, cosmeceutical, and other nutraceutical and therapeutic properties, making it an extremely significant medicinal mushroom for promoting better health [5].
Antifatigue activity
Cordyceps is said to be very essential against fatigue. Because of its adaptogenic (antistress) characteristics and capacity to increase endurance and strength, cordyceps is used to restore health after various ailments and to expedite recovery from fatigue and tiredness in China [4]. Cordyceps' role in the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) [3] provides for a reduction in physical weariness.
Cordyceps and diabetes
Cordyceps has been demonstrated to lower blood sugar levels in various trials. By imitating the effect of insulin, cordyceps keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range [3]. There is potential for cordyceps to be used as a treatment for diabetic patients.
What to expect from Cordyceps?
Cordyceps is utilized for a variety of purposes. Coughs, chronic bronchitis, respiratory disorders, kidney disorders, nighttime urination, anemia, irregular heartbeat, high cholesterol, liver disorders, dizziness, weakness, ringing in the ears, unwanted weight loss, and opium addiction are all conditions that are treated by cordyceps. It helps to improve your immune system, kidney performance, and liver function, to reduce the effects of aging, and increases your stamina and strength.
In a research analysis of 1,746 persons who were suffering from chronic kidney disease, cordyceps supplements were found to improve kidney function by up to 22% [3]. Cordyceps has also been shown to have impacts on both innate and adaptive immunity [4].
Cordyceps is a valued Chinese traditional medicine [1] and due to its scarcity and high cost, other natural varieties of cordyceps besides C. sinensis, cultured mycelia, and cordyceps fruiting bodies have become the most common replacements in commercial supplements. Cordyceps cultured mycelia are usually just as effective as natural cordyceps mycelia [4].
2 Ultimate Guide to Cordyceps Mushroom Benefits
3 Benefits of Cordyceps, All Backed by Science
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