Cordyceps mushrooms seem to have lots of eyes right now. They are seen in every adaptogen and pre-workout supplement and are talked about extensively in the mushroom community – they are also one of the top superfoods.
What Are Cordyceps Mushrooms?
Cordyceps mushrooms are parasitic fungi that include over 400 different species. They grow all over the world in countries like China, Japan, India, the United States, Australia, Peru, Bolivia, and many more. They typically infect insects and arthropods, with each species of Cordyceps infecting a very specific bug.
The life cycle begins with Cordyceps spores landing on the insect. The spore germinates, and small thread-like filaments called hyphae will begin to grow inside the insect and turn into mycelium. The mycelium (the fungi’s root-like structure that will develop into a mushroom) continues to consume the insect from the inside.
When the fungal mycelium fully consumes the insect and the environmental conditions are correct, a blade-like mushroom (fruiting body) is produced from the insect’s head. The mushroom then releases spores and the life cycle starts over.
Traditional Chinese Medicinal Uses
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Cordyceps mushrooms are considered a very special tonic. Called Dōnɡ Chónɡ Xià Cǎo (冬虫夏草), these mushrooms were offered to the Emperor’s court and others among Chinese nobility. The first written record was mentioned in the year AD 620. Traditionally it was used as a lung and kidney tonic, making it useful for respiratory complaints, physical tiredness, and for those with a weak constitution. Sexual function, libido, and performance are also keynotes for Cordyceps mushrooms’ traditional use.
Cordyceps is considered a jing tonic by nourishing yin, boosting yang, and supporting kidney essence. Essence is considered to be the elixir of life in TCM. Essence comes from lifestyle (post-natal qi: breathing, diet, meditation, mushrooms and herbs) or from energetic reserves we are born with (pre-natal qi). Cordyceps is considered to be placed on equal value with other valued tonics like ginseng, reishi and deer antler velvet.
Cordyceps mushrooms have a sweet flavor and are slightly warm in energetics. These more subtle qualities of Cordyceps are used to make sure Cordyceps isn’t used in the wrong scenarios. For example, due to the stimulating and strengthening nature of Cordyceps mushrooms, they are contraindicated in conditions with lung heat based on their ability to not only strengthen the person but also the current state of the body.
There have been 50 medicines and two Cordyceps supplements approved in China since 2002.
Think vigor and vitality when looking at the traditional applications of Cordyceps: a secret tonic traditionally used to strengthen, rebuild and energize the body and mind.
Cordyceps for Energy and Exercise Performance
Supplements of Cordyceps mushrooms showed improved exercise performance in healthy older patients, as demonstrated by improved respiratory and metabolic functioning This study took 20 healthy elderly individuals ages 50-75. One group was the control, and the other group took 999 mg of Cs-4 (three 333-mg capsules) per day. The subjects performed the stationary cycle ergometer using breath-by-breath examination at baseline and the end of the study. The results were quite good! Following 12 weeks of Cs-4 supplementation, the healthy elderly individuals’ lactate threshold increased by 10.5%, and their ventilatory threshold increased by 8.5%. On the other hand, the control group saw no changes in VO2 max.
Similar results were shown in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, which showed a 7% improvement in VO2max in healthy older individuals, this time in a bigger sample size.
Cordyceps was shown in a small study to have no effect on aerobic capacity in trained athletes. The researchers theorize that trained athletes are already close to their aerobic capacity, and Cordyceps’ mechanisms of action have less of an effect.
Another human study supported the use of Cordyceps on energy and sympathetic activation during exercise.
Animal studies show that the polysaccharides in Cordyceps mushrooms can have an anti-tiredness effect and improve exercise performance biomarkers. One such study found that rodents that received two weeks of Cordyceps militaris (CM) supplementation displayed greater levels of delayed tiredness compared to rodents not given Cordyceps militaris. Not only that, but the CM rodent group had higher levels of ATP, antioxidant enzyme levels and best of all, lower levels of lactic acid (a key component affecting tiredness and time to exercise-induced exhaustion). In other words, these rodents were able to push longer and harder without tiring out as quickly.
Cordyceps mushrooms have been documented to have antioxidative effects. In theory, this could support athletes during and after their performance. Recovery is a critical time often overlooked by athletes of all levels. Athletes using Cordyceps for performance enhancement should also consider its recovery potential.
Cordyceps for a Healthy Inflammation Response
Preliminary human and animal cell studies suggest Cordyceps may support healthy levels of inflammation and immune markers. Beta-glucans and cordycepin in Cordyceps militaris have been theorized to be the main compounds responsible for their apparent ability to support a healthy inflammation response.
Mouse studies on blood sugar balance suggest that Cordyceps mushrooms may support the health of pancreatic beta cells. The immunomodulating and inflammation-balancing properties of Cordyceps may help rebalance the T regulatory and Th17 cell ratio seen in one mouse study.
Age-related inflammation of the cells and mitochondria can be influenced by free radicals and reactive oxygen species. In vitro and in vivo animal research suggests Cordyceps helps oxygen delivery at a cellular level, which may support a healthy inflammation response.
Animal research indicates Cordyceps mushrooms may have an effect on adenosine receptors, which explains some of its inflammation-balancing properties.
Cordyceps for Testosterone Level Support
Traditionally, Cordyceps mushrooms were used as an aphrodisiac to support sexual performance and healthy libido. Modern science indicates they may support healthy levels of androgens in men.
One animal study showed that Cordyceps helped mitigate the impact of bisphenol A (BPA, a hormone-disrupting plastic) on the reproductive system while supporting healthy testosterone levels, sperm motility, and sperm count.
Cordycepin may support healthy steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR) enzyme, which allows the starting substrate of all hormones, cholesterol, to enter the mitochondria for the production of steroid hormones. Cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone and pregnenolone to testosterone.
A lot of individuals looking to support healthy levels of testosterone often make the mistake of overtraining. Overtraining can lead to an increase in free radicals, leading to oxidative stress and a negative impact on the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal and gonadal axis. Cordyceps mushrooms also have abundant have anti-oxidative properties.
A pilot endurance athlete study (7 participants) showed that Cordyceps supplementation combined with reishi mushroom supplementation decreased overtraining markers and supported healthy testosterone to cortisol ratio. This same study showed decreases in oxidative stress.
A small study sample (16 participants) showed that young, healthy male adults showed no support of physical endurance or testosterone levels when supplementing with 2.4g/day of cordyceps. Again, this may be similar to the VO2 max studies showing that Cordyceps may have less of an effect on physically fit individuals.
Less may be more when looking at dosing for hormonal-balancing effects; a few of these animal studies showed better results with the lower dosage (1% vs 5%).
Cordyceps for Libido Enhancement
Cordyceps mushrooms were used traditionally to support libido and all things related to sexual functioning, but clinical data is lacking in this area.
Most of the in vitro studies and in vivo animal studies suggest that Cordyceps’ libido-enhancing effects may come from its hormone-supportive actions.
A study on individuals with low libido treated with cultured Cordyceps showed a 64.5% subjective improvement. A 2016 review referenced a Cordyceps study which increased libido and sexual performance in men and women.
One other thing to consider is that medicinal mushrooms may be 5-alpha-reductase (5AR) inhibitors, which could prevent testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This is why you see claims that medicinal mushrooms can support healthy hair in men over 50. Whether or not that is true remains to be seen.
The evidence to support the libido-enhancing effects of Cordyceps mushrooms is weak at best. Other than traditional and historic use, there is minimal research. However, taking into consideration the other positive physiological effects Cordyceps mushrooms exert, they may support a healthy sex drive, as libido has biopsychosocial factors.
Cordyceps for Blood Sugar Balance
Maintaining a healthy blood sugar balance is important since imbalances can negatively affect the kidneys due to increased oxidative stress.
Animal studies suggest that Cordyceps mushrooms may help maintain blood sugar levels already within a healthy range. Cordyceps mushrooms also appear to have kidney-protective and antioxidant effects.
Further evidence is needed to explore the preliminary findings of Cordyceps’ biomedical application in supporting kidney function.
There is currently no randomized clinical trial data to support Cordyceps assisting with blood sugar balance.
Cordyceps for Heart Health Maintenance
In animal studies, Cordyceps mushrooms appear to help maintain LDL cholesterol levels already within a healthy range.
Cordyceps’ protective role toward the cardiovascular system may be due to its adenosine and antioxidative effects. The compounds in Cordyceps mushrooms are thought to activate adenosine receptors, which can provide some cardioprotective effects. In fact, Cordyceps is used in China to support a regular heart rhythm.
Cordyceps’ possible performance enhancement mentioned above is another significant indicator of its effect on the cardiovascular system.
Cordyceps for Mood Support
Direct data regarding everyday worry and Cordyceps is lacking, though there is some supportive research.
Cordyceps mushrooms may theoretically help relieve occasional stress, which has been associated with higher levels of oxidation. Cordyceps decreases oxidative stress while providing support to the psychoneuroimmunology processes in the body (i.e. processes in which psychology, neurology, and immunology interact). Adaptogens are mediators of this system with their ability to build resilience.
Animal studies show that cordycepin may be neuroprotective in certain populations and conditions. Synaptic functions (needed to transmit nerve impulses) depend on healthy mitochondria and ATP for proper functioning.
Cordyceps mushrooms are considered a stimulating adaptogen, meaning it is more energizing compared to other adaptogens that are more neutral, calming, or restorative. An example of a calming adaptogen is holy basil. TCM, energetic herbalism, and Ayurvedic knowledge have best understood the applications of different classes of adaptogens.
TLDR; The Benefits
1. Increases Energy and Endurance
By enhancing the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, cordyceps can boost energy and endurance. Because of this, it is a well-liked supplement among athletes and fitness fans. According to studies, cordyceps helps people of all ages exercise more effectively and feel less worn out.
2. Improves Respiratory Function
By expanding the bronchial tubes and boosting the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, cordyceps can enhance respiratory function. Moreover, it can lessen respiratory system inflammation, which may lessen the signs and symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions.
3. Boosts Immune System
Cordyceps can boost the immune system by stimulating the formation of immune cells including T-cells and natural killer cells, cordyceps can strengthen the immune system. These cells aid the body in its defence against illnesses and infections.
4. Supports Kidney Function
The body’s waste is filtered by the kidneys, which are also in charge of maintaining fluid balance. Compounds found in cordyceps can improve kidney function by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation.
5. Improves Sexual Function
By boosting blood supply to the reproductive organs and balancing hormones, cordyceps can enhance sexual performance. It has been demonstrated to enhance male and female fertility, performance, and sexual desire.
Cordyceps is a type of fungus that has has a wide range of possible health advantages, including raising stamina and energy levels, enhancing respiratory efficiency, enhancing immune function, assisting renal function, and enhancing sexual performance. Whilst additional investigation is required to totally comprehend the advantages of cordyceps, it is a secure and organic method to enhance your general wellness.
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