Mushroom Index
Cordyceps
Cordyceps, nature's master of metamorphosis, has evolved from ancient Tibetan tonic to a modern-day marvel for vitality and athletic prowess.
Cordyceps / Cordyceps militaris
Overview
Cordyceps, an unusual genus of parasitic fungi, are renowned for their peculiar life cycle, which involves infiltrating and consuming the bodies of insects. The most well-known species, Cordyceps sinensis, grows in the high altitude grasslands of the Tibetan plateau and the Himalayas. Here, it parasitizes moth caterpillars during the winter, and in the summer, the fruiting body sprouts from the consumed host, a stunning display of nature's cycle of life and death.
In the modern world, Cordyceps entered the limelight when Chinese athletes credited their record-breaking performances at the 1993 National Games in Beijing to a regimen that included Cordyceps supplementation. This sparked an intensified interest in the fungus's potential to support respiratory function, boost energy levels, and mitigate fatigue. A growing body of research indicates that these age-old claims are not without substance.
Numerous scientific studies now point to the potential of Cordyceps to enhance aerobic capacity, increase stamina, and support lung health, offering intriguing possibilities for both general vitality and athletic performance. Due to the rarity and high cost of harvesting wild Cordyceps, most supplements today use lab-grown Cordyceps militaris, which contains similar active compounds.
Other Names:
- Dong Chong Xia Cao - “Winter Worm, Summer Grass” in China
- Yartsa Gunbu - "Caterpillar Fungus" in Tibet
Benefits
Enhances athletic performance and endurance
Boosts energy levels and reduces fatigue
Supports immune system function
Promotes healthy libido and sexual function
Cordyceps / Cordyceps militaris
History of Use
The earliest recorded medicinal use of Cordyceps sinensis can be traced back to 15th century Tibet. Tibetan herdsmen observed their livestock consuming the fungal fruiting bodies and consequently becoming more robust and energetic.
This led to its use as a rejuvenating tonic in Tibetan and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the Ming Dynasty, it was described as a precious commodity that could "repair the five viscera, quiet the spirit, and give a light body."
Cordyceps / Cordyceps militaris
Optimal Extraction Process
Cordyceps contains a variety of bio-active compounds, some of which are water-soluble, such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans, while others, like cordycepin, are alcohol-soluble. Therefore, a dual extraction method is optimal for capturing the full spectrum of active compounds in Cordyceps.
By combining hot water and alcohol extraction, both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds are effectively extracted, ensuring that the full range of Cordyceps' therapeutic potential is captured. This method maximizes the bioavailability of Cordyceps' active compounds, offering the most comprehensive health benefits.
Cordyceps / Cordyceps militaris
Key Active Compounds
Key Active Compounds
Cordycepin
The star compound of Cordyceps, and indeed the subject of much scientific attention, is cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine). This unique nucleoside analogue is structurally similar to adenosine, a molecule integral to many biological processes, including the production of ATP - our bodies' main energy currency.
Key Active Compounds
ATP Production
Cordycepin's structural resemblance to adenosine allows it to engage with the same cellular pathways. It has been shown to enhance the body's ATP production, promoting energy efficiency at a cellular level and potentially translating into increased endurance and resistance to fatigue during physical activity.
Moreover, preliminary research suggests that cordycepin may also support lung function by reducing inflammation and dilating bronchial tubes, thereby improving airflow. This, combined with its ability to enhance energy metabolism, may help explain the traditional use of Cordyceps for respiratory health and the increasing popularity of its use among athletes as a performance-enhancing natural supplement.
Cordyceps / Cordyceps militaris
Selected Clinical Studies
1. CordyMax™ Cs-4 improves steady-state bioenergy status in mouse liver (2010)
Conditions: In vivo study on mice using CordyMax™ Cs-4
Effect: Improved liver bioenergy status, suggesting increased energy production
2. Cordyceps sinensis Increases Hypoxia Tolerance by Inducing Heme Oxygenase-1 and Metallothionein via Nrf2 Activation in Human Lung Epithelial Cells (2012)
Conditions: In vitro study on human lung epithelial cells
Effect: Improved hypoxia tolerance, indicating potential benefits for lung capacity
3. Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation (2016)
Conditions: Involved 28 healthy, exercise-trained men using 4 grams of Cordyceps militaris daily
Effect: Enhanced aerobic capacity, endurance performance, and reduced inflammation
4. Effects of Cs-4®(Cordyceps sinensis) on Exercise Performance in Healthy Older Subjects: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (2010)
Conditions: Involved 20 healthy older adults using 3 grams of Cs-4® daily
Effect: Improved exercise performance and increased aerobic capacity
5. A Cordyceps militaris and Ganoderma lucidum mixture enhances spatial memory and increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels (2018)
Conditions: In vivo study on mice using a mixture of Cordyceps militaris and Ganoderma lucidum
Effect: Improved spatial memory and increased BDNF levels, suggesting potential cognitive and well-being benefits
