Cordyceps sinensis is a minute fungus that sprouts out of caterpillar carcasses at high altitudes of the Tibetan plateau. [1] Considering that 95% of all fungi species still remain undiscovered, it's a wonder a small fungus from such a remote area is even described, let alone that it's managed to become one of the world's most popular medicinal fungi.
The unlikely origins of Cordyceps sinensis as a medicinal mushroom is enough to stand up and take notice.
In China, Cordyceps sinensis has been treasured for 2,000 years as a vitalizing tonic and aphrodisiac. The oldest preserved written record of it stems from 200 A.D. and the book The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman. Contemporary research is beginning to reaffirm the traditional Chinese knowledge about this medicinal fungus.
Modern day Chinese and Japanese research indicates that Cordyceps sinensis contains important immune-boosting and anti-tumor compounds. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
In particular, a number of studies indicate its potential usefulness in cases of leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] In 2002, the U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia. Cordycepin is an active compound from Cordyceps sinensis.
Affirming the traditional Chinese use of Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac, a modern trial found a 64% improvement in men with erectile dysfunction. [17] A possible explanation for this effect may be that Cordyceps helps dilate blood vessels, as demonstrated by two other studies. [18, 19]
Cordyceps extract also appears promising for cardio-vascular health by reducing cholesterol and acting as a general cardiotonic, [20] as well as aiding the kidneys [21] and liver (post-hepatitic cirrhosis). [22]
However, Cordyceps' popularity is primarily based on its effect on physical empowerment by helping to increase stamina and endurance. [23, 24, 25] Part of the explanation to this may be, as mentioned earlier, that it has an effect on improving blood-flow by dilating blood vessels. Another reason may be the similar effect it has on also helping to dilate respiratory passageways, which was demonstrated by two studies on bronchitis and asthma. [3, 26]
Cordyceps made sports headlines in 1993 when a group of nine Chinese women credited the mushroom for their world records set at the Chinese National Games that year. [27, 28]
Cordyceps sinensis is also rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides and many other newly discovered compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus many more that are yet to be isolated.
Last but not least, in his book Mycelium Running, foremost U.S. medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following additional areas of potential usefulness for Cordyceps extract as indicated by scientific research: Anti-bacterial; anti-viral; blood pressure; nerve support (stress); lymphoma; lung cancer. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
The unlikely origins of Cordyceps sinensis as a medicinal mushroom is enough to stand up and take notice.
In China, Cordyceps sinensis has been treasured for 2,000 years as a vitalizing tonic and aphrodisiac. The oldest preserved written record of it stems from 200 A.D. and the book The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman. Contemporary research is beginning to reaffirm the traditional Chinese knowledge about this medicinal fungus.
Modern day Chinese and Japanese research indicates that Cordyceps sinensis contains important immune-boosting and anti-tumor compounds. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
In particular, a number of studies indicate its potential usefulness in cases of leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] In 2002, the U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia. Cordycepin is an active compound from Cordyceps sinensis.
Affirming the traditional Chinese use of Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac, a modern trial found a 64% improvement in men with erectile dysfunction. [17] A possible explanation for this effect may be that Cordyceps helps dilate blood vessels, as demonstrated by two other studies. [18, 19]
Cordyceps extract also appears promising for cardio-vascular health by reducing cholesterol and acting as a general cardiotonic, [20] as well as aiding the kidneys [21] and liver (post-hepatitic cirrhosis). [22]
However, Cordyceps' popularity is primarily based on its effect on physical empowerment by helping to increase stamina and endurance. [23, 24, 25] Part of the explanation to this may be, as mentioned earlier, that it has an effect on improving blood-flow by dilating blood vessels. Another reason may be the similar effect it has on also helping to dilate respiratory passageways, which was demonstrated by two studies on bronchitis and asthma. [3, 26]
Cordyceps made sports headlines in 1993 when a group of nine Chinese women credited the mushroom for their world records set at the Chinese National Games that year. [27, 28]
Cordyceps sinensis is also rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides and many other newly discovered compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus many more that are yet to be isolated.
Last but not least, in his book Mycelium Running, foremost U.S. medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following additional areas of potential usefulness for Cordyceps extract as indicated by scientific research: Anti-bacterial; anti-viral; blood pressure; nerve support (stress); lymphoma; lung cancer. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently specializes in medicinal fungi in partnership with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For scientific references to this article, go to the Cordyceps Extract site, where you can also find Cordyceps Capsules and other medicinal fungi.
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