Cordyceps CS-4 Mushroom Strain Benefits & Research

Cordyceps CS-4 is a strain of the cordyceps fungus that is most similar to Cordyceps sinensis, a medicinal mushroom that is one of the most important tonics used in Chinese herbal medicine.

Cordyceps refers to a genus that contains over 400 species of fungi. These fungi are parasitic and require a host for survival and reproduction.

One of the best known species of Cordyceps is Cordyceps sinensis, which is taken as a dietary supplement to support immune function, kidney function and to improve endurance and stamina.

The Cordyceps CS-4 mushroom has been researched for its effects on exercise performance, stamina and muscle strength. Many of these studies have provided conflicting or inconclusive results, but it has been found to increase the lactate threshold for athletes.

CS-4 extract is used in dietary supplements like the Cordyceps Power product sold by Planetary Herbals. This supplement is promoted as “a premier tonifier for athletes and anyone wanting to support energy and endurance.”

Cordyceps Sinensis

Mushroom Supplement

Immunity

Stamina

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Shown to reduce fatigue & stress
• Anti-oxidant that stimulates the immune system
• Increases testosterone secretion & libido

Dosage:

Between 500 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Historical Use of Cordyceps Extract

Cordyceps has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices throughout Asia. It is attributed with anti-aging benefits and is said to improve energy levels and vitality.

In traditional Chinese medicine the fungus is known as dong chong xia cao, which means “winter insect, summer grass” and likely refers to the lifecycle of the fungus and when it is traditionally harvested.

Contemporary Western interest in cordyceps began in earnest after a group of Chinese runners set world records at the 1993 world championships in Germany. The athletes attributed their success to cordyceps supplementation, in addition to their standard training regime.

This has spurned the use of the supplement for improving athletic performance and increasing stamina.

Cordyceps CS-4

CS-4 is a strain of cordyceps medicinal mushroom commonly used in supplements.

Like C. sinensis, the mycelium of CS-4 develop on the backs of a specific caterpillar — Hepialus amoricanus. Hepialus amoricanus starts as a larva before it is transformed into a moth. This species is indigenous to Nepal, Tibet and China where wild cordyceps is revered as a therapeutic agent.

Cordyceps is often referred to as caterpillar fungus because of its common host: the fruiting body (stroma) of the fungus develops out and up from the back of the caterpillar.

As the mycelia continue to spread throughout the larva’s body, all tissue is eventually replaced by the fungus.

The resulting structure is a mycelium-filled body cavity (of the dead larva) and the fungal fruiting body. The larva carcass and the fungus are dehydrated and used to make dietary supplements.

Wild cordyceps are extremely rare and, due to their popularity, have been overharvested. Historically, cordyceps were so rare that their use was reserved for the Chinese emperor.

Today, wild cordyceps can sell for as much as $2,000-$3,000 per kilogram. Because of the expense and environmental damage that can be caused by over harvesting, cordyceps mushrooms (including the CS-4 strain) are primarily produced in controlled environments for supplement production.

Other Names for Cordyceps CS-4

Cordyceps CS-4 is also known by several other names depending on geographic regions. Some of these include caterpillar mushroom, caterpillar fungus, champignon chenille and vegetable caterpillar.

In China cordyceps is known as dong chong xia cao. In Japan it is known as tochukaso and in Tibet as yartsa gunbu.

Uses for Cordyceps CS-4

The active components of Cordyceps CS-4 supplements remain poorly defined, but its therapeutic uses are often attributed to its adenosine, polysaccharide, cordycepin and amino acid content.

Cordyceps is used for a number of functions, including the following:

• strengthening the immune system
• improving athletic performance
• slowing the aging process
• increasing vitality and longevity
• increasing energy and treating lethargy
• supporting kidney function and treating kidney disorders
• treating respiratory disorders, such as colds, coughs, asthma and chronic bronchitis
• treating infertility and promoting sexual desire

Cordyceps CS-4 extract is also used to treat kidney disorders, sexual dysfunction in men, nocturia (frequent need to urinate), high cholesterol, heart arrhythmias, opium addiction, dizziness, tinnitus (ear buzzing), cachexia (muscle wasting), weakness, tiredness, low sex drive and chronic fatigue.

More research is needed to establish the therapeutic efficacy of cordyceps. Current uses are mostly based on traditional medicine, common practice and preliminary scientific research that has mainly involved laboratory and animal experiments.

Cordyceps and Athletic Improvements

Many athletes use Cordyceps CS-4 pills to promote energy, endurance and strength. However, the available scientific studies have not found a correlation between cordyceps supplementation and improved athletic performance.

For example, cordyceps supplementation did not improve endurance, aerobic capacity or exercise performance compared to a placebo. In one study, endurance cyclists showed no improvements with daily doses of 3.15 g of C. sinensis over five weeks.

In another study, healthy, elderly participants who took 3 g of cordyceps per day for 12 weeks did not experience any improvements to exercise endurance or energy.

Cordyceps Scientific Studies

Few human studies have been conducted to establish the therapeutic effect of Cordyceps CS-4. However, preliminary studies have begun to reinforce some of the fungi’s traditional uses.

In laboratory studies, cordyceps has been observed to exhibit a broad range of pharmacological and biological actions that affect cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and immunological cells. These effects are attributed to polysaccharides, metabolites (similar to cyclosporine) and altered nucleotides contained in the fungi.

When cordyceps CS-4 mycelium strains are fermented, they exhibit additional properties that may help support normal blood glucose levels, especially during times of prolonged activity.

Cordyceps has been observed to alleviate asthma symptoms in adults. However, children with asthma do not seem to equally benefit from cordyceps use, even when it is combined with other herbal remedies, such as astragalus or skullcap.

Cordyceps is sometimes used to increase tolerance to chemotherapy. Other possible uses for Cordyceps sinensis include reducing nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine, improving hepatic functioning in those with hepatitis B and as an anti-aging tonic.

Cordyceps CS-4 Side Effects

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates cordyceps as “Possibly Safe” when taken orally and appropriately.

The Chinese classify C. sinensis as a superior herb, which means it is thought to support the body without side effects.

Cordyceps supplementation is not recommended for pregnant and/or nursing women because there is not enough research available to establish its effects on fetal development and lactation.

In all cases, speak with your doctor before taking cordyceps CS-4 or any cordyceps supplement to help reduce the risk of side effects and drug interactions.

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