Cordyceps Militaris: Benefits & Side Effects of this Healthy Fungus

Cordyceps militaris, a parasitic fungus, is a valuable source of many phytonutrients (plant chemicals) and is thought to provide an array of therapeutic benefits and support good health.

Cordyceps is a botanical genus that is comprised of hundreds of species, all of which are parasitic.

Certain species of cordyceps have been used in traditional medicine systems for thousands of years, particularly in Tibet, China and Japan. The term cordyceps is now used to refer to any number of species taken as a dietary supplement.

C. militaris infects certain arthropods, mainly caterpillars, and uses the body to host its growth and development. Traditionally, cordyceps was used as an aphrodisiac, energy enhancer and to treat respiratory ailments. Today, the supplement is in demand throughout Asia, Europe, South America and North America for its purported health benefits.

Cordyceps is used to support the immune system, act as an anti-viral agent, help control blood sugar and protect liver and kidney health. Although research is ongoing, there is insufficient evidence to include cordyceps like C. militaris into clinical practice, which is why it has not been adopted by Western medicine.

Because of its long history in traditional medicine, Cordyceps militaris is often used by natural health practitioners.

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Mushroom Supplement

Immunity

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Anti- Aging

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• Shown to reduce fatigue & stress
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Dosage:

Between 500 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Cordyceps Militaris

Cordycepin

Cordycepin 3′-deoxyadenosine (C10H13N5O3) is an active constituent of C. militaris and is known to possess a variety of beneficial characteristics.

In particular, the chemical is being investigated for its use in cancer treatment, but studies are still in the early stages.

More specifically, cordycepin is known for:

• Having antimicrobial, anticancer, antimetastatic, insecticidal and immunomodulatory properties;
• Inhibiting cellular proliferation;
• Stimulating cellular apoptosis;
• Slowing down the aggregation of platelets;
• Limiting cellular invasiveness/migration;
• Inhibiting inflammation;
• Limiting the polyadenylation of mRNA;
• Reducing tumor development and progression;

Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate composed of long chains of monosaccharides. They are often referred to as complex carbohydrates and play a role in immune function and digestive health. C. militaris contains beta-glucan polysaccharides, which are known to reduce LDL and total cholesterol levels.

They also boost immune system responses and may improve quality of life for individuals who have a compromised immune system, such as the sick and elderly. Further, they fight off infections and provide antioxidant protection against free radical damage.

Adenosine

Adenosine contained in Cordyceps militaris combines with phosphates to produce molecules for energy production, such as AMP (adenosine monophosphate) and ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

American clinicians and physicians use adenosine and its derivatives for a variety of medical purposes. Taken under the tongue, swallowed or injected, some of the therapeutic uses for AMP and ATP include treatment for:

• Herpes zoster infection (shingles);
• Pulmonary hypertension;
• Acute kidney failure:
• Multiple organ failure;
• Cystic fibrosis;
• Lung and/or skin cancer;
• Cachexia and weight loss associated with cancer;
• Arrhythmias;
• Nerve pain;
• Varicose veins:
• Multiple sclerosis;
• Tendonitis;
• Cold sores and genital herpes;
• Poor circulation;

Other plant chemicals in C. militaris include ergosterol and mannitol.

Health Effects of C. militaris

C. militaris may act in many ways to support good health. Traditionally, cordyceps is used as a stimulant and an adaptogen – a natural product used to help the body deal with stress.

Its various medicinal properties may act conjunctively to holistically enhance human health. In animal tests, cordyceps has been observed to:

• Improve abnormal heart rhythms;
• Decrease triglycerides and LDL cholesterol;
• Induce vasodilation, thereby improving circulation;
• Diminish kidney damage caused by immunosuppressant drugs, such as cyclosporine;
• Delay further decline in damaged kidneys;
• Loosen phlegm, which helps in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma and other breathing conditions;
• Improve tolerance of chemotherapy and radiation;
• Enhance liver function;
• Increase sex drive and help support the treatment of ED (erectile dysfunction) symptoms;

Although animal studies have yielded some positive results, research into the health benefits of Cordyceps militaris is still in its infancy and the fungus is not used within the Western medical tradition. There is no scientific evidence of the supplement acting as a prevention for, or treatment of, a particular disease.

Cordyceps Militaris Side Effects and Safety Warnings

Cordyceps are generally well tolerated by humans; however, some ill effects have been noted. Negative side effects may include diarrhea, dry mouth and upset stomach. These side effects are often temporary and mild.

Cordyceps has been observed to exhibit immunomodulating properties and it is not recommended for use in conjunction with prescription or over-the-counter medications that target the immune system.

Be sure to consult with the prescribing physician about the safety of cordyceps supplementation, especially if the supplement would be taken in conjunction with other medications.

Pregnant women, new moms, surgery patients, diabetics and those with liver and/or kidney disease should not supplement with Cordyceps militaris without clearly understood permission from their primary caregivers. As with any supplement, be sure to speak with your doctor before starting to use Cordyceps militaris.

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