Does Cordyceps Mushroom Extract Improve Health & Fitness?

Cordyceps mushroom refers to the fruiting bodies produced by fungi in the cordyceps genus. The genus is comprised of roughly 400 species of parasitic sac fungi.

In supplement form these species are often collectively referred to as cordyceps.

This mushroom thrives in mountainous regions, particularly in Tibet, China and other eastern Asian countries. Cordyceps militaris is the most studied species and is used for a variety of indications, including fatigue and low libido.

Cordyceps sinensis is another species that is popular in athletic supplements, such as Shroom Tech Sport and Shroom Tech Immune from Onnit Labs.

Cordyceps has been historically used in the traditional medicine practices of China and Tibet to treat sexual dysfunction, adverse breathing conditions, cardiovascular disorders, kidney disease, cachexia (wasting), liver dysfunction/disease and numerous other conditions.

Today it is thought to be an immune system enhancer that acts to normalize health by simultaneously improving the performance of various internal systems. The therapeutic effects of cordyceps have not been conclusively illustrated in any laboratory or clinical trials.

Consequently, cordyceps mushrooms are not commonly used within the Western medical system even though they are often still used in alternative medical practices.

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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Cordyceps Mushroom Background

Cordyceps mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of a genus of parasitic fungi. Cordyceps feed on caterpillars, beetles and various other arthropods, using the body of its host for nourishment.

For example, C. militaris mainly feeds on caterpillars. It lives on caterpillar and caterpillar larvae, spreading filaments called hyphae into the caterpillar to break down the organism and absorb nutrients.

Over the course of the winter months the caterpillar is taken over and killed by the fungal mycelium (matrix of hyphae). In the summer months the fungus can release a stroma or fruiting body through the carcass of the host.

In its natural form, cordyceps supplements are part fungus and part arthropod. However, pure cordyceps can now be cultured in different media and supplements are less expensive and more readily available. C. militaris and C. Sinensis supplements are available commercially in tablet and powder forms.

What are Cordyceps Supplements Good For?

Cordyceps is thought to support immune system function. Further, it has been observed in animal and laboratory experiments to exhibit some anti-tumor properties. Research is still in the early stages and has not focused on human participants.

In laboratory and animal studies C. militaris has been observed to:

• Reduce damage to the kidneys from prescription drugs amikacin and cyclosporin;
• Support kidney health;
• Improve some symptoms associated with asthma and bronchitis;
• Help improve tolerance to chemotherapy;
• Enhance liver function in individuals suffering from liver disorders;
• Increase libido;
• Decrease symptoms associated with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome);
• Help restore normal heart rate after arrhythmia;
• Lower LDL and total cholesterol levels

Cordyceps Mushroom Medicinal Properties

Cordyceps has been traditionally used as an adaptogen – a natural compound that helps the body stave off the effects of stress. It contains many constituents that may help explain its purported therapeutic roles. For instance, cordyceps contains beta-glucan polysaccharides and cordycepin.

Researchers have begun to examine the possible therapeutic effects of cordyceps. In laboratory studies cordyceps has been observed to exhibit:

• Anti-tumor effects;
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties;
• Antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antiviral capacities;
• Insecticidal and larvicidal properties;
• Pneumo-protective, renoprotective, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective (liver protecting) effects;

Further research is necessary to determine if these effects take place within the human system or in human populations.

Cordyceps Dosages

The correct cordyceps dosage will depend on many factors, including: diet, hydration level, activity level, gender and age. There are no standardized supplement dosages set out by any independent authority (such as the FDA).

Consequently, it is important to speak with a medical professional to find the dosage right for you. Doses in clinical trials have usually ranged from five to ten grams daily.

Generally, the mushrooms are placed in a soup and cooked for at least thirty minutes. Also, they may be soaked in any liquid, cold or hot, to soften them for use in various food dishes. Cordyceps mushrooms continue to be studied to determine their precise medicinal qualities. Talk with your family physician before beginning cordyceps supplementation.

Cordyceps Mushroom Side Effects

Cordyceps mushrooms are generally well tolerated with few reported side effects. All individuals should speak with a doctor before taking cordyceps; however, some groups should exercise extra caution. These groups include:

• Women who are nursing and/or pregnant. There is currently a lack of evidence on how cordyceps mushrooms may affect infants;
• Individuals with autoimmune diseases, such as MS (multiple sclerosis), SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) or RA (rheumatoid arthritis). Cordyceps may cause hyperactivity of the immune system and may thereby increase symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders;
• Individuals with upcoming surgery dates. Cordyceps may increase the possibility of excessive bleeding;

Cordyceps may interact with some prescription and over-the-counter medications. In particular, because of its immunomodulating actions in the body, cordyceps may not be suitable for use with immunosuppressant drugs including, but not restricted to:

• Cytoxan and Neosar (cyclophosphamide);
• CellCept (mycophenolate);
• Neoral, Sandimmune (cyclosporine);
• Simulect (basiliximab);
• Zenapax (daclizumab);
• Imuran (azathioprine);
• Deltasone, Orasone (prednisone);
• Rapamune (sirolimus);

Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking cordyceps mushrooms to lower the risk of drug interactions and other contraindications.

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