Cordyceps Side Effects, Safety and Interaction Warnings

Cordyceps side effects are generally infrequent and mild.

Cordyceps have been used for thousands of years in the traditional medical practices of China, Japan and Tibet.

Cordyceps refer to a genus of parasitic sac fungi (ascomycete fungi), which use hosts (such as caterpillars, caterpillar larvae, beetles and some other arthropods) for their growth and survival.

Though generally considered safe and well-tolerated by most users, there are some side effects and interactions to be aware of.

These adverse effects can be prevented by thoroughly researching the supplement first, using an appropriate dosage and by checking with your doctor to ensure that it is not contraindicated for your use.

What is the right way to use Cordyceps extracts safely?

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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How Cordyceps Mushrooms Grow

Cordyceps mushrooms are famous as parasites that grow on the backs of insects.

Certain species of cordyceps, such as C. sinensis and C. militaris have been highly prized for their medicinal properties.

C. sinensis grows on the back of a rare Tibetan caterpillar. Over the winter months the fungus spreads through the host, using its body for nutrients and energy.

By the summer the host is dead and the remaining fungus grows a fruiting body. The result is a rare ingredient revered for its purported medicinal effects, which include improved energy, libido, longevity and good health.

Cordyceps can now be grown in cultured media, which means it is more readily available and affordable. Although the fungus is increasing in popularity, there is not enough evidence to warrant the use of cordyceps as a medicinal agent in Western medicine.

Cordyceps Side Effects

Cordyceps is generally well tolerated by humans. Dangerous or permanent side effects are not often associated with routine supplementation. Diarrhea, dry mouth and nausea can occur, but often pass quickly.

No robust scientific studies have been conducted to understand the full effect of cordyceps on the human body and most information on side effect comes from user reports.

As with all supplements, be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning cordyceps supplementation, especially if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Cordyceps has been observed to affect the immune system so supplementation is not recommended for those using prescription drugs that target the immune system (such as immunosuppressants). Additionally, cordyceps may impact blood glucose levels and should be used with caution by those who suffer from diabetes or low blood sugar.

Characteristics of Cordyceps Extracts

Cordyceps contains hundreds of phytonutrient constituents, including cordycepin and oxypiperazines. They have been observed to exhibit antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hepoprotective and renoprotective effects. Cordyceps is also used to treat fatigue and may help regulate blood sugar levels and support the immune system.

In vitro (laboratory) analysis and animal tests indicate some therapeutic potential for cordyceps, but the majority of studies have either lacked a rigorous methodology, have been of poor quality or have been limited in scope.

Making any presumptions about the medicinal capacities or side effects of cordyceps is premature. However, cordyceps is still used for a variety of health indications, such as those discussed below.

Research into Cordyceps Militaris

In 2007, one of the most popular species of cordyceps (C. sinensis) was discovered to be unrelated to the other species of the genus.

Cordyceps research has since focused on C. militaris, which is being investigated for its ability to:

• Lower LDL cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health;
• Strengthen the immune system;
• Improve libido and increase endurance;
• Support kidney function and help to reduce damage caused by some medications, such as cyclosporine;
• Treat adult symptoms associated with asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions;
• Combat fatigue;
• Enhance liver performance, specifically in those with hepatitis B;

Cordyceps mushrooms have been historically used to support cardiovascular health. In contemporary animal and laboratory studies, C. militaris has been observed to induce vasodilation – expansion of the blood vessels – which helps improve circulation. However, this can also cause negative side effects in individuals with low blood pressure.

It has also been observed to help restore consistent heart rate in animals suffering from arrhythmia. In an open-label study, improvements in cardiac performance, arrhythmias and quality of life were associated with cordyceps supplementation.

However, further studies must be completed to verify these results and to further evaluate safety and risk of Cordyceps side effects. There is insufficient evidence to suggest whether or not Cordyceps militaris will prove therapeutically effective in human populations.

Anti-Tumor and Anti-Aging Effects

In animal and laboratory studies, concentrated cordyceps extract has been observed to enhance cytokine activity, which plays an important role in immune function.

However, from these tests it is still unknown if cordyceps stimulates the human immune system. Cell apoptosis (cell death) and cell cycle arrest were induced in laboratory experiments.

Cordyceps exhibits some antitumor properties, but the studies are preliminary and no human trials have been conducted. Additionally, the fungi seem to exhibit chemoprotective effects, but it remains unknown if this will translate into a human population.

Cordyceps mushrooms are traditionally used to promote health and vitality in the elderly by improving strength, sexual libido and symptoms of chronic fatigue. Preliminary research suggests that cordyceps may increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels.

SOD is a natural antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, such as superoxide. Researchers now believe oxidative damage caused by free radicals may be partly responsible for some of the effects of aging.

How to Take Cordyceps Safely

Before deciding to take Cordyceps supplements, you should speak to your doctor to learn about possible side effects, drug or supplement interactions and contraindications for use. Your doctor can help you determine whether this supplement is safe for you or not.

If this supplement is determined to be appropriate for you, the dosage commonly used in human research studies is between 1,000 – 3,000 mg per day. No studies have calculated an optimal dosage for best results, but this range is not associated with side effects and have been found effective for certain health benefits.

The negative side effects of cordyceps are limited, yet the scientific research regarding its positive effects is still preliminary. However, a long history of traditional use makes cordyceps a popular natural remedy with few commonly described adverse effects.

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