Cordyceps Sinensis Extract Review (Ophiocordyceps sinensis)

Cordyceps sinensis extract is a natural supplement said to have immune-boosting properties and said to improve recovery times in athletes and marathon runners.

C. Sinensis first became popular in the Western world in 1993 when its use among the Chinese Track and Field team was made public.

A drink prepared with C. Sinensis extract was said to be the reason why this team set so many world records and was able to train on such an intense schedule.

Today, Cordyceps sinensis is being investigated as an anti-inflammatory, an anti-oxidant and for its ability to promote general health.

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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What is Cordyceps Sinensis Extract?

The official plant classification of Cordyceps sinensis has recently changed.

As of 2007, DNA evidence illustrated that this parasitic fungus was genetically dissimilar to the rest of the roughly 400 species contained in the Cordyceps genus.

C. sinensis has since been renamed Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Despite the classification change, its properties remain the same.

It is a black-bladed parasitic fungus that feeds mainly on caterpillar larva in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. It parasitizes the caterpillar as it hibernates during the winter.

As its mycelium invades the body cavity of the caterpillar, the fungus mummifies its host and eventually causes its death. The stroma (fruiting body) of the fungus grows from the head of the caterpillar, above the ground.

Together, the stroma and mycelium/caterpillar have been used for thousands of years in Tibet and China as part of their traditional medicine practices. Research into Ophiocordyceps sinensis is focused on understanding the mechanisms behind its many purported health benefits.

Benefits of Cordyceps Sinensis Extract

Cordyceps sinensis extracts demonstrate numerous medicinal properties. In animal experiments, as well as some open-label human studies, it has been observed to help regulate blood sugar, support antioxidant production, act as an anti-inflammatory, contribute to the health of the immune system and support kidney and liver function.

The precise effects of the fungus on the human body remains ill-defined. Although some laboratory results have been promising, there have been no large-scale, well-organized studies conducted on human subjects to date.

Further research and testing is necessary to discern the ability of Ophiocordyceps sinensis extract to:

• Inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and reduce tumor size in some cancer cell lines;
• Mitigate risk factors associated with the development of heart disease;
• Enhance the use of glucose, potentially improving the symptoms of type II diabetes and reactive hypoglycemia (prediabetes);
• Support the immune system;
• Stimulate libido;
• Protect the kidneys and liver;
• Loosen phlegm and relax the airways to support respiratory health

Ophiocordyceps Sinensis Phytonutrient Constituents

Cordyceps sinensis extract contains many phytochemical (plant chemical) constituents that are thought to generate its medicinal properties.

It contains numerous nucleosides, including adenosine, uridine, deoxyuridine, guanine, guanosine, inosine, thymidine, thymine and hypoxanthine. It also contains beta glucan polysaccharides, ergosterol, mannitol, peptides, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and cordycepin.

Additionally, there are likely many other plant chemicals in the fungus that have yet to be isolated and tested for their possible therapeutic qualities.

Ophiocordyceps Sinensis Extract and Heart Health

O. sinensis (Cordyceps sinensis) extract may support overall heart health by reducing some risk factors associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, obesity and various other related conditions.

In animal tests, it has been shown to:

• Remedy arrhythmic heart beats and reduce heart rates;
• Promote relaxation of the heart and blood vessel endothelium, supporting improved circulation;
• Decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure rates;
• Increase the use of oxygen by the heart muscle;
• Improve the levels of stored fats (triglycerides) and other fatty substances in the blood;
• Inhibit the onset of hyperlipidemia, or the unusually high concentration of fats in the blood;

Ophiocordyceps Sinensis Extracts and Cancer

There have been several in-vitro studies conducted to examine possible anti-cancer effects of Ophiocordyceps sinensis.

It has been observed to exhibit anti-tumor, anti-metastatic, anti-proliferative, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive properties.

In these in vitro studies, it has shown positive actions against various cancer cell lines by:

• Shrinking the size of tumors;
• Stimulating natural cell death in tumors;
• Stimulating cell cycle arrest in tumors;
• Increasing cytokine synthesis;
• Inhibiting proliferation and progression of tumor cells;

These results need to be repeated in large-scale human studies before it can be conclusively determined whether this supplement is effective as an anti-cancer therapy. Components of the extract are also being investigated for their ability to increase the level of anti-oxidants in the blood, improve tolerance to chemotherapy and support immune function.

Other Uses of Ophiocordyceps Sinensis Extract

Although it is being investigated for its possible anti-cancer effects, Cordyceps sinensis is usually taken orally as a general health elixir to improve fitness levels, support immune health, treat respiratory conditions, increase energy and vitality and ward off the effects of aging.

It is also used as an adaptogen – a natural compound thought to mitigate the effects of stress on the human body.

These therapeutic uses have not been tested in a scientific setting and are generally based on traditional and popular uses. The limited evidence available suggests that the extract affects a number of bodily systems, but more research clinical research must be completed to discern its specific therapeutic strengths.

Safety and Side Effects

Cordyceps sinensis is generally well tolerated by humans. However, some side effects such as nausea and digestive upset have been reported.

Further, this supplement may interact with certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, especially those that are meant to target the immune system, liver, or kidneys.

As with all supplements, it is important to speak with your doctor before you begin to take Cordyceps sinensis extract.

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