Cordyceps (Militaris & Sinensis) is a genus of acomycete fungi (sac fungi) that includes about 600 species. Most Cordyceps species are endoparasitoids, parasitic mainly on insects and other artropods (they are thus entomopathogenic fungi); a few are parasitic on other fungi. Wiki.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a unique genus of fungi known for its potential health benefits and adaptogenic properties.
Cordyceps mushrooms have gained attention for their diverse health benefits, particularly in boosting energy levels and improving athletic performance. They contain active compounds like cordycepin and polysaccharides, which support oxygen utilization in the body, enhancing endurance and stamina. Cordyceps is also revered for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to physical and mental stressors while supporting immune function. Studies suggest that Cordyceps may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, contributing to overall wellness. With its history in traditional Chinese medicine and growing scientific interest, Cordyceps is increasingly popular as a natural supplement for enhancing vitality and promoting longevity.
Cordyceps mushrooms are known for boosting energy and enhancing athletic performance. They support oxygen utilization, improve endurance, and offer adaptogenic benefits for managing stress. Cordyceps supplements are popular for their potential immune support and overall wellness benefits.
- Helps support the immune system – Cordipcepin is one of the main active phytochemicals in Cordyceps. Cordycepin has a similar structure to adenosine and acts as a nucleoside analogue. This is reported to help prevent viral replication in infected cells (Tulli et al, 2014). It has immunomodulatory effects to help support and strengthen the immune system. A clinical trial done on humans, in 2015, reported that taking 1.5g of Cordyceps (C. militaris) helped to increase NK cell activity and lymphocyte proliferation. It also helped to help increase cytokine secretion and various immune system markers. (Kan et al, 2015). A study in 2019 confirmed the results. Here individuals took either a Cordyceps mycelium extract or a placebo on a daily basis. The ones given the Cordyceps were found to have a 17% boost in total NK Cell activity compared to the baseline. Researchers acknowledged that Cordyceps is safe and effective for enhancing cell mediated immunity in healthy adults. (Jung et al, 2019)
- May support heart health and help to lower Cholesterol. (Various studies suggest that Cordycepin helps in lowering cholesterol. The chemical structural is similare to adenosine an activator of AMPK. (AMPK is known as the bodies master energy regulator), activating it can help to speed up your body’s metabolism and helping reduce body weight (Kola, 2008).
- Supports kidney health, especially in cases of chronic kidney disease. Kidneys are crucial in the role of cleansing, detoxification and elimination for cleaning and filtering the blood. Studies show that not only does Cordyceps Sinensis improve immune and renal function (even in those with chronic renal failure), it also shows promise in the treatment and prevention of renal fibrosis.may help with diabetes – Studies have reported that Cordyceps may work to decrease blood sugar levels and help to support people with diabetes. A test-tube study found that the Cordiceptin content contained in Cordyceps worked to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production. By virtue of this action, the expression of type 2 diabetes-regulating genes (11β-HSD1 and PPARλ) was reduced (Shin et al, 2009) as well as other test-tube studies showing that cordycepin has been found to suppress the expression of diabetes-regulating genes through the inactivation of NF-κb-dependent inflammatory responses (Patel & Ingalhalli, 2013). One animal study showed that a Cordyceps extract (C. militaris) decreased blood glucose levels by virtue of increased glucose metabolism. This showed that Cordyceps could potentially provide protection against diabetic nephropathy (Dong et al, 2014). One animal study showed that a Cordyceps extract (C. militaris) decreased blood glucose levels by virtue of increased glucose metabolism. This showed that Cordyceps could potentially provide protection against diabetic nephropathy (Dong et al, 2014). One animal study showed that a Cordyceps extract (C. militaris) decreased blood glucose levels by virtue of increased glucose metabolism. This showed that Cordyceps could potentially provide protection against diabetic nephropathy (Dong et al, 2014). One animal study showed that a Cordyceps extract (C. militaris) decreased blood glucose levels by virtue of increased glucose metabolism. This showed that Cordyceps could potentially provide protection against diabetic nephropathy (Dong et al, 2014).
- Anti tumour & Anti cancer functions – One study showed cordyceps sinensis efficacy in down regulating metastsis related cytokines in breast cancer. (Reducing the likelihood of developing metastatic breast cancer. Another study looked at the effect of an extract from cordyceps sinensis, cordycepin, and found that “exerted cytotoxicity in [breast cancer] cells confirmed by reduced cell viability, inhibition of cell proliferation, enhanced lactate dehydrogenase release and reactive oxygen species accumulation, induced mitochondrial dysfunction and nuclear apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.”.cordyceps militaris also demonstrates anti-tumor effects in liver and breast cancer cells(12) and can control tumor cell proliferation and induce cancer cell apoptosis (programmed cell death).(13)
Links to published studies about Cordyceps:
Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3909570/
Improvement of Learning and Memory Induced by Cordyceps Polypeptide Treatment and the Underlying Mechanism
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5874985/
Antioxidant and memory enhancing effects of purple sweet potato anthocyanin and cordyceps mushroom extract
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14609130/
Antidepressant-like effects of cordycepin in a mice model of chronic unpredictable mild stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25587342/
The Anticancer Properties of Cordycepin and Their Underlying Mechanisms
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6212910/
Anti-cancer effect of Cordyceps militaris in human colorectal carcinoma RKO cells via cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial apoptosis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4491205/
Mechanism of Cordyceps Cicadae in Treating Diabetic Nephropathy Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8492289/
Cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris prevents hyperglycemia in alloxan-induced diabetic mice
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25940982/
Studies on the Antidiabetic Activities of Cordyceps militaris Extract in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague-Dawley Rats
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2014/160980/
Cordycepin: a bioactive metabolite with therapeutic potental
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24121015/
Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps with Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7356751/
Functional study of Cordyceps sinensis and cordycepin in male reproduction: A review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28911537/
A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7898063/
Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3909570/
Cordyceps sp,: The Precious Mushroom for High Altitude Maladies
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/cordyceps
Cordyceps sp.: The Precious Mushroom for High-Altitude Maladies