Cordyceps Benefits

Cordyceps has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and science is looking closely at its valuable potential to support many areas of health, but you may be interested to discover how it gained the nicknames of ‘Himalayan Viagra’ and ‘Zombie Ant Fungus’. Read on; all will be revealed…

Some Facts about Cordyceps

The cordyceps mushroom is a parasitic fungus which grows on the larva of certain species of insect such as ants and caterpillars. This fungi genus can be found in various regions of the world including the tropical and temperate forests of Southeast Asia, North America and Europe. It is also found in the Himalayan regions of Bhutan and Nepal as well as the rainforests of Brazil, Australia, and Thailand.

Cordyceps is primarily native to the Tibetan Plateau where it uses caterpillars as its host and thrive on grasslands at altitudes above 3,000 meters. The most sought-after strain of the genus is called Cordyceps sinensis, also known in Chinese as Dongchongxiacao, translating as winter-worm—summer-grass. It also grows on the Tibetan Plateau, parasitising the larvae of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and is used as traditional Tibetan medicine known as ‘yartsa gunbu’.

Cordyceps is a member of the ascomycetes plant genus. Among the 700 known species of cordyceps there are two particular strains which have become extremely popular for their reputed health benefits and they are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. These have been found to be rich in bioactive compounds such as essential amino acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, as well as other minerals and vitamins.

Cordyceps Benefits For Health

In traditional Tibetan medicine the healers used Cordyceps to treat many diseases. It was used as a tonic to boost energy, strength, libido, sleep, and appetite. Scientific articles have been written on the effects of cordyceps on such functions as kidney, liver, urinary and immune system, as well as for energy and lung function.

Cordyceps is rich in natural biomolecules such as beta-glucans, ergosterol, vitamin D, essential amino acids, linoleic and linolenic acid as well as various other minerals and vitamins.

A great deal of scientific interest has been aroused in the therapeutic value of cordyceps, leading to various discoveries relating to areas where it may be valuable to health.

Anti-Inflammatory

Cordyceps has anti-inflammatory properties which may help the respiratory system and ease symptoms of asthma, and many conditions caused by inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Antioxidant

The antioxidant properties present in cordyceps may help eliminate free radicals, helping to prevent oxidative stress. Free radicals can be generated from stress, infection, ageing, pollution, alcohol and processed meats. Oxidative stress can contribute to many chronic and degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease, neurological disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Anti-Fatigue

May offset muscle fatigue in musculoskeletal problems such as osteoarthritis as well as in sport.

Sexual Health

Cordyceps can be used to improve libido, fertility and reproductive health in men and women.

Hormones

Coredyceps gives support to the metabolic-endocrine system, specifically hormone regulation.

Immune System

May boost immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system.

Kidneys

Cordyceps has been used in the treatment of renal diseases so may help improve kidney health and prevent kidney disease.

Heart

Specific components present in cordyceps, such as cordycepin and polysaccharides, may improve heart health and cholesterol levels.

Exercise Performance

Cordyceps has shown to promote aerobic capacity, boost exercise performance levels and reduce fatigue during exercise.

In 1993 cordyceps was brought to public attention when Chinese athletes in a national event broke world records in the 1,500, 3,000 and 10,000-metre events without presenting with any symptoms of fatigue. It was concluded that this was partly due to their special diet which included cordyceps sinensis.

Scientific studies have found that cordyceps can increase the use of oxygen and production of ATP (energy-carrying molecules found in the cells of all living things) and this leads to increased muscular strength, reduced muscle recovery time and speeds up the elimination of lactic acid.

Cordyceps Chemical Compounds

It was found that the prime reasons for cordyceps having health benefits is its unique blend of chemical compounds:

• Cordycepic Acid
• Galactomannan
• Mannitol
• Ergosterol (precursor of vitamin D)
• Adenosine
• Cordycepin
• Essential amino acids
• Vitamins (B1, B2, B12, E and K)
• Minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Se, Al, Si and Ni)

Why ‘Himalayan Viagra’?

Legend has it that the presence of this fungus among the high-altitude grasslands of the Himalayas was found to be the reason why goats, who were taken to graze these pastures in springtime, became highly sexed and fertile. This led to Cordyceps sinensis being harvested for human benefit and resulted in the popular nickname ‘Himalayan Viagra’.

There was great demand for the mushrooms and harvesting was often a difficult and dangerous process. This caused it to become the most expensive natural supplement in the world; in China, cordyceps is regarded as a symbol of wealth and power and has become a main source of income for many people living in the remote villages in the Himalayas.

Explaining the ‘Zombie-Ant Fungus’ Story

Because of its parasitic method of reproduction, certain varieties of cordyceps have gained a startling reputation leading to the nickname of ‘zombie-ant fungus’. This is due in the first instance to a 2006 television show called Planet Earth which showed a type of cordyceps known as an Ophiocordyceps, parasitising an ant. This programme inspired the video game creator, Neil Druckmann, to invent a game along the same lines. This, in turn, provided the inspiration for a show on the American TV network HBO entitled The Last of Us based on the fungal reproduction method as a plot in a zombie story.

The fact is, there are many species of cordyceps, and each target a different insect to reproduce their spores. Some attach to a certain type of ant and others to caterpillars, spiders and moths. The species of cordyceps which has gained the nickname of zombie-ant fungus has the botanical name of Ophiocordyceps unilateralis. It propagates itself when one of its spores latches onto an ant. The spore gets into the ant’s body and spreads, taking over the ants physical and mental function and causing it to act strangely and instead of following its usual routines it wanders around aimlessly. After a few days the ant dies and a stem from the fungus spore grows out of the ant’s body, releasing more spores which go on to infect other ants. This is how the fungus gained its macabre nickname.

Just by way of reassurance, even if a human were exposed to it, the fungus cannot live in the human body and cordyceps have been used for centuries as medicinal plants without turning anyone into zombies.

Supplementing with Cordyceps Mushroom

Due to its long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps has been cleared as a non-toxic fungus for supplement use, but because it grows naturally at high altitudes it has become rare and difficult to harvest due to the harsh growing conditions. This has made supplying the high demand for the extract both difficult and expensive.

It was confirmed in a 2021 study that the Chinese government have approved the use of an artificial cultivation of Chinese Cordyceps known as Cordyceps CS-4, which is a laboratory produced version of the extract, for use in hospitals and deemed it to be a safe, natural drug. Cordyceps produced in a laboratory does not produce a mushroom. Many supplements on the market are made using Cordyceps CS-4.

Our supplement, Cordyceps Mushroom is made from organic, full spectrum cordyceps sinensis mushroom from USA, which contain all parts of the fungus produced throughout its life cycle. It gives powerful immune system support, has antioxidant properties, helps to manage blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, improves reproductive activity, enhances libido and helps with sexual problems. It is also known for its power to protect the liver and kidneys and reduce fatigue associated with recovery from illness.

Precautions and Side effects

There are some possible side effects and precautions to be aware of before supplementing with Cordyceps and these include:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Insufficient evidence exists to know if it is safe to take Cordyceps during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Autoimmune conditions – Symptoms may be increased by taking Cordyceps supplements.
• Surgery – There is a risk of increased bleeding during surgery so supplementation should be stopped two weeks before scheduled surgery.
• Allergies – Do not use Cordyceps if you have a mushroom allergy.

Some reported side effects from taking cordyceps, include a dry mouth, nausea, abdominal bloating, throat discomfort, headache, diarrhoea, and allergic reactions.

Although research has found Cordyceps to have many health benefits, further research is needed to fully confirm its traditional use.

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