Health Benefits of Cordyceps

Cordyceps, a unique type of fungus that thrives on the larvae of caterpillars, has long been revered in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its purported ability to alleviate fatigue, respiratory issues, enhance sexual vitality, bolster kidney function, and aid recovery from severe illnesses.

In the contemporary wellness landscape, cordyceps-based dietary supplements and products have emerged, with claims ranging from enhancing athletic performance and regulating blood sugar to fortifying the immune system. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the existing body of research is primarily confined to animal models, laboratory experiments, and small-scale clinical trials.

Let’s delve into the world of cordyceps, exploring its potential benefits, associated risks, and ways to seamlessly integrate it into your dietary regimen.

Elevating Athletic Performance

Cordyceps supplements have found popularity among athletes, attributed to their reputed capacity to enhance physical performance by optimizing blood circulation, augmenting oxygen utilization, and acting as antioxidants.

One notable study conducted an investigation into the impact of a mushroom blend, which included Cordyceps militaris, on high-intensity exercise after one and three weeks of supplementation.

The outcomes revealed that one week of supplementation did not yield significant improvements in exercise performance when compared to a placebo. However, after three weeks of daily supplementation, there were substantial enhancements in maximal oxygen intake (VO2 max). This suggests that the chronic use of cordyceps supplementation might lead to heightened training intensity and delayed onset of fatigue.

It is noteworthy, however, that the research findings on the efficacy of cordyceps in this regard remain mixed. Certain studies have shown no discernible advantages even with prolonged supplementation in well-trained athletes.

It appears that cordyceps may be most efficacious in enhancing aerobic performance among well-trained athletes when complemented with other plant extracts such as Rhodiola crenulata.2

Nurturing Heart Health

Cordyceps holds promise in promoting heart health by ameliorating blood lipid (fat) levels and addressing arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

Elevated levels of blood lipids, often referred to as hyperlipidemia, represent a key risk factor for heart disease.

A review of studies conducted in 2020 observed that cordycepin, the principal bioactive compound in cordyceps, has the potential to reduce the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in animal models.

Another study in 2021 documented that CM1, a polysaccharide derived from Cordyceps militaris, effectively lowered blood lipid levels in hamsters.

Polysaccharides are the primary water-soluble constituents of the fungus and are thought to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It is crucial to approach these findings with caution, as the results from animal research may not directly translate to human health.

In a review encompassing nineteen trials involving 1,805 patients conducted in 2022, cordyceps demonstrated effectiveness in normalizing heart rates among individuals with arrhythmia.

It is worth noting that all the trials in this review had relatively small sample sizes and were conducted primarily in China, which raises concerns regarding geographical bias.

Further studies are warranted to establish the potential benefits of cordyceps for human heart health.

Managing Diabetes Effectively

Diabetes, characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, poses a significant health challenge. It ranks as the eighth leading cause of mortality in the United States.

Animal studies have illuminated the potential of Cordyceps militaris extract in diminishing blood sugar levels by enhancing glucose metabolism—improving the body’s efficiency in processing sugar from dietary sources. Moreover, this extract may protect against nerve damage associated with diabetes.

Furthermore, a study conducted in 2023 reported that Cordyceps militaris and cordycepin could play a role in regulating blood sugar levels in mice afflicted with diabetes by restoring the balance of gut bacteria.

Another study in rats with diabetes unveiled that cordyceps could potentially boost sexual desire by augmenting testosterone production and reducing oxidative stress.

However, it’s important to underscore that human research confirming these effects is lacking.

Mitigating Inflammation: A Key to Health

Inflammation, a natural response to injury or infection, is vital for healing and recovery. Nonetheless, chronic inflammation, persisting for months or years, can precipitate numerous chronic health ailments, including but not limited to:

• Heart disease
• Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Specific types of cancer
• Asthma
• Neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease

In fact, chronic inflammatory diseases account for over half of global fatalities.10

A comprehensive review of studies in 2020 found that cordycepin can modulate specific pathways associated with inflammation, suggesting its potential protective role against chronic inflammatory diseases. Cordycepin may also bolster immunity and inhibit the replication of viral RNA, thereby conferring protection against viral infections.

However, it is imperative to reiterate that human studies are required to corroborate these effects.

Harnessing Anti-Aging Attributes

Oxidative stress—an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body—constitutes a significant factor in aging and the development of age-related conditions, including dementia, arthritis, and cancer.

Cordyceps harbors several compounds, including cordycepin and polysaccharides, believed to possess potent antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants interact with and neutralize free radicals, affording the body protection against oxidative stress.

Additionally, certain studies suggest that cordyceps and its compounds may enhance cognitive function in aged mice by eliminating or neutralizing free radicals.

Exploring Anti-Tumor Effects

While human research is warranted, emerging evidence intimates that compounds within cordyceps may hold potential in cancer treatment.

According to a review of studies conducted in 2022, this fungus might exert direct effects on tumor cells, leading to their destruction or the inhibition of their growth and spread to other parts of the body. Cordyceps could also augment the body’s immune response against cancer.

In particular, laboratory studies have indicated that cordyceps exhibits anti-tumor effects on leukemia and cancer cells originating from the colon, lung, liver, bladder, breast, and prostate.

The Nutritional Profile of Cordyceps

The precise nutritional composition of cordyceps supplements can vary among brands. Nonetheless, wild cordyceps is hailed as one of the most nutritionally rich mushrooms. It boasts an array of amino acids, vitamins E and K, multiple B vitamins, and trace elements.

Moreover, cordyceps ranks high in polysaccharides, constituting 3–8% of its total weight, alongside nucleosides such as cordycepin and adenosine, which are believed to underpin most of its health benefits.

Navigating the Risks of Cordyceps Consumption

When used as directed, cordyceps is unlikely to pose any toxicity concerns. However, it is critical to acknowledge that there is a dearth of human studies establishing the safety profile of cordyceps.

Certain individuals have reported mild to moderate side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Bloating
• Throat discomfort
• Allergic reactions

Researchers suggest that individuals with autoimmune disorders such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis should exercise caution when considering cordyceps, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional.

Additionally, there have been reports of lead poisoning stemming from contaminated cordyceps powder.

The consumption of cordyceps supplements in children, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding is not recommended due to a lack of research on potential side effects.

Tips for Cordyceps Consumption

In its natural habitat, cordyceps grows as a parasitic fungus on caterpillars, making it challenging and costly to obtain.

In the United States, cordyceps is typically available in supplement form. It can be found in various formats, including tablets, powders, or in its dried, whole form.

Given its elevated price point and rarity, most supplements incorporate a synthetic version of Cordyceps sinensis referred to as CS-4. Some supplements may also employ a synthetic variation of Cordyceps militaris, which shares similar constituents with Cordyceps sinensis and is believed to be equally effective.

It is essential to recognize that, similar to other supplements, cordyceps supplements are not evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and efficacy before being brought to market.

To ensure that you acquire a quality supplement devoid of potentially harmful components, it is advisable to select reputable brands that engage in third-party testing. Several supplement manufacturers enlist third-party laboratories to assess their products for purity and potency, a measure that augments supplement safety. Whenever possible, opt for supplements from brands certified by organizations such as UL, USP, and NSF International.

Determining the Appropriate Cordyceps Dosage

Given the absence of human research establishing an official recommended dose for cordyceps, it is prudent to adhere to the dosage recommendations and usage instructions provided on the product label when considering cordyceps supplementation. Excessive consumption may heighten the risk of encountering adverse effects.

Cordyceps, a fungus revered in traditional Chinese medicine, harbors a plethora of potential health benefits that span from augmenting athletic performance and heart health to modulating blood sugar, combating inflammation, and potentially conferring anti-aging and anti-tumor effects. Nevertheless, it is imperative to bear in mind that the existing body of research is predominantly rooted in animal models and laboratory studies, necessitating further exploration through human trials to validate these claims.

If you contemplate incorporating cordyceps supplements into your regimen, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare provider to ensure its safety and assess any potential interactions with concurrent medications.