Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi and some of its members including Cordyceps mycelium are commonly used in herbal medicine. The popular species in commercial products are Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps ophioglossoides, Cordyceps capita, and Cordyceps. militaris. Cordyceps militaris is a traditional herbal ingredient frequently used for tonic and medicinal purposes in eastern Asia, while, Cordyceps sinensis (dong chong xia cao; 冬蟲夏草) has been suggested to possess anti-tumor, immunostimulant and antioxidant activities.
The chemical constituents for most species include cordycepin (3'-de-oxyadenosine) and its derivatives, ergosterol, polysaccharides, a glycoprotein and peptides containing alpha-aminoisobutyric acid. Their benefits are suggested to include anti-tumor, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antimicrobial, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, anti-ageing, neuroprotective and renoprotective effects. Polysaccharide accounts for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, hypoglycaemic, steroidogenic and hypolipidaemic effects. Cordycepin contributes to the anti-tumor, insecticidal and antibacterial activity. Ergosterol exhibits anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activity.
Cordyceps sinensis, a well-known and valued traditional Chinese medicine, is also called DongChongXiaCao (winter worm summer grass) in Chinese. In herbal medicine, it is commonly used to replenish the kidney and soothe the lung and it is believed to benefit fatigue, night sweating, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, asthemia after severe illness, respiratory disease, renal dysfunction and renal failure, arrhythmias and other heart disease, and liver disease. As the rarity and upstanding curative effects of natural Cordyceps, several mycelial strains have been isolated from natural Cordyceps and manufactured in large quantities by fermentation technology, and they are commonly sold as health food products in Asia.
Cordyceps extract supplements have been used in the elderly group to improve weakness, impotence, and fatigue associated with aging. Direct scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited, but Cordyceps extracts' anti-oxidative activities have been shown in some studies. The protective effects of cultured Cordyceps militaris and natural Cordyceps sinensis against oxidative damage of bio-molecules have been shown. They both have free radical scavenging abilities. Further, Cordyceps extracts may benefit people suffered from memory deficits, the extracts protected the Abeta-induced neuronal cell death and memory loss through a free radical scavenging mechanism.
Tests in animals, such as the mouse swim test, generally showed increased time to exhaustion. Unpublished data on studies in elderly volunteers revealed increased energy levels and oxygen-carrying capacity following 6 weeks of cordyceps treatment over placebo.
In vitro studies suggest aqueous extracts of C. sinensis have a stimulatory effect on ion transport in human airway epithelial cells, possibly because of cordycepin and adenosine. Animal studies suggest the observed effects on respiration are caused by enhanced oxygen utilization capacity, supporting the traditional use of cordyceps in Tibet and Nepal to offset altitude sickness. Clinical studies conducted in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchitis have suggested efficacy for cordyceps. The methodology of these clinical studies is, however, not reported or is of open-label design, and cordyceps is often administered in combination with other preparations, making definitive statements about efficacy difficult.
Cordyceps has antioxidant activities. Researchers from Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Taiwan, demonstrated the protective effects of cultured Cordyceps militaris and natural Cordyceps sinensis against oxidative damage of biomolecules in a vitro study. They both have free radical scavenging abilities.
Cordyceps may benefit people suffered from memory deficits. The extract of Cordyceps ophioglossoides protected the Abeta-induced neuronal cell death and memory loss through free radical scavenging activity.
Not sure if it is a benefit? Researchers from Taiwan noticed the stimulating effects of Cordyceps sinensis extracts on the secretion of testosterone in mice; this effect is in dose- and time-dependent relationships. They are hoping this effect may offer benefits to those with reproductive problems.
Cordyceps extract
supplements may benefit people with cholesterol-lowering effects. In
a study, researchers fed mice with cholesterol-enriched diet. They
found that the serum total cholesterol (TC) of all mice groups
administered Cordyceps sinensis extracts with the
cholesterol-enriched diet decreased more than in the control group.
Liver issues are not necessary related to aging, while some of us start to have liver issues at middle age or even earlier. Cordyceps extract supplements may benefit people at risk of liver issues. The use of Cordyceps extracts has been proposed on liver fibrosis. In a study, liver fibrosis in rats was induced and then the rats were treated with Cordycep extracts. It was found that cordyceps extracts promoted collagen degradation. Cordyceps extracts may also be able to adjust the T-lymphocyte subsets level and to treat hepatic fibrosis in patients suffered from chronic hepatitis.
Researchers from Shanghai
University of Traditional Chinese Medicine proposed the use of
Cordyceps sinensis on liver fibrosis. In a study, they induced liver
fibrosis in rats with dimethylnitrosamine and then they treated the
rats with Cordyceps sinensis. They found that the content of
metalloproteinases-2 in Cordyceps sinensis-treated group was
significantly higher than that in the untreated group. Thus,
cordyceps sinensis promoted collagen degradation. Cordyceps sinensis
may be able to adjust the T lymphocyte subsets level and to treat
hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis. In the study,
the researchers supplied cordyceps sinensis to 25 patients suffered
from chronic hepatitis for three months. They found CD4 and CD4/CD8
ratio increased significantly(P < 0.05), while HA and PC III
decreased significantly(P < 0.05) compared with the control.
Cordyceps may benefit people at risk of diabetes. Researchers from University of Macau, China, isolated a polysaccharide of molecular weight approximately 210kDa was isolated from cultured Cordyceps mycelia. This isolated polysaccharides, CSP-1, has a strong antidant activity and a hypoglycemic effect on normal and alloxan-diabetic mice and streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. When administered at a dose of higher than 200mg/kg body weight daily for 7 days, CSP-1 produced a significant drop in blood glucose level in both STZ-induced diabetic rats and alloxan-induced diabetic mice.
Researchers from China
Agricultural University, Beijing, also noticed the blood glucose
lowering effects of a polysaccharide extracted from the fruiting
bodies and mycelia of Cordyceps militaris in a study of rats. The
hypoglycemic effect of this polysaccharide-enriched Cordyceps
militaris extract was dose-dependent. Korean researchers showed a
water-extract of Cordyceps militaris ameliorated insulin resistance
by enhancing glucose utilization in skeletal muscles of rats.
Cordyceps may offer benefits to those suffered from certain cancers. The aqueous extract of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs), one of the traditional Chinese medicines, has been demonstrated to benefit a wide range of disorders in either animal or test-tube studies. Here are some most recent animal or in vitro studies suggesting its benefits in cancers.
Korean researchers reported cytotoxic effects of cultivated fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris extracts against the proliferation of the human premyelocytic leukemia cell HL-60 via the activation of caspase-3.
Researchers from Nanjing University showed that a polysaccharide extracted from a cultivated Cordyceps sinensis fungus significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase activity of liver, brain and serum as well as glutathione peroxidase activity of liver and brain in tumor-bearing mice. It also inhibited H22 tumor growth in the mice.
Cordyceps sinensis mycelium was found to induce MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cell death. Researchers from Taiwan found that Cordyceps sinensis induced MA-10 cell apoptosis by activating caspase-8-dependent and caspase-9- independent pathways and downregulating NF-kB protein expression.
Hong Kong researchers demonstrated that an ethanol extract of cultivated mycelium of a Cordyceps sinensis fungal mycelium has strong anti-tumor activity on four cancer cell lines MCF-7 breast cancer, B16 mouse melanoma, HL-60 human premyelocytic leukemia and HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma. In an animal test, the EtOAc extract showed significant inhibiting effect on B16-induced melanoma in C57BL/6 mice, causing about 60% decrease of tumor size over 27 days. In contrast, this extract had much lower cytotoxicity against normal mouse bone marrow cells. Researchers reported that it contained mainly carbohydrates, adenosine, ergosterol and trace amount of cordycepin.
Cordyceps may help body defense, against infections and inflammation. Cordyceps may modulate immunity.
Cordyceps sinensis is believed to be an immunomodulator. Hong Kong researchers demonstrated that a cultivated strain of Cordyceps sinensis induced the production of interleukin(IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alphaalpha from PBMC, augmented surface expression of CD25 on lymphocytes in a vitro study. While, researchers from Zhejiang University, China, demonstrated increased ovalbumin-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b serum levels after treating the mice with edible mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis.
A rat study has shown that
a Cordyceps sinensis mycelium extract protected mice from group A
streptococcal infection. It increased IL-12 and IFN-gamma expression
and macrophage phagocytic activities.
Cordyceps extract
supplements may offer benefits of cardiovascular protection. Extracts
of the fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis has been shown
to exert beneficial effects on the formation of the atherosclerotic
lesion induced by oxidative stress with few side effects in a study
of mice. In the study, researchers fed mice with an atherogenic diet
and treated with the extracts for 12 weeks. Mice fed the atherogenic
diet showed marked increases in serum lipid and lipid peroxide levels
and also aortic cholesterol levels, particularly cholesteryl ester
level, a major lipid constituent in atherosclerotic lesions.
According to the authors, the extracts significantly suppressed the
increased serum lipid peroxide level but not other lipid levels in a
dose-dependent manner. WECS also suppressed the increased aortic
cholesteryl ester level in a dose-dependent manner. A macromolecule
from Cordyceps sinensis was extracted and this molecule was found to
have blood pressure lowering and vaso-relaxing effects. The
vasorelaxation was propably mediated by the endothelium possibly by
stimulating the release of the nitric oxide and endothelium-derived
hyperpolarizing factor.
Cordyceps extract supplements may help body defense, against infections and inflammation. Cordyceps may modulate immunity. Cordyceps sinensis is believed to be an immunomodulator. A cultivated strain of Cordyceps sinensis induced the production of interleukin(IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor alphaalpha from PBMC, augmented surface expression of CD25 on lymphocytes in a vitro study. While, increased ovalbumin- specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b serum levels after treating the mice with edible mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis were demonstrated. A rat study has shown that a Cordyceps sinensis mycelium extract protected mice from group A streptococcal infection. It increased IL-12 and IFN-gamma expression and macrophage phagocytic activities. Cordyceps may also have beneficial effects on kidney, but, more studies are needed to understand the mechanism.
Cordyceps may also have beneficial effects on kidney, but, more studies are needed to understand the mechanism.
It is unclear what exact dosages are needed to achieve the therapeutic effects. Dosages of 3-6 g/day has been used in patients suffered from long-term renal failure, while dosage of 6 g/day was used in conjunction with chemotherapy in clinical studies. Further, daily dosage of 3.15 g was used in a study on physical performance.
Cordyceps probably is safe for healthy people at low doses. However, its side effects can be unpleasant or even serious to certain people.
Cordyceps side effects may include diarrhea, dry mouth and nausea. Contaminated products of cordyceps may lead to serious side effects such as lead poisoning, but it is uncommon. Cordyceps side effects may further include hypersensitivity. Cordyceps may cause the immune system to become more active, and this may increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases.
None well documented. In a study of children with asthma, a combination preparation containing cordyceps did not alter blood cell counts or renal or liver function tests.
Cordyceps interacts with immunosuppressants, cyclophosphamide, prednisolone and more. Cordyceps may potentially interact with anticoagulants and monamine oxidase inhibitors.
If you have immune system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or if you are on immunosuppressants, MAOI, anticoagulants, pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take cordyceps.
The following reviews have been selected:
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Reviewer: 55-64 Female, 7/16/2010 5:56:31 PM
Comment:
I noticed improvement the first day. I used it to counteract fatique. I feel a little light headed but otherwise have a lot of energy!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Didn't work for me., June 14, 2011
By
Amber
I know that Dr. Oz recommends this for energy production if you have CFS, but it didn't do anything for me.
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Reviewer: 65-74 Male, 6/3/2010 3:02:43 PM
Comment:
Extreme fatigue is almost immediately relieved with this product including better sleep.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Top quality cordyceps, November 28, 2011
By
Sarah (United States)
I love this cordyceps. It has a nice nutty smell, which tells me it is good quality.
I take cordyceps at least two each twice per day. If am really tired, I take a little more. Most people can feel a difference in a week on this product and they do not want to stop taking it. I prescribe it to my patients for fatigue. I'm a holistic practitioner.
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Reviewer: 45-54 Female, 9/3/2011 5:32:07 AM
Comment:
I have had asthma for 37 years and get chronic broncitis. I am taking strong asthma prescription meds, including Theophyline, Singulair, Albuterol, and Advair (highest dose one). I was getting sicker with asthma and with a low immune system and chronic asthma related broncitis. I've been taking other herbs for my asthma which help but not enough. I just started taking Cordycepts 3 weeks ago and I as shortly as I took the first dose, I took the deepest breath into my lungs that I've taken in years. It seemed to cause a little brief reflux at first it but taking it with food helps that. I've also realized that I have more energy since starting it. I started it 3 weeks ago, so am waiting to see if it builds up my immune system. I currently still need my asthma meds but this helped tremendously and I can feel the oxygen way down on my lungs - WOW!
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Cordyceps benefits, June 4, 2011
By
Joel C. Bolden (Port Matilda, PA)
I've been using this product for about four months now, and intend to keep using it. Some of the many horrible side effects of a medication prescribed for me for my hyper tension were impotence, depression, Weight loss, decrease in kidney function and extreme muscle pain. Well, I got off the med but was still in bad shape. After considerable study I decided to give cordyceps a try. I really noticed no effects for the first month(I was in pretty bad shape), but gradually [my] general health started to improve steadily until now I feel great... went(slowly)from full impotence to just about normal after about 3 months. Because it greatly increases oxygen processing in the cell, I've no longer any muscle pains and have, in fact, gone back to working out on a regular basis... It also is supposed to have an affinity for the kidney system, and after my last physical(last month)my doctor noted by kidney function was up. Not something you really expect when you're 66 years old. I have a LOT of energy, which is great because I'm an active person, who farms, hikes, canoes, hunts etc, all physically demanding things, and I have returned (plus) to the energy levels I had before I started on that durned med they put me on. Haven't seen any side effects at all. In my 38 years of practicing mostly holistic medicine(unless it was ineffective), this is probably the most noticeably effective product I've used; but then again I was [very] near dead, so any improvement was VERY noticable.
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Reviewer: BR, 55-64 Female, 10/21/2010 2:48:47 AM
Comment:
Have had a chronic cough for many years that was getting worse and limiting sleep. Took 2 codysep pills and cough stopped HOWEVER I find that I must continue to take my asthma meds or take slightly larger doses of cordyseps. /this is the first real relief I've had in many years.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Ancient Chinese Remedy, March 27, 2011
By
M. Wenger (PA)
Gives me an energy boost without the crash associated with caffeinated energy products. I've been taking this for a couple months and couldn't be happier.
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