What are Cordyceps?
Cordyceps have been used in Chinese medicines for centuries, largely being touted for its natural energy boosting properties. It is however also used for a number of other applications, which we will discuss later on in the article. Cordyceps contains over 750 different species, all with varying active chemicals and medicinal properties.
Cordyceps Militaris
Image by Andreas Kunze
Cordyceps sinensis is the most well known species of cordyceps, famous for being a parasitic fungus that is extremely beneficial for regeneration, regrowth and natural development within the regions in which it grows. This species of the fungus parasitizes the larvae of ghost moths (amongst other insects), and eventually grows from the head of a dead caterpillar high in the Himalayan mountains.The mushroom releases chemicals within the hosts brain, forcing it to move to the ground, where the fungus can then make use of the most nutrient rich soils and leaves, allowing it to thrive and fruit, releasing spores into the environment. Since this species grows in such a distinctive way, it is yet to be cultivated out of the wild and so the cordyceps you will usually receive are the more traditionally grown Cordyceps Militaris, with no caterpillars being harmed in the marking.
The cordyceps sinensis species naturally grows across The Himalayan region, with other species naturally growing throughout the world. Naturally picked cordyceps sinensis are definitely a rarity, due to overexploitation and restrictions of their natural habitat. Wild cordyceps now fetch extremely high prices, with the vast majority of cordyceps found on the market being grown and harvested specifically for sale on the therapeutic market, with no bugs harmed in the making.
Why all the buzz around cordyceps?
The main reason for modern Western interest in cordyceps comes from their natural energy boosting abilities. Touted as an alternative to highly caffeinated drinks and a great pre workout supplement, cordyceps can be used to increase stamina and provide a natural energy boost that can be felt for several hours.
The method of action for this energy boost has been studied and is reported to come from the fungi’s ability to increase the maximum aerobic uptake within the body. Cordyceps work by increasing oxygen uptake in our bodies, causing an increase in ATP availability. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is essential in delivering energy throughout our muscles, with improved levels of ATP causing a decrease in lactic acid build up, therefore offering a boost in stamina. Studies have shown an increase in VO2 max when cordyceps containing supplements are taken. V02 max measures how much oxygen you can breathe in at one time, with highly trained athletes showing nearly double the levels of V02 max over a typical participant. The higher your V02 max levels are, the higher your endurance and recovery rates will be.
Why else do people use Cordyceps?
Whilst increased energy and physical performance are the most well studied effects of cordyceps, there are many other benefits that are regularly reported when taking cordyceps based supplements:
Several cell studies have shown that cordyceps can actually encourage the growth of proteins that have anti-inflammatory effects, Whilst research on the subject is still very limited, researchers do believe that cordyceps have the potential to be used in conjunction with other anti-inflammatory drugs, bringing it forward as a potential treatment in a whole range of new applications.
Due to the combination of increased air flow and anti-inflammation, cordyceps have been implicated in a number of asthma trials. Asthma is caused by chronic inflammation of the airwaves so it is thought that the dual action of cordyceps could prove to be an effective treatment in the future. One randomised human trial looked at lung function, activity limitations and asthma exacerbation indications in 120 patients suffering with moderate to severe asthma. The trail took place over a period of 3 months. The results showed an overall improvement in the cordyceps group, stating that corbrin (an extract of cordyceps) increased significantly the mean number of symptom-free days and the mean number of rescue-free days compared with the control group, while it decreased the mean number of daytime onsets.
Cordyceps have been shown to have powerful hormone balancing effects in both male and female participants. Studies have shown that cordyceps support and regulate the adrenal gland, which creates many essential hormones, including; estrogen, cortisol and progesterone. The balancing of these hormones can improve sleep, reduce stress and contribute to a more regular menstrual cycle in women. The mushroom has also long been used as a natural aphrodisiac, regulating testosterone levels and increasing blood flow, leading to increased performance and boosted libido.
Cordyceps contain a specific type of sugar that may help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic sufferers, by mimicking the action of insulin. In several mice studies, cordyceps treatment has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels, whilst some human trials have shown improved kidney function, something which can often be a complication of diabetes.
A 2009 study on mice showed promising anti-aging properties in groups that were treated with Cordyceps. The mice showed signs of improved cognitive function, along with boosted antioxidative enzyme activity. This is caused by the high levels of polysaccharides within the mushrooms. These help control oxidation damage within the body caused by a buildup of free radicals.
Some animal studies have shown that the chemical adenosine, which naturally occurs in Cordyceps may have heart protection properties. They have also been shown to reduce the levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, whilst reducing triglyceride levels, a fat linked to a greater risk of heart disease.
In more recent times there has been a lot of research into Cordyceps potential to slow the growth of cancerous tumours. Whilst the research has all been performed on cell cultures and mice, the mushrooms have shown the potential to not only slow the growth of several different types of tumours, but has also been shown to reverse the negative effects of some cancer treatment therapies, such as leukopenia (the reduction of white blood cells in the body and the reason for a lowered immune system post cancer treatments).
The Shroomology Energy Blend contains 500mg of 4:1 cordyceps extract in each dose (equivalent to 2000 mg of dried cordyceps) , along with 50mg of 20:1 ashwagandha (equivalent to 400 mg of dried ashwagandha) and 40mg of 10:1 rhodiola rosea (equivalent to 400 mg of dried rhodiola rosea). Energy/Stamina/Anti-stress.
With all of these potential benefits it is therefore not hard to see why there is a lot of current popularity surrounding the Cordyceps mushroom. At Shroomology we recommend independent research into mushrooms, but we hope our guides can in some way give you an overview of the potential benefits certain mushrooms can offer.
It is recommended that you do not take cordyceps for 4 hours before you wish to sleep, as the energy boosting action of cordyceps can keep you awake.