Cordyceps is a well-known medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.
It’s a rare, naturally occurring fungus that grows at high altitudes on the Himalayan plateau.
Cordyceps has been used for centuries to support health in a variety of ways, including immune health, blood sugar, heart health, and more.
In this article, we will look at the benefits of Cordyceps, its safety, and its history.
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What is Cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a strain of mushroom that has been used for centuries to treat various conditions.
The Cordyceps mushroom is unique in that it is a parasitic fungus. It colonizes the larvae (i.e. caterpillars) of the Thitarodes genus of ghost moths.
After fully infecting and devouring the host insect, the fungus grows a stalk, which releases new spores to start the process again.
The remains of the caterpillar and the fruiting body (i.e. mushroom) of the fungus are then collected for use as medicine.
Typically, the fungus is gently cleaned and dried and then ground into a powder. Traditionally, it was used in soups, where it gives a delicious mushroom “umami” flavor.
Health Benefits of Cordyceps:
Cordipcepin is one of the main active phytochemicals in Cordyceps. The structure of Cordycepin is similar to adenosine and acts as a nucleoside analogue, which helps to prevent viral replication in infected cells.
This is thought to be one of the main active benefits of Cordyceps, which we’ll go through in-depth below.
Cordyceps benefits immune health through its immunomodulatory effects, meaning it can help support a healthy immune system.
1. May Support Immunity
Clinical research indicates that cordyceps benefits the immune system.
A 2015 human clinical trial showed that taking 1.5g daily of Cordyceps (C. militaris) helped to increase a variety of immune system markers, including NK cell activity and lymphocyte proliferation. It also helped to partially increase Th1 cytokine secretion. There were no adverse events, which helped to show the safety of this powerful mushroom.
A similar study in 2019 confirmed these results. In this study, individuals were given a Cordyceps mycelium extract daily or a placebo. The individuals given the Cordyceps were found to have a 17% boost in total NK cell activity compared to baseline. The researchers noted that this mushroom is safe and effective for enhancing cell-mediated immunity in healthy adults.
There are many different phytochemicals present in Cordyceps. Different forms of products (whole, alcohol extraction, etc..) provide different levels of nutrients. It was discovered that total extracts obtained using water or 50% ethyl alcohol and polysaccharides from C. militaris tend to promote type 1 immunity (i.e. innate immunity). On the other hand, total extracts obtained using 70–80% ethyl alcohol and cordycepin from C. militaris were more likely to promote type 2 immunity (i.e. adaptive immunity).
This is important to keep in mind when purchasing a Cordyceps supplement.
Summary:
Studies have shown that Cordyceps may be beneficial in maintaining a healthy immune system.
2. May Reduce Blood Sugar
Studies have reported that Cordyceps may work to decrease blood sugar levels and help to support individuals with diabetes.
The mechanism of Cordyceps antidiabetic activity is not fully understood, but a handful of studies show a potential pathway.
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.
Other test-tube studies show that Cordycepin has been found to suppress the expression of diabetes-regulating genes through the inactivation of NF-κb-dependent inflammatory responses.
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.
Another animal study found that Cordycepin was effective in mice with diabetic nephropathy. It was found to work by suppressing cell apoptosis, renal fibrosis, and rescued cell autophagy.
Summary:
Studies indicate that Cordyceps may decrease blood sugar levels. Human clinical research is needed to confirm these findings.
3. May Reduce Cholesterol
Various studies postulate that Cordycepin may be effective in reducing cholesterol levels.
This is thought to be due to its chemical structural similarity with adenosine (an activator of AMPK). AMPK is known as the master energy regulator within the body, activating it can help to speed up your body’s metabolism. This can help to reduce body weight.
A test-tube study showed that Cordycepin worked to increase AMPK activation in HepG2 cells. The study did note that the mechanism of action is still unknown.
An animal study found that hamsters fed a high-fat diet while taking Cordycepin had reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels. This study also found that Cordycepin helped to increase AMPK levels.
While these studies appear promising, human clinical trials showing the effectiveness of Cordyceps for cholesterol reduction are still needed.
Summary:
Research indicates that Cordyceps may reduce cholesterol levels, however, human trials are needed for verification.
4. May Benefit Asthma
Cordyceps may be one of the most beneficial herbs for asthma since it shows evidence of being able to support lung function.
In one trial involving study participants with moderate-to-severe asthma, Cordyceps mushroom was found to improve lung capacity and function. Cordyceps was also found to reduce inflammation. After supplementing with this herb over a period of three months, participants reported significantly improved asthma symptoms.
One animal study investigating the effect of Cordyceps extract on rodents with allergy-induced asthma found the herbal extract was able to reduce airway hyperresponsiveness and preventative of lung inflammation.
In an in vitro study, researchers discovered that Cordyceps mushroom was useful in decreasing the level of inflammation in the lungs and bronchioles.
Summary:
Although additional human clinical research is required, Cordyceps shows evidence of being able to help alleviate lung function and asthma.
5. May Help to Increase Energy Levels
Cordyceps is a fungus that is used as a natural remedy for increasing energy levels and potentially improving endurance and exercise tolerance.
In one trial, cordyceps mushroom was shown to increase the participant’s exercise tolerance after supplementing for 3 weeks, however, it was noted that a longer-term study may display better and more conclusive results.
In a study investigating the use of Cordyceps sinensis (a cordyceps mushroom similar to Cordyceps militaris), researchers found that cordycep