From high elevations of the Tibetan plateau comes a minute fungus known as Cordyceps sinensis. It parasitizes on caterpillars and sprouts out of their dead carcasses. [1] With 95% of the world's mushroom species still undiscovered, it's a small wonder that a tiny fungus from a remote and sparsely populated area is not only described but revered the world over as one of the most highly prized medicinal mushrooms on the planet.
The highly improbable likelihood of fame from such humble origins may in and of itself indicate that, "surely there must be something to it."
Cordyceps extract has been valued in China for almost two thousand years as an aphrodisiac and general vitalizing tonic. The first recorded mention of Cordyceps extract appears in the Chinese work The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman from about 200 A.D. [2] Modern works have reaffirmed its traditional wisdom. [3]
Contemporary researchers in Asia have discovered that Cordyceps sinensis demonstrates anti-tumor and immune-enhancing qualities. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Four studies have indicated that Cordyceps may be useful in treating leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] The U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of the compound cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia in 2002.
In keeping with the use of Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac, a recent study reported a 64% improvement of erectile dysfunction. [17] Underlying these results may be the effect Cordyceps appears to have on blood vessel dilation and blood-flow. [18, 19]
Some more areas of potential interest for Cordyceps extract include reducing cholesterol, [20] supporting liver function (post-hepatitic cirrhosis), [22] and kidney health. [21]
However, the main reason for Cordyceps' popularity is its effect on physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned above, this may in part be due to the fact that it helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood-flow to muscles and organs. Although another reason may be that Cordyceps helps dilate not only blood-vessels but also respiratory passageways, as reported in two papers on bronchitis and asthma. [3, 26]
Nine Chinese women who set world records at the 1993 Chinese National Games attributed their success to their use of Cordyceps extract. [27, 28]
Cordyceps sinensis is also rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides and many other newly discovered compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus many more that are yet to be isolated.
In his book Mycelium Running, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following areas where research has shown Cordyceps extract to have a beneficial effect: Bacteria; viruses; blood pressure; nerve tonic (stress); lung cancer; lymphoma. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
The highly improbable likelihood of fame from such humble origins may in and of itself indicate that, "surely there must be something to it."
Cordyceps extract has been valued in China for almost two thousand years as an aphrodisiac and general vitalizing tonic. The first recorded mention of Cordyceps extract appears in the Chinese work The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman from about 200 A.D. [2] Modern works have reaffirmed its traditional wisdom. [3]
Contemporary researchers in Asia have discovered that Cordyceps sinensis demonstrates anti-tumor and immune-enhancing qualities. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Four studies have indicated that Cordyceps may be useful in treating leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] The U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of the compound cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia in 2002.
In keeping with the use of Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac, a recent study reported a 64% improvement of erectile dysfunction. [17] Underlying these results may be the effect Cordyceps appears to have on blood vessel dilation and blood-flow. [18, 19]
Some more areas of potential interest for Cordyceps extract include reducing cholesterol, [20] supporting liver function (post-hepatitic cirrhosis), [22] and kidney health. [21]
However, the main reason for Cordyceps' popularity is its effect on physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned above, this may in part be due to the fact that it helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood-flow to muscles and organs. Although another reason may be that Cordyceps helps dilate not only blood-vessels but also respiratory passageways, as reported in two papers on bronchitis and asthma. [3, 26]
Nine Chinese women who set world records at the 1993 Chinese National Games attributed their success to their use of Cordyceps extract. [27, 28]
Cordyceps sinensis is also rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides and many other newly discovered compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus many more that are yet to be isolated.
In his book Mycelium Running, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following areas where research has shown Cordyceps extract to have a beneficial effect: Bacteria; viruses; blood pressure; nerve tonic (stress); lung cancer; lymphoma. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently specializes in medicinal fungi in cooperation with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For scientific references to this article, go to the Cordyceps Extract site, where you can also find Cordyceps Capsules and other medicinal fungi.
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