Cordyceps is a highly regarded medicinal mushroom that grows primarily at altitudes of 3,000 to 5,000 meters in the humid alpine meadows of the Tibetan highlands. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and is considered one of the most valuable medicinal mushrooms in this tradition. Known as "winter worm, summer grass," the mushroom owes its fame to both its mystical legend and its remarkable health benefits. More recently, Cordyceps has established itself as a dietary supplement thanks to its numerous bioactive constituents. It is considered a valuable support for the immune system, endurance, respiratory health, and many other areas of health.

1. Cordyceps - Chinese "caterpillar fungus"

Cordyceps is a genus of medicinal mushrooms that grows naturally in the highlands of Tibet, Nepal, and other Asian regions. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are considered one of the most valuable medicinal mushrooms.

According to legend, there were once two princes. During a trip to the mountains, the elder planned to kill his younger brother. The gods showed mercy and transformed the younger brother into a worm. The elder transformed himself into an eagle to find the worm. However, the worm burrowed into the earth and let its tail stick out like a blade of grass, so that the elder could not find it. Disappointed with his fate, the younger brother did not want to fight for power, but wished to contribute to human health with his body. This wish was granted by the gods, and he became the famous Dong chong xia cao (Winter Worm, Summer Grass).

Cordyceps mushrooms are parasitic fungi, also called caterpillar fungi because they naturally grow on caterpillars and their fruiting bodies protrude from the soil. They are rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds have a variety of potential health benefits, including strengthening the immune system, improving stamina and energy, promoting heart health, and supporting liver function.

Due to their diverse potential health benefits, these mushrooms are often used as dietary supplements (DSSs). According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), their primary effect is to strengthen the kidney and lung meridians, which contributes to greater vitality and performance. They are taken by people who want to improve their overall health, strengthen their immune system, enhance their athletic performance, or recover from illness.

Today, wild caterpillar mushrooms are increasingly rare in the wild due to climate change and intensive exploitation. The price of wild mushrooms (0.7 g) is around €7, which equates to €1,000 for 100 g. Most mushrooms available on the market are cultivated mushrooms of the CS-4 subtype of Cordyceps sinensis. Their constituents and medicinal properties are comparable to the wild type, and they can be cultivated under controlled organic conditions.

2. What ingredients are contained in Cordyceps?

Cordyceps mushrooms contain a variety of bioactive compounds that may be responsible for their potential health benefits. These include:

Polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates can strengthen the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Amino acids: C. sinesis is rich in essential amino acids and proteo-glucans, which are important for the development and repair of tissue and can support various metabolic processes.

Nucleotides: These compounds are building blocks like adenosine of DNA and RNA and can support immune function and energy production.

Sterols: Sterols are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and may regulate cholesterol levels.

Minerals: The fruiting body contains various minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron and zinc, which are important for a variety of bodily functions.

Vitamins: This mushroom is a natural source of several vitamins, including vitamin B complex, vitamin E, and vitamin K, which may help maintain a healthy metabolism and immune system.

These ingredients work synergistically together to give this medicinal mushroom its potential health benefits.

3. Cordyceps Effect - What are the health benefits of this medicinal mushroom?

Cordyceps offers a variety of potential health benefits, including:

Strengthening the immune system: Bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides in C. sinesis stimulate the activity of immune cells such as T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, leading to an improved immune response.

Improved endurance and energy: Cordyceps can enhance physical performance by improving oxygen uptake and energy metabolism, which can lead to increased endurance and reduced fatigue. Biochemically, its components appear to have a direct effect on the mitochondria (the powerhouses of the cells), leading to increased ATP (energy storage) production in the cells.

Respiratory support: This medicinal mushroom has traditionally been used to support respiratory health. It contains compounds that can dilate the bronchi, opening the airways and facilitating breathing. It also improves oxygen uptake in the lungs, which may be particularly beneficial for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Heart health: Some studies suggest that this mushroom may have positive effects on heart health by regulating cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and promoting blood circulation.

Anti-inflammatory properties: The bioactive compounds contained in this medicinal mushroom may have anti-inflammatory effects and help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various health problems.

Liver function support: Cordyceps can support liver function and improve the liver's detoxification capacity.

Stress reduction: Some research suggests that Cordyceps may have adaptogenic properties that can help reduce stress and increase the body's resilience to stressors.

Protection against oxidative stress: Cordyceps is rich in antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals that can cause cell damage.

4. Cordyceps application: dosage form, dosage and daily intake

Cordyceps can be taken in various forms, including powder, capsules, extracts or tea.

Powder: The powder from the fruiting body can be mixed into drinks such as smoothies, juices, or water. The recommended intake is often between 1 and 3 grams per day, depending on the concentration and purity of the powder. High-quality medicinal mushroom powders can be vegan and organic.

Capsules: Cordyceps capsules containing the mushroom powder offer a convenient way to take the ingredients of this caterpillar fungus regularly and in precisely measured doses. Each capsule typically contains 500-600 mg of powder, packaged in plant-based HPMC (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) capsule shells.

Extracts: Extracts often consist of aqueous extractions of the medicinal mushroom. These contain higher concentrations of water-soluble components such as polysaccharides or glucans, making them more effective for targeted applications.

Tea: Cordyceps tea is made by soaking dried mushrooms or powder in hot water.

5. Cordyceps side effects: What should be considered when using it?

Product quality: High-quality Cordyceps products come from trusted manufacturers, are organic, and residue-controlled. They do not contain unnecessary ingredients that merely improve shelf life or appearance without providing any additional health benefits.

Dosage: Follow the recommended dosage on the product label or as directed by a healthcare professional. Avoid overdosing, as this caterpillar fungus may also cause unwanted side effects.

Medications: People taking prescription medications or suffering from chronic health conditions should consult their physician before taking Cordyceps. This medicinal mushroom may interact with medications that affect blood sugar levels, blood pressure, or blood clotting.

Allergy: Carefully monitor your reaction to this mushroom and be alert for any adverse side effects. Although Cordyceps is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience allergic reactions or gastrointestinal disturbances.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited information on the safety of Cordyceps during these times. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or TCM expert before use.

Storage: Dietary supplements should generally be stored in a cool, dry place.

6. Frequently asked questions about Cordyceps

Initial worsening occurs before the body has become accustomed to the fungus. It is advisable to reduce or discontinue use if adverse symptoms occur, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist or are severe.

Is the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps suitable for endurance athletes?

Cordyceps is popular among endurance athletes due to its potential to improve oxygen uptake and increase energy production. It is believed to support endurance performance by improving oxygen utilization in muscles and delaying fatigue. Many athletes use this medicinal mushroom as a dietary supplement to improve their athletic performance and shorten their recovery time.

Does Cordyceps really have a doping effect?

Cordyceps is mistakenly considered a doping agent in some circles, but there is no scientific evidence that it has a doping effect. However, there is evidence that it can improve oxygen uptake and increase endurance performance, which some athletes may consider a performance enhancer. It is important to note that the use of cordyceps as a dietary supplement is not prohibited by sports federations or anti-doping agencies. Nevertheless, athletes should consult the rules and regulations of their respective sports organizations and seek professional advice when in doubt.

How quickly can I expect to see results from taking Cordyceps?

The speed at which results become visible after taking Cordyceps can vary from person to person and depends on several factors, including individual health, dosage, product quality, and specific goals. Some people may report improvements, particularly in energy and stamina, within just a few weeks, while others may take longer to see noticeable results.

Can I take Cordyceps with other supplements?

Popular supplements include reishi mushroom, which boosts the immune system and promotes overall health, and lion's mane mushroom, which is valued for its cognitive benefits and can be combined with cordyceps to support energy and mental clarity. Rhodiola, an adaptogenic herb used to increase stamina and manage stress, can also be combined to promote additional energy and resilience. Ashwagandha, another adaptogenic herb, is used to reduce stress and support energy levels. Shiitake and maitake are also popular mushrooms combined with cordyceps.

What is the difference between Cordyceps sinesis CS-4 and Cordyceps militaris?

Cordyceps sinensis CS4 is a specific strain isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, a parasitic fungus species. This culture is widely used in the production of extracts.

Cordyceps militaris is another mushroom species that can be cultivated on artificial substrates. Cordyceps militaris is also valued for its potential health benefits and can be found in various forms, including powders and extracts.

Although both species are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and may offer similar health benefits, there are differences in their biological origin and composition. C. sinesis, for example, has a higher content of polysaccharides. However, some studies suggest that C. militaris has a higher concentration of other bioactive compounds.

What is the difference between Cordyceps and Kernel Mace?

Cordyceps and squash (pupa squash club) are two distinct fungal species, but both belong to the order Helotiales. While Cordyceps belongs to the family Cordycipitaceae, squash club belongs to the family Clavicipitaceae. Both fungal species are parasitic and can infect various hosts, including insects and other fungi. Cordyceps is known for its use in traditional Chinese medicine and is valued for its potential health benefits, while squash club is being studied due to its importance as a grain parasite and its effects on agricultural crops.

What is the difference between Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps?

In mainstream media, Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps are often associated. Both genera were once classified under the same name, but were later separated into separate genera. Both are parasitic in nature and can infect different hosts. Cordyceps is a caterpillar fungus with medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine, while Ophiocordyceps is more commonly known as a parasite that infects and controls certain insects such as ants.

Can Cordyceps be grown without insects?

Traditionally, Cordyceps sinensis grows parasitically on certain caterpillars as hosts, but in modern cultivation methods, it is often grown on artificial substrates such as rice, grain, or soybeans. This method, known as "liquid fermentation" or "solid-state fermentation," enables controlled and efficient production without the need for insect hosts. This process also enables widespread organic farming.

7. Conclusion:

Cordyceps is far more than a traditional medicinal mushroom; it offers a wide range of potential health benefits that are increasingly supported by modern research. From strengthening the immune system to improving physical performance and supporting heart health, Cordyceps can contribute to overall health in many ways. However, it's important to pay attention to the quality of the product and adhere to the recommended dosages when using it. For people looking to naturally boost their vitality and resilience, Cordyceps could be a valuable supplement.

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Sources:

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Zhang HW, Lin ZX, Tung YS, et al. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;2014(12):CD008353. Published 2014 Dec 18. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008353.pub2

Das G, Shin HS, Leyva-Gómez G, et al. Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials. Front Pharmacol. 2021;11:602364. Published 2021 Feb 8. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.602364

Chen PX, Wang S, Nie S, Marcone M. Properties of Cordyceps Sinensis: A review. J Funct Foods. 2013;5(2):550-569. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2013.01.034