In its natural habitat, Cordyceps sinensis is a small fungus that parasitizes on one particular species of caterpillar at high elevations of the Tibetan plateau. [1] Thousands of such unimposing species in similarly remote locations are not yet even discovered or described by western science. So it is highly surprising that Cordyceps is even known and discovered, let alone that its become one of the most sought after medicinal fungi in the world.
The extreme unlikeliness of this remote, rare, and insignificant fungus's claim to fame speaks volumes in and of itself as to its value and potency.
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]
Later research in China and Japan has indicated that Cordyceps possesses important anti-tumor and immune stimulating properties. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
In particular, a number of studies indicate its potential usefulness in cases of leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] In 2002, the U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia. Cordycepin is an active compound from Cordyceps sinensis.
One clinical study on Cordyceps extract showed a 64% improvement in the sexual performance of men with sexual dysfunction. [17] The underlying reason for Cordyceps effect as an aphrodisiac may be that it appears to help increase blood-flow by dilating blood vessels. [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]
But Cordyceps' main claim to fame lies in its enhancement of physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned earlier, a contributing factor may be the dilation of blood vessels and increased blood-flow, but also the dilation of respiratory passageways, as demonstrated in two studies on asthma and bronchitis. [3, 26]
Cordyceps made sports headlines in 1993 when a group of nine Chinese women credited the mushroom for their world records set at the Chinese National Games that year. [27, 28]
Additionally, Cordyceps extract is rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides, and many more recently discovered potentially therapeutic compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus undoubtedly a host of others yet to be discovered.
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 medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
The extreme unlikeliness of this remote, rare, and insignificant fungus's claim to fame speaks volumes in and of itself as to its value and potency.
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]
Later research in China and Japan has indicated that Cordyceps possesses important anti-tumor and immune stimulating properties. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
In particular, a number of studies indicate its potential usefulness in cases of leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] In 2002, the U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia. Cordycepin is an active compound from Cordyceps sinensis.
One clinical study on Cordyceps extract showed a 64% improvement in the sexual performance of men with sexual dysfunction. [17] The underlying reason for Cordyceps effect as an aphrodisiac may be that it appears to help increase blood-flow by dilating blood vessels. [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]
But Cordyceps' main claim to fame lies in its enhancement of physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned earlier, a contributing factor may be the dilation of blood vessels and increased blood-flow, but also the dilation of respiratory passageways, as demonstrated in two studies on asthma and bronchitis. [3, 26]
Cordyceps made sports headlines in 1993 when a group of nine Chinese women credited the mushroom for their world records set at the Chinese National Games that year. [27, 28]
Additionally, Cordyceps extract is rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides, and many more recently discovered potentially therapeutic compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus undoubtedly a host of others yet to be discovered.
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 medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.
Credits: Thank you, Paul Stamets, for research references.
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently focuses on medicinal fungi in partnership with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For research references to this article, go to the Cordyceps Extract site, where you can also find Cordyceps Capsules and other medicinal fungi.