What Is Cordyceps?

August 25, 2008 – 5:34 pm

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Cordyceps is a century-old Chinese herb that in ancient times was very rare and reserved only for dignitaries and wealthy people. A classical 17th century medical text by a master Chinese druggist stated that Cordyceps was even more powerful than Ginseng or Reishi when it comes to treating a wide variety of health problems.

It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat fatigue and other ailments for over 1500 years. Of the twelve strains of Cordyceps grown in China, the Cordyceps Sinensis variety is the most potent and famous strain. Although very rare and expensive in the past, it is now available at a reasonable cost to the general public in a safe, standardized form.

Health Benefits
In 1993, at the World Track & Field Meeting in Stutgart Germany, China’s Wang Junxia broke the world record in the 10,000 meter race by an astounding 40 seconds at 29 minutes and 31.78 seconds. She has broken several world records in distance races. She performed so well that officials suggested she might have been using illegal steroids. Her secret – Cordyceps Sinensis!

Cordyceps contains many amino acids, minerals, vitamins, trace elements and its own unique active compounds such as adenosine, cordycepic acid, and polysaccharides. Adenosine is an energy carrier that helps support the transfer of energy throughout the body. Cordycepic acid seems to improve circulation. The polysaccharides help boost the immune system.

Research Summary
Modern researchers have found that Cordyceps seems to help improve respiratory and heart functions, reduce kidney and liver conditions, support the immune systems, increase energy levels, and enhance sexual function. Also, Cordyceps may have a positive effect on memory, appetite, and sleep patterns. From a nutritional viewpoint, Cordyceps is a well-balanced nutritious whole food.

Cordyceps is a unique nutritional herb that has been used for many centuries in China, Japan, and other Asian countries.

Scientific Studies
The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, December 2005 issue, published a Chinese study suggesting that the polysaccharides in Cordyceps had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The results of a double-blind study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in February, 2002 showed how Cordyceps effected a group of 110 healthy sedentary adults when tested for energy and endurance. In the study, 55 subjects took 3 grams of Cordyceps daily. The other group took a placebo. At the end of 12 weeks, the first group could ride a bike 2.8% longer than at the beginning of the study. The placebo group showed a 5.6% decrease in their ride times.

An article published in the May 2001 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise documents the results of a double-blind study conducted on 30 male athletes. In the study, athletes were given a daily dose of a placebo or 4.5 g. of Cordyceps. During the study, the athletes maintained their same exercise routine. After six weeks, the oxygen intake of the athletes taking Cordyceps was almost double that of the placebo group. This additional oxygen intake helped the athletes exercise more efficiently. In May 1999, another article published in the same journal reported on the results of a study with 30 healthy elderly Chinese. The subjects were given either a placebo or 3 g. of Cordyceps every day. At the end of six weeks, the Cordyceps group exhibited a 9 % increase in aerobic capacity, which researchers believe produced higher energy levels. The placebo group saw no change in their energy level.

An article published in the Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in 1992 reported that Natural Killer (NK) cell activity was greatly enhanced for patients taking Cordyceps. Normal patients experienced a 74% increase in NK cells activity and leukemia patients NK activity increased by 400%. This increase in NK cells activity is helpful for boosting the immune system. The level of the NK cells determines how well the body can fight infections and diseases.

The anti-aging attributes of Cordyceps were report in a placebo-controlled clinical study in the Journal of Applied Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the study, elderly patients suffering from fatigue and senility related symptoms showed significant improvement after taking Cordyceps Sinensis for 30 days. They reported a 92% reduction in fatigue, 83% reduction in dizziness, and a 89% reduction in cold tolerance. There was no change reported in the placebo group.

In three separate double-blind placebo controlled studies done in China, male participants with reduced libido and other sexual problems were given either 3 g. of Cordyceps Sinensis per day for 40 days or a placebo. At the end of the study, the placebo group reported a 24% improvement in their sex drive. The Cordyceps group experienced a 64% improvement.
Studies conducted by the Chinese government show that Cordyceps seems to help 1) promote more restful sleep, 2) enhance stamina and endurance, 3) boost mental clarity, 4) fight free radical damage and signs of premature aging, 5) maintain healthy blood pressure, 6) improve resistance to colds and flu, 7) effectively manage stress, and 8) improve sexual function.

References:
Coa A., Wen Y., Journal of Applied Traditional Chinese Medicine (1:32-33); 1993.
Chung-Kuo Chung, His I., Chieh Ho, Tsa Chih. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine (12(5): 267-269); 1992.
Gravelin, Rich. “Boost energy with Cordyceps: this Chinese fungus helps athletes go further.” Natural Health: Weider Publications; August 2002.
Nicodemus, K., et al. “Supplementation With Cordyceps Cs-4 Fermentation Product Promotes Fat Metabolism During Prolonged Exercise.” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (33:5); May 2001.
Uhland, Vicky. “Cordyceps: this nourishing superfungus offers modern-day cures for the immune, heart and respiratory systems.” Better Nutrition: Primedia Company; June 2006.
Xiao, Y., et al. “Increased Aerobic Capacity in Healthy Elderly Humans Given A Fermentation Product Cordyceps Cs-4.” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (31:5); May 1999.
Zhu J.S., Halpern George, Jones K. “The Scientific Rediscovery of an Ancient Chinese Herbal Medicine: Cordyceps Sinensis – Part 1.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (4(3): 289-303); 1998.

Resources:
Halpern, George. “Cordyceps: China’s Healing Mushroom.” Avery Publishing Group: New York; 1999.
Udall, Kate Gilbert. “Cordyceps Sinensis.” Woodland Publishing: Utah; 1999.