Suggested Use: One cordyceps capsule or tablet a few times a week, or as recommended by your health care professional.
Cordyceps, one of the better-known traditional Chinese medicines, consists of the dried fungus Cordyceps sinensis growing on the larva of the caterpillar. It is commonly used in China for the replenishment of general body health. Cordyceps has a broad range of pharmacological and biological actions on the liver, kidneys, heart, and immune system. One of the known pharmacological effects is its anti-oxidation activity. Cordyceps sinensis, a well-known and valued traditional Chinese medicine, is also called DongChongXiaCao (winter worm summer grass) in Chinese.
What's in cordyceps mushroom?
The pharmacological actions are due mainly to its
bioactive polysaccharides, modified nucleosides, and cyclosporin-like
metabolites produced by the fungus.
buy Cordyceps supplement 525 mg pills, standardized
extract (0.18% adenosine)
Suggested Use: One cordyceps capsule or tablet a few times a week, or as
recommended by your health care professional.
Properties and benefits - dong chong xiacao
Cordyceps sinensis is a parasitic
complex of fungus and caterpillar, which has been used for medicinal purposes
for centuries particularly in China, Japan and other Asian countries.
Anti aging and longevity
An experimental study on anti-aging action of Cordyceps extract
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004.
Aged mice were induced by D-galactose. Meanwhile,
they were treated with three doses of Cordyceps extract which significantly increased the ability of learning and memory, improve the activity
of SOD of red blood cells, brain and liver, the activity of CAT and GSH-Px of
blood, and remarkably decreased the activity of MAO of brain and the contents of
MDA of brain and liver. Cordyceps extract has good anti-aging effects on aged
mice, which is probably due to effects of improving antioxidation and removing
free radicals.
Anti-aging action of cordyceps extract in mice
One of the known pharmacological effects is its
anti-oxidation activity. Cordyceps is also known as an
immune system stimulant. To investigate the anti-aging effect and
mechanism, aged mice were treated with cordyceps extract.
After six weeks, the scientists found that cordyceps significantly
increased their ability to learn, remember, and it improved the activity
of their antioxidant systems.
Dr. Sahelian says: There are many herbs, mushrooms, and supplements
that have shown similar properties. I think it's probably a good idea to
take cordyceps extract a few times a month. I generally prefer not to
take the same herb or supplement every day and all the time. It's good
to take breaks and have variety.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Anti-inflammatory principles from
Cordyceps sinensis.
J Nat Prod. 2011. Department of Chemistry, National Cheng Kung
University, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China.
In order to explore the anti-inflammatory principles of the mycelia of
Cordyceps sinensis, the crude extract and partially purified fractions
were examined for their inhibition of superoxide anion generation and
elastase release. Further chemical investigation of the bioactive
fractions has resulted in the identification of 50 compounds, including
five constituents, cordysinins A-E (1-5), reported from a natural source
for the first time. In addition, compounds were examined for their
anti-inflammatory activity. 1-(5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furyl)-β-carboline
displayed the most significant inhibition of superoxide anion generation
and elastase release.
Antioxidant
The extracts of cultured Cordyceps sinensis possess potent
antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidation activities and inhibit accumulation of
cholesterol in macrophages via suppression of LDL oxidation.
Anti-oxidation activity of different types of natural
Cordyceps sinensis and cultured mycelia.
Phytomedicine. 2001.
The
water extracts of various sources of natural Cordyceps sinensis and cultured
mycelia were analyzed for their anti-oxidation activity by using three
different assay methods such as the xanthine oxidase assay, the induction of
hemolysis assay and the lipid peroxidation assay. The results showed that
Cordyceps, in general, possesses a strong anti-oxidation activity in all assays
tested. However, both natural and cultured Cordyceps showed the lowest
inhibition in the lipid peroxidation when compared with the other two assay
methods. The cultured Cordyceps mycelia had equally strong anti-oxidation
activity as compared to the natural Cordyceps. Besides, the anti-oxidation
activities were increased to 10-30 folds in the partially purified
polysaccharide fractions from the cultured Cordyceps mycelia, which suggested
that the activity could be derived partly from Cordyceps polysaccharides.
Aphrodisiac
properties?
There are claims that cordyceps is an aphrodisiac. I was not not
able to find human studies regarding the influence of cordyceps mushroom or
extract influence on sexuality. However a mouse study indicates that it
can stimulate testosterone release.
Asthma
I recently came across information regarding cordyceps sinensis for
asthma. Do you know if there have been studies as
treatment for asthma?
Effect of dongchong xiacao capsule ( cordyceps supplement ) on airway
inflammation of asthmatic patients
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007.
To investigate the effect of dongchong xiacao capsule on the airway inflammation of asthmatic patients and to explore the
relevant mechanism of therapeutic effect of Dongchong xiacao capsule.
Sixty patients with moderate persistent asthma were randomized into the
treatment group (n=30) and the control group (n=30). Inhaled
corticosteroid and as-needed beta-agonist were used in the treatment
group while this therapy plus dongchong xiacao capsule
were used in the control group for two months. Cordyceps supplement can reduce the serum markers of airway inflammation,
which suggests this therapy bares the anti-inflammation effects probably
through regulating the balance of TH1/TH2, inhibiting the activity of
adherence molecule and reducing IgE production. It may also have the
effect of reversing airway remodeling, which needs further research to
determine.
Cancer treatment
Activation of innate immunity to reduce lung metastases in breast cancer.
Cancer Immunol Immunother. 2010; Jordan JL. Department
of Pathology, Atlantic Centre for Transplantation Research, Dalhousie
University, Halifax, Canada.
Breast cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer death in
women. Mortality is primarily due to the development of metastases. Although
therapies exist, they lack efficacy in preventing metastatic growth. As a
result, novel agents are being investigated. In particular, treatments that
target the immune system are being examined as potential anti-neoplastic agents.
Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus that has been used for over 2,000 years in China
as a treatment for a variety of conditions including neoplasms. The available
evidence suggests that efficacy of Cs as an anti-neoplastic therapeutic agent is
related to a role as an activator of innate immune responses. The objectives of
this study were: to investigate the ability of Cs to activate macrophages to
produce factors that will induce protective responses against tumor growth; to
study the ability of Cs to reduce primary tumor growth in vivo; and to examine
the ability of Cs to reduce lung metastasis growth in vivo. We found that oral
Cs does not reduce primary tumor growth but can reduce lung metastasis
occurrence in a surgical excision model of metastatic mammary carcinoma. The
evidence we have shown to date suggests that the reduction in metastases growth
may be due to the effects of macrophage-derived factors on tumor cell cycle.
Condyloma Acuminatum
Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the Th1/Th2 cytokines in patients with
condyloma acuminatum
Zhong Yao Cai. 2000.
Double-antibody sandwich ELISA
was used to study the serum level of IL-2 and IL-10 in 34 patients treated with cordyceps sinensis and 29 patients in control group. After treated with cordyceps sinensis,
the serum levels of IL-2 and IL-10 significantly increased and decreased
respectively. CS might recover the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines and
enhance Th 1 immune response in patients with CA, and reduce the recurrence of
condyloma acuminatum.
Diabetes and blood sugar
Cordyceps improves glucose metabolism and increases insulin
sensitivity in normal rats.
Energy
A 5 week study using a trademarked formula CordyMax Cs-4 had no
effect on aerobic capacity or endurance exercise performance in
endurance-trained male cyclists. The dose used was 3 grams a day.
Fertility and hormone effect
In vivo stimulatory effect of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium and its fractions
on reproductive functions in male mouse.
Life Sci. 2004.
Cordyceps sinensis, an Ascomycetes fungus parasitic to Lepidoptera larvae,
has been traditionally used as nutritious food for the enhancement on sexual
performance and the restitution of impairment in sexual function in Chinese
society. We have previously demonstrated the stimulatory effect of Cordyceps
sinensis and its fractions on steroidogenesis both on primary mouse Leydig cells
and MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. In the present studies, we determined the in
vivo effects of Cordyceps sinensis and its fractions on steroidogenesis in
mouse. Different concentrations of CS and Cordyceps sinensis fractions (0.02 and
0.2 mg/g body weight) were fed to immature or mature mice from 1 to 7 days. The
plasma levels of testosterone were evaluated by radioimmunoassay. The weights of
reproductive organs were also determined. Results illustrated that Cordyceps
sinensis significantly induced plasma testosterone levels both in immature and
mature mice in 3 and/or 7 days treatment. F2 and F3 at 0.02 and/or 0.2 mg/g body
weight for different feeding duration could also significantly stimulated plasma
testosterone levels both in immature and mature mice. In general, Cordyceps
sinensis, F2 and F3 didn't have considerable effect on the weights of
reproductive organs. Taken together, these studies illustrate that Cordyceps
sinensis and its fractions significantly stimulated in vivo mouse testosterone
production.
I am a female who is 41 who has low testosterone and low
sex drive, is there any research for women using this to increase testosterone
for low sex drive?
Not that I am aware of. Some women do notice enhanced sexuality
from using this product, but there are other more consistent and better
sexual enhancers.
Hepatitis B
Cordyceps may be helpful in hepatitis B. One study showed an
improvement in the CD4 to CD8 ratio with the use of cordyceps for 3 months.
Immune system
Cordyceps has an influence on the immune system, although the
research is still too early to know the full details.
Cordycepin is an immunoregulatory active ingredient of
Cordyceps sinensis.
Am J Chin Med. 2008; Zhou X, Luo L, Dressel W, Krumbiegel D. Laboratory for Paediatric Immunology and
Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital, Johannes Gutenberg University of
Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
We have reported that cordycepin, increased interleukin (IL)-10 expression, decreased IL-2 expression
and suppressed T lymphocyte activity. In the present study, we further
characterized the regulatory effects of cordycepin on human immune cells.
Moreover, a traditional Chinese drug, Cordyceps sinensis (CS) that contains
cordycepin, was also investigated. Our results led to the opinion that
cordycepin and CS pleiotropically affected the actions of immune cells and
cytokine network in a similar fashion. Cordycepin could be an important
immunoregulatory active ingredient in Cordyceps sinensis. In addition, CS may
contain substances which possess synergism with cordycepin, as CS showed a
higher efficiency in the production of IL-10 and IL-2 than cordycepin. However,
merits of these effects in pharmacology and clinical medicine have yet to be
proven and the precise mechanism of these immune regulatory actions should be
researched.
Leukemia
Induction of HL-60 apoptosis by ethyl acetate extract of Cordyceps sinensis
fungal mycelium.
Life Sci. 2004.
Cordyceps sinensis extract showed the potent cytotoxic effect against
the proliferation of human premyelocytic leukemia cell HL-60. It induced the
characteristic apoptotic symptoms in the HL-60 cells, DNA fragmentation and
chromatin condensation.
Lupus
Cordyceps has been studied in systemic lupus erythematosus in rats.
Cordyceps sinensis reduced the level of proteinuria and anti-ds-DNA
antibody in plasma, and improved kidney function in rats with SLE.
Cordyceps side effects,
safety, risk
I have not come across any cordyceps side effects mentioned in the
medical literature, but just as with any herb, excess amounts could have
potential for unpleasant side effects. It would be a good idea to
occasionally take breaks from the use of cordyceps.
Research
A polysaccharide isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, a
traditional Chinese medicine, protects PC12 cells against hydrogen
peroxide-induced injury.
Life Sci. 2003.
Cordyceps sinensis, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, possesses
activities in anti-tumour, anti-oxidation and stimulating the immune system. We
found a polysaccharide which protects against free
radical-induced neuronal cell toxicity.
In vivo and in vitro stimulatory effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone
production in mouse Leydig cells.
Life Sci. 2003.
The in vivo and in vitro effects of Cordyceps sinensis and its extracted
fractions on the secretion of testosterone in mice were studied. Cordyceps
sinensis, F2 (water soluble protein), and F3 (poorly water soluble
polysaccharide and protein) significantly stimulated in vitro testosterone
production in purified mouse Leydig cells. However, F1 (water soluble
polysaccharide) had no effect. F2 and F3 stimulated in vitro testosterone
production in dose- and time-dependent relationships with maximal responses at 3
mg/ml for 3 h. An in vivo study illustrated that testosterone levels in plasma
were significantly increased by Cordyceps sinensis, F2, and F3, respectively.
Because Cordyceps sinensis, F2, and F3 stimulated both in vitro and in vivo
testosterone secretions in mice, it is possible that Cordyceps sinensis might
contribute to an alternative medicine for the treatment of some reproductive
problems caused by insufficient testosterone levels in human males.
Antifatigue and antistress effect of the hot-water
fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis.
Biol Pharm Bull. 2003.
This study was conducted to investigate the chemical component of the hot
water (HW) fraction of mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis and its antifatigue and
antistress effect against a stimulus in vivo using rats and mice. The growth of
mycelia reached a maximum level of 31.6 g/l after 120 h of incubation. The main
chemical composition of the HW fraction of mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis was
found to be carbohydrate (78%) with 5% moisture. The swimming endurance capacity
of mice orally administered with the HW fraction (150 and 300 mg/kg/d,
respectively) was significantly prolonged from 75 to 90 min with a lessening of
fatigue. When the HW fraction (150 mg/kg/d) was given to rats for 8 d including
a 48 h stress period, the weight changes of the adrenal gland, spleen, thymus,
and thyroid, which is an index of stress, were suppressed. The Cordyceps
sinensis HW fraction also significantly inhibited the increase in total
cholesterol and the decrease in alkaline phosphatase levels as biochemical
parameters of immobilization stress in rats.
Emails
Question to Dr. Sahelian from the editor of a magazine regarding
Optygen, which has cordyceps sinesis and rhodiola.
I did take a look at the Optygen website. Basically, rhodiola has been used extensively in Russia by athletes and there's
been a lot of research there showing rhodiola is able to fight fatigue
and lower stress. There was a study with cordyceps (brand name CordyMax)
that did not show improvement in cycling endurance. In order to say for
sure whether this product works, we will need a full study which is
quite expensive. Therefore, we can say that some of the ingredients in
Optygen may be helpful, but we can't say for sure whether the product
itself will be found to be proven helpful in studies. Also, the dose
could make a difference. Too low a dose may not work, while too high a
dose may cause excessive stimulation and disturb sleep which as we all
know can lead to exhaustion. The bottom line: People who wish to take
this product can give it a try and see if it works in their case.
Are there any contraindications in taking cordyceps supplement for people on kidney dialysis?
We can't find any research done regarding cordyceps supplement
use in those on kidney dialysis.
I read your information on cordyceps extract and
saw the 5 week study with cyclists. Is it not worth using for athletes?
I have not seen any evidence that the use of cordyceps mushroom
supplements are of benefit to athletes in terms of performance
enhancement.
Are the cordyceps tablets tested to assure there
is no heavy metal contamination? How many tablets are
recommended for a 72 year old man in good health? Has it been
approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration or any other
federal government body?
You may wish to ask the folks at Planetary Formulas regarding
heavy metals since they make this product. They are a reputable company
and look for such contaminants before production. We cannot be specific
in recommending dosages, that is the role of a person's health care
provider. Cordyceps is a dietary supplement allowed to be sold by the
FDA.
I bought a couple supplements that I was hoping would give me a little more energy. I'm very sensitive to stimulants - I believe its part of the same body chemistry that makes me hypoglycemic. I can't have caffeine - even in green or white tea. I can't even have ginseng. I bought cordyceps and it had the same effect that caffeine and ginseng have for me which is that it made me feel very, very bone-crushingly tired. A horrible tiredness that is way past normal tired. I took two capsules. Please look into the effects of cordyceps and ginseng on people with hypoglycemia. I did have good luck with tongkat ali. Its the first energy supplement I've tried that actually gives me a little energy rather than making me horribly tired. Thanks for your helpful information on your website,