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 of cordyceps extract are due mainly to its bioactive polysaccharides, modified nucleosides, and cyclosporin-like metabolites produced by the fungus.

Full Spectrum Cordyceps supplement 450 mg, 120 Tablets - Planetary Formulas

In China, Cordyceps sinensis is recognized as a premier tonifier. Full Spectrum Cordyceps 450 provides the same amount of cordyceps CS-4 extract (standardized to 0.1% adenosine) used in clinical studies.  This is combined with cordyceps mycelia, grown on organic brown rice form spores originally gathered in the Himalayas. This combination insures a full spectrum of important cordyceps constituents.

Suggested Use:  One cordyceps tablet a few times a week, or as recommended by your health care professional.

 

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Subscribe to a FREE Supplement Research Update newsletter. Twice a month you will receive an email with a review of several studies on various supplements and natural medicine topics -- including cordyceps mushroom -- and their practical interpretation by Ray Sahelian, M.D. See also Agaricus extract supplement and another mushroom extract to consider is maitake extract.

Supplement Facts
Amount Per 2 Tablets
Cordyceps sinensis
Mycelia CS-4 -  600 mg, standardized extract (0.1% adenosine)
Cordyceps sinensis Mycelia - 300 mg 

* Cordyceps supplement daily value not established                      
 
Does Cordyceps sinensis have 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 cordyceps can stimulate testosterone release.

The potent herbal extracts in Passion Rx include Ashwagandha, Aspallum purificata, Catuaba, Cnidium, Coleus forskohlii, Damiana, Horny goat weed, Maca, Mucuna pruriens, Muira puama, Passion flower, Pfaffia paniculata, Rehmannia, Rhodiola, Tribulus, and Tongkat Ali. Passion Rx does not have cordyceps at this time.

Properties of cordyceps sinensis - dong chong xiacao
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.

Cordyceps and asthma
Q. I recently came across information regarding cordyceps sinensis for asthma. Do you know if there have been studies with cordyceps in the treatment of asthma?

Effect of dongchong xiacao capsule ( cordyceps supplement ) on airway inflammation of asthmatic patients
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007 August. Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China.
To investigate the effect of dongchong xiacao capsule cordyceps supplement on the airway inflammation of asthmatic patients and to explore the relevant mechanism of therapeutic effect of Dongchongxiacao 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 cordyceps supplement were used in the control group for two months. Dongchong xiacao capsule 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.

Cordyceps and Diabetes
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.

Cordyceps and 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.

Cordyceps and Immune system
Cordyceps has an influence on the immune system, although the research is still too early to know the full details.

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
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.

Cordyceps Mushroom Research Update
An experimental study on anti-aging action of Cordyceps extract
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 Aug;29(8):773-6.
To investigate anti-aging effect and mechanism of Cordyceps extract on aged mice induced by D-galactose. The aged mice were induced by D-galactose. Meanwhile, they were treated with three doses of Cordyceps extract. Cordyceps extract 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.

Cordyceps sinensis mycelium activates PKA and PKC signal pathways to stimulate steroidogenesis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells.
Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2005 Jan;37(1):214-23.
Cordyceps sinensis mycelium stimulates steroidogenesis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells, but the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, MA-10 cells were treated with different reagents in the presence or absence of Cordyceps sinensis (10mg/ml) for 3h to determine the mechanisms. Results illustrated that CS activated the Gsalpha protein subunit, but not Gialpha, to induce cell steroidogenesis. Moreover, PKA inhibitors inhibited 37% of Cordyceps sinensis-stimulated steroidogenesis, which demonstrated that Cordyceps sinensis might enhance the cAMP-PKA pathway to affect MA-10 cell steroidogenesis. Because of incomplete inhibition by PKA inhibitors, we also examined the PKC pathway. PKC inhibitor, phospholipase C inhibitor, and calmodulin antagonist blocked 35-52% of CS-stimulated steroidogenesis in MA-10 cells, strongly suggesting that Cordyceps sinensis had activated the PKC pathway. Co-treatment with PKA and PKC inhibitors abolished 61% of Cordyceps sinensis-stimulated steroid production, indicating that Cordyceps sinensis simultaneously activated PKA and PKC pathways. Moreover, Cordyceps sinensis induced the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein in dose- and time-dependent relationships, and PKA inhibitor, PKC inhibitor, or co-treatment with both inhibitors suppressed it. These data support that Cordyceps sinensis activates both PKA and PKC signal transduction pathways to stimulate MA-10 cell steroidogenesis.

Induction of HL-60 apoptosis by ethyl acetate extract of Cordyceps sinensis fungal mycelium.
Life Sci. 2004 Oct 29;75(24):2911-9.
The cultivated mycelium of a Cordyceps sinensis fungus was sequentially extracted by petroleum ether, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), ethanol and water. The EtOAc Cordyceps sinensis extract showed the most potent cytotoxic effect against the proliferation of human premyelocytic leukemia cell HL-60, with an ED50 < or = 25 microg/ml for 2-day treatment. The EtOAc extract induced the characteristic apoptotic symptoms in the HL-60 cells, DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation, occurring within 6-8 h of treatment at a dose of 200 microg/ml. These results suggest that the Cordyceps sinensis mycelium extract inhibited the cancer cell proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis.

In vivo stimulatory effect of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium and its fractions on reproductive functions in male mouse.
Life Sci. 2004 Jul 16;75(9):1051-62.
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.

A polysaccharide isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine, protects PC12 cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced injury.
Life Sci. 2003 Sep 26;73(19):2503-13.
Cordyceps sinensis, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, possesses activities in anti-tumour, anti-oxidation and stimulating the immune system; however, the identity of active component(s) is not determined. By using anti-oxidation activity-guided fractionation, a polysaccharide of molecular weight approximately 210 kDa was isolated from cultured Cordyceps mycelia by ion-exchange and sizing chromatography. The isolated polysaccharide, having strong anti-oxidation activity, contains glucose, mannose and galactose in a ratio of 1 : 0.6 : 0.75. The pre-treatment of isolated polysaccharide on the cultured rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells shows strong protective effect against hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-induced insult. Treatment of the cells with the isolated polysaccharide at 100 microg/ml prior to H(2)O(2) exposure significantly elevated the survival of PC12 cells in culture by over 60%. In parallel, the H(2)O(2)-induced production of malondialdehyde in cultured cells was markedly reduced by the polysaccharide treatment. Moreover, the pre-treatment of the isolated polysaccharide significantly attenuated the changes of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities in H(2)O(2)-treated cells in a dose-dependent manner. This is the first report in identifying a polysaccharide from Cordyceps, which protects against the 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 Sep 5;73(16):2127-36.
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 May;26(5):691-4.
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.

Inhibitive effect of cordyceps sinensis on experimental hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanism.
World J Gastroenterol. 2003 Mar;9(3):529-33.
AIM: To investigate the inhibitive effect and its possible mechanism of Cordyceps Sinensis on CCl(4)-plus ethanol-induced hepatic fibrogenesis in experimental rats. Rats were randomly allocated into a normal control group, a model control group and a Cordyceps Sinensis group. The latter two groups were administered with CCl(4) and ethanol solution at the beginning of the experiment to induce hepatic fibrosis. The Cordyceps Sinensis group was also treated with Cordyceps Sinensis 10 days after the beginning of CCl(4) and ethanol administration. All control groups were given corresponding placebo at the same time. At the end of the 9th week, rats in each group were humanely sacrificed. Cordyceps sinensis could inhibit hepatic fibrogenesis derived from chronic liver injury, retard the development of cirrhosis, and notably ameliorate the liver function. Cordyceps Sinensis possible mechanism involves inhibiting TGFbeta(1) expression, and thereby, down regulating PDGF expression, preventing HSC activation and deposition of procollagen I and III.

Gong HY, Wang KQ, Tang SG. [Effects of cordyceps sinensis on T lymphocyte subsets and hepatofibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B] Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 2000 Jun 28;25(3):248-50.
Zhao CS, Yin WT, Wang JY, Zhang Y, Yu H, Cooper R, Smidt C, Zhu JS. CordyMax Cs-4 (with cordyceps) improves glucose metabolism and increases insulin sensitivity in normal rats. J Altern Complement Med 2002 Jun;8(3):309-14.

Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the Th1/Th2 cytokines in patients with Condyloma Acuminatum
Zhong Yao Cai. 2000 Jul;23(7):402-4.
To investigate the effect of cordyceps sinensis on the Th1/Th 2 cytokines and recurrence in patients with Condyloma Acuminatum. 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. The recurrence rate of CA was observed. After treated with cordyceps sinensis, the serum levels of IL-2 and IL-10 significantly increased and decreased respectively. No significant change occurred in control group. The recurrence times of CA in patients of cordyceps sinensis group after electrocauterization were significantly lower than control group.  CS might recover the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines and enhance Th 1 immune response in patients with CA, and reduced the recurrence of CA.

Anti-oxidation activity of different types of natural Cordyceps sinensis and cultured Cordyceps mycelia.
Phytomedicine. 2001 May;8(3):207-12.
Cordyceps, one of the well-known traditional Chinese medicines, consists of the dried fungus Cordyceps sinensis growing on the larva of the caterpillar. It is commonly used for the replenishment of body health. One of the known pharmacological effects is its anti-oxidation activity. However, there is a great variation of the quality in different sources of Cordyceps. Here, the water extracts of various sources of natural Cordyceps sinensis and cultured Cordyceps 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.

Anti-aging action of cordyceps extract in mice
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 body health. 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 of cordyceps, 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.

Cordyceps sinensis supplement emails
Q. Question to Dr. Sahelian from the editor of a magazine regarding Optygen. which has cordyceps sinesis and rhodiola.
   A. As to Optygen, I did take a look at the 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.

Q. Are there any contraindications in taking cordyceps supplement for people on kidney dialysis?
   A. We can't find any research done regarding cordyceps supplement use in those on kidney dialysis.

Q. I read your information on cordyceps extract and saw the 5 week study with cyclists. Is it not worth using for athletes?
   A. I have not seen any evidence that the use of cordyceps mushroom supplements are of benefit to athletes in terms of performance enhancement.

Q. Are the cordyceps tablets tested to assure there is no heavy metal contamination? How many cordyceps tablets are recommended for a 72 year old man in good health? Has cordyceps been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration or any other federal government body?
   A. 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.