Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

There are 700 species of Cordyceps sinensis (Cordyceps), most of which are native to Bhutan, China, Korea, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. The most well-known medicinal species is Cordyceps sinensis (now known officially as Ophiocordyceps sinensis). The mushroom has a long, finger-like body and is usually a brown or orangish-brown color(2) Cordyceps is a rare combination of caterpillar and fungus, as they use a caterpillar as a host to grow on. It replaces the caterpillar’s tissue to grow long slender stems that grow outside of its body. They are traditionally used in Chinese and Tibettan medicine for a variety of different health reasons. They grow in the very high altitude areas of Tibet in the cold grassy meadows of the Himalayas. The harvesting period for these mushrooms is from April to August and they are harvested from about 6 inches below the surface of the ground. Traditional healers in Sikkim recommend the fungus/mushroom for “all illnesses'', because they claim that it improves energy, appetite, stamina, libido, endurance, and sleeping patterns. Cordyceps is most popular in the Lachung and Lachen area of North Sikkim and has the reputation of being a precious longevity-promoting herb. (1) Cordyceps have also been used to treat viral infections such as HIV and Hepatitis and have shown the ability to inhibit replication of cancer cells and virally infected cells. (9) In alternative medicine, cordyceps is often touted as a natural energy booster. Proponents also claim that cordyceps can protect against health problems like asthma, depression, diabetes, fatigue, high cholesterol, and upper respiratory tract infections. Cordyceps is also purported to boost athletic performance, a claim that grabbed headlines in 1993 when Chinese track and field athletes shattered multiple world records, a feat their coach attributed to Cordyceps supplements. Some herbalists also believe that cordyceps can boost libido, slow the aging process, and protect against cancer. Few of these claims are strongly supported by research.

Anti-Aging Properties: Traditionally, the elderly have credited Cordyceps to helping them reduce fatigue, increase strength, and increase sex drive while they age. The antioxidants in Cordyceps is thought to be the reason behind its anti-aging properties. Antioxidants are molecules that fight cell damage by neutralizing free radicals which are cells that adversely alter lipids, proteins, and DNA and trigger a number of human diseases. (7) A study done on aged mice concluded an increased level of memory retention as well as sexual function, and on average the mice lived several months longer than mice not taking the Cordyceps. (6)

Athletic Performance: Cordyceps are thought to increase the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. This also improves the way the body uses its oxygen, especially during exercise. A 2016 test done at University of North Carolina on 18-26 year olds came to the conclusion that acute supplementation with a Cordyceps may improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise; greater benefits may be elicited with consistent chronic supplementation. (5) Another test performed on healthy older subjects from 50-75 year olds yielded similar results. The test was to supplement Cordyceps 3 times a day for 12 weeks, and results indicated that supplementation of Cordyceps improved aerobic performance. These findings support the belief, long held in China, that Cordyceps has the potential to improve exercise capacity and resistance to fatigue. (4)

Sexual Function: Cordyceps show clear benefits for male sexual function when taken over a long period of time. Based on animal tests, Cordyceps have been shown to increase sexual hormones, as well as increase sperm quantity and quality. (10)

Protects Against Tumors and Cancer Cells: Cordyceps’ potential to contain anti-tumor properties has gained significant attention. In several studies, Cordyceps have been shown to inhibit the growth of several cancer cells, as well as suppress the symptoms of some side effects of cancer treatments. According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, a cordyceps extract was able to trigger apoptosis (cell death) in breast cancer cells in test tube studies. (8) A different study performed on mice was shown to suppress and even reverse the effects of Leukopenia, a common complication with cancer treatments. (3)

Clinical Summary:

Main Applications: Fertility, sexual function, energy

Key Component: Nucleoside derivatives

Dose: The dosage most commonly used in human research ranges from 1000-3000 mg per day. (3)

Caution: Hormone dependent cancers due to increased levels of estrogen and testosterone. Stomach ache and dry mouth have been reported for Cordycep supplementation. People with an allergy to mold, yeast, or mushrooms should avoid Cordyceps. (2)