Cordyceps sinensis - Medicinal Mushroom for Stamina and Strength
From high elevations of the Tibetan plateau comes a minute fungus known as Cordyceps sinensis. It parasitizes on caterpillars and sprouts out of their dead carcasses. [1] With 95% of the world's mushroom species still undiscovered, it's a small wonder that a tiny fungus from a remote and sparsely populated area is not only described but revered the world over as one of the most highly prized medicinal mushrooms on the planet.
The unlikely origins of Cordyceps sinensis as a medicinal mushroom is enough to stand up and take notice.
In China, Cordyceps sinensis has been treasured for 2,000 years as a vitalizing tonic and aphrodisiac. The oldest preserved written record of it stems from 200 A.D. and the book The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman. Contemporary research is beginning to reaffirm the traditional Chinese knowledge about this medicinal fungus.
Contemporary researchers in Asia have discovered that Cordyceps sinensis demonstrates anti-tumor and immune-enhancing qualities. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Four studies have indicated that Cordyceps may be useful in treating leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] The U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of the compound cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia in 2002.
Affirming the traditional Chinese use of Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac, a modern trial found a 64% improvement in men with erectile dysfunction. [17] A possible explanation for this effect may be that Cordyceps helps dilate blood vessels, as demonstrated by two other studies. [18, 19]
Cordyceps extract also appears promising for cardio-vascular health by reducing cholesterol and acting as a general cardiotonic, [20] as well as aiding the kidneys [21] and liver (post-hepatitic cirrhosis). [22]
However, the main reason for Cordyceps' popularity is its effect on physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned above, this may in part be due to the fact that it helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood-flow to muscles and organs. Although another reason may be that Cordyceps helps dilate not only blood-vessels but also respiratory passageways, as reported in two papers on bronchitis and asthma. [3, 26]
Nine Chinese women who set world records at the 1993 Chinese National Games attributed their success to their use of Cordyceps extract. [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.
In his book Mycelium Running, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following areas where research has shown Cordyceps extract to have a beneficial effect: Bacteria; viruses; blood pressure; nerve tonic (stress); lung cancer; lymphoma. [134]
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 herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.
The unlikely origins of Cordyceps sinensis as a medicinal mushroom is enough to stand up and take notice.
In China, Cordyceps sinensis has been treasured for 2,000 years as a vitalizing tonic and aphrodisiac. The oldest preserved written record of it stems from 200 A.D. and the book The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman. Contemporary research is beginning to reaffirm the traditional Chinese knowledge about this medicinal fungus.
Contemporary researchers in Asia have discovered that Cordyceps sinensis demonstrates anti-tumor and immune-enhancing qualities. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Four studies have indicated that Cordyceps may be useful in treating leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] The U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of the compound cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia in 2002.
Affirming the traditional Chinese use of Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac, a modern trial found a 64% improvement in men with erectile dysfunction. [17] A possible explanation for this effect may be that Cordyceps helps dilate blood vessels, as demonstrated by two other studies. [18, 19]
Cordyceps extract also appears promising for cardio-vascular health by reducing cholesterol and acting as a general cardiotonic, [20] as well as aiding the kidneys [21] and liver (post-hepatitic cirrhosis). [22]
However, the main reason for Cordyceps' popularity is its effect on physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned above, this may in part be due to the fact that it helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood-flow to muscles and organs. Although another reason may be that Cordyceps helps dilate not only blood-vessels but also respiratory passageways, as reported in two papers on bronchitis and asthma. [3, 26]
Nine Chinese women who set world records at the 1993 Chinese National Games attributed their success to their use of Cordyceps extract. [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.
In his book Mycelium Running, medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following areas where research has shown Cordyceps extract to have a beneficial effect: Bacteria; viruses; blood pressure; nerve tonic (stress); lung cancer; lymphoma. [134]
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 herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms in partnership with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For scientific references to this article, go to the Cordyceps Extract site, where you can also find Cordyceps Capsules and other medicinal fungi.