Recently I wrote about the many health benefits of Reishi mushroom.  As a follow-on, this week I’m writing about another fungus known as Cordyceps also known as caterpillar fungus. This fungus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries.  It is thought to have many health benefits including boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, increasing exercise performance, improving respiratory function plus anti-ageing properties.

Immune Health. Together with Reishi mushroom, Cordyceps is acknowledged as a powerful immune booster. Cordyceps is believed to invigorate the immune system by increasing the production of certain immune cells. A study undertaken in 2015 found that taking 1.5 grams of cordyceps a day increased the cellular immunity of male participants. (1)  Another 2023 study found cordyceps to be an effective way of enhancing immunity in conjunction with medical treatment for patients suffering from mild to moderate COVID-19 infections. (2)

Respiratory Function. Cordyceps has also been found to be beneficial for the treatment of bronchitis, asthma, coughs and even emphysema.  It’s been found by boosting our cells’ ability to utilise oxygen, cordyceps can protect the lungs, improving respiratory function and thereby making it easier to breathe.

Exercise Performance. Because of this ability to utilise oxygen, Cordyceps has been reported to enable the enhancement of athletic performance.  A 3-week study revealed supplementing with cordyceps every day, over time increased the maximum oxygen intake in young adults. Because of these results it’s believed cordyceps may help improve an athlete’s performance especially with high-intensity exercise. (3) It’s believed to increase cellular ATP levels and ATP is the molecule that releases energy into the cell.  It’s logical therefore, if we have the dual benefit of utilising oxygen more effectively at the same time as increasing the ATP levels, energy and stamina is going to increase.

Reducing Inflammation. Cordyceps are also thought to contain significant anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies have found when human cells are exposed to cordyceps, the particular proteins known to increase inflammation, are effectively suppressed (4) Cordyceps contain a bioactive element known as cordycepin which can assist with the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinsons’ Disease, asthma and more.

Anti-Ageing Properties.  This mushroom has been used for centuries by older Chinese people to increase energy as well as libido. Because of its ability to increase sex drive and enhance libido, it’s often referred to as Himalayan Viagra.  It’s believed cordyceps are high in antioxidants which can fight cell damage that contribute to disease and ageing. It therefore has the ability to reduce many age-related diseases.

As with most medicinal mushrooms, cordyceps is available in powder, liquid, or tablet form.

 References:

(1) Kang HJ, Baik HW, Kim SJ, et al  Codyceps militaris Enhances Cell-Mediated Immunity in Healthy Korean Men  J Med Food 2015;18(10):1164-1172. Doi:10.1089/jmf.2014.3350

(2) Dubhashi S, Sinha S, Dwivedi S, et al Early Trends to Show the efficacy of Cordyceps militaris in Mold to Moderate COVID Inflammation.  Cureus 2023;15(8):e43731. Published Aug 18  doi:10.7759/cureus.43731

(3) Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, et al   Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation  J Diet Suppl. 2017;14(1)42-53. Doi:10.1080/19290211.2016.1203386

(4) Seong-Yeol Park, Su-Jin Jung, Ki-Chan Ha, Hong-sig Sn, Seung-Hwan Jang, Han-Jung Chae, Soo-Wan Chae   Anti-Inflammatory effects of Cordyceps mycelium (paecilmyces hepuali, CBG-CS-2) in Raw264.7 murine macrophages