Cordyceps's therapeutic uses
Cordyceps, a unique combination of a parasitic fungus and the larvae of a moth, has been historically utilized in Chinese medicine as a tonic to support overall health, particularly after illness. It is proposed for a variety of therapeutic uses, including cancer prevention, diabetes management, fatigue relief, high blood pressure control, high cholesterol reduction, immune support, and respiratory health. While it is often marketed for these conditions, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is limited and primarily derived from studies conducted in China, which may not meet modern research standards.
Some studies suggest that Cordyceps may help reduce high cholesterol, improve male sexual function, and potentially enhance sports performance. Additionally, there is emerging evidence hinting at its immune-modulating properties and benefits for organ transplant surgery, as well as its potential in treating viral hepatitis and lupus. Despite its wide-ranging uses, comprehensive safety evaluations are lacking, and there have been reports of lead contamination in some products. Therefore, while many people may be curious about Cordyceps and its applications, it is essential to consider the limited and preliminary nature of the supporting research, along with safety concerns for vulnerable populations.
Cordyceps's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Fungus and larvae combination used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Cancer prevention, diabetes, fatigue, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, immune support, kidney protection, liver support, lupus, male sexual dysfunction, sports performance, viral hepatitis, anti-aging, respiratory health
Overview
Although Cordyceps sinensis is often described as an herb, it is actually a combination of a parasitic fungus and the larvae of a moth (a caterpillar). The fungus attacks the caterpillar and destroys it from within. The remaining structures of the caterpillar, along with the fungus, are dried and sold as cordyceps.
Cordyceps has a long history of use in China as a tonic, which generally strengthens the body, particularly following illness. It was also used to treat bronchitis, kidney failure, and tuberculosis.
Therapeutic Dosages
Typical traditional recommended doses of cordyceps range from 5 to 10 grams daily. Concentrated extracts, taken at a lower dosage, are also available.
Therapeutic Uses
Cordyceps is widely marketed today as a treatment for many conditions. However, there is only limited and emerging reliable scientific evidence that it provides medical benefits. Most research on cordyceps was done in China and is not up to modern scientific standards. In general, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are the most reliable evidence. However, such studies have to be performed and reported according to certain standards. Although several double-blind studies have been reported on cordyceps, some fall considerably short of the level necessary for scientific validity. These somewhat dubious double-blind trials hint that cordyceps might be helpful for reducing high cholesterol and improving male sexual function.
Evidence is mixed regarding whether cordyceps is helpful for enhancing sports performance. Two small studies showed that supplementation did improve exercise and aerobic performance with cordyceps. Weak evidence hints that cordyceps may modulate the immune system, which means that it stimulates some aspects of the immune system while suppressing others. One study published in 2024 in which participants drank a cordyceps beverage appeared to confirm its immune-boosting properties. On this basis, it has been tried in China as an aid in organ transplant surgery and for the treatment of viral hepatitis and lupus. One additional double-blind, placebo-controlled study appeared to show respiratory benefits.
Highly preliminary test-tube and animal studies hint that cordyceps may help fight stress, control blood sugar levels (potentially making it useful in diabetes), reduce cancer risk, lower high blood pressure, and help protect the kidney against damage caused by the drugs cyclosporin and gentamicin.
Other test-tube studies hint that cordyceps may stimulate the production of hormones, such as cortisone and testosterone. However, contrary to what some Internet sources say, these studies are far too preliminary to indicate any therapeutic hormonal effect.
A polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris, CM1, was found in one study to lower blood lipid levels in hamsters. In a human study, nearly two thousand individuals with a heart arrhythmia saw an improvement in heart rate. Other studies found anti-inflammatory benefits. Cordyceps antioxidant properties may have anti-aging effects and could protect against free radicals that may cause chronic health conditions.
Safety Issues
Cordyceps use does not generally cause apparent side effects. However, comprehensive safety studies have not been reported. In addition, there are two case reports in which cordyceps products contained enough lead to cause lead poisoning. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
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Ontawong, Atcharaporn, et al. "A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Examining the Effects of Cordyceps Militaris Beverage on the Immune Response in Healthy Adults." Scientific Reports, vol. 14, no. 1, 2024, pp. 1-11, doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58742-z. Accessed 14 Sept. 2024.
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