Cordyceps sinensis – The Athlete’s Mushroom

In its natural habitat, Cordyceps sinensis is a small fungus that parasitizes on one particular species of caterpillar at high elevations of the Tibetan plateau. [1] Thousands of such unimposing species in similarly remote locations are not yet even discovered or described by western science. So it is highly surprising that Cordyceps is even known and discovered, let alone that its become one of the most sought after medicinal fungi in the world.

The unlikely origins of Cordyceps sinensis as a medicinal mushroom is enough to stand up and take notice.

Cordyceps extract has been valued in China for almost two thousand years as an aphrodisiac and general vitalizing tonic. The first recorded mention of Cordyceps extract appears in the Chinese work The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman from about 200 A.D. [2] Modern works have reaffirmed its traditional wisdom. [3]

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]

But Cordyceps’ main claim to fame lies in its enhancement of physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned earlier, a contributing factor may be the dilation of blood vessels and increased blood-flow, but also the dilation of respiratory passageways, as demonstrated in two studies on asthma and bronchitis. [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]

Cordyceps extract is a confirmed source of anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides, and a large host of other newly discovered nutritional compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus certainly many others that are yet to be discovered.

Last but not least, in his book Mycelium Running, foremost U.S. medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following additional areas of potential usefulness for Cordyceps extract as indicated by scientific research: Anti-bacterial; anti-viral; blood pressure; nerve support (stress); lymphoma; lung cancer. [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 medicinal mushroom or herb without prior approval by medical doctor.

Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material.

Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently focuses on medicinal mushrooms in cooperation 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 mushrooms.

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