Sarah Brown
Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi (sac fungi) that includes over 260 species worldwide, many of which are parasitic. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various health issues, but there is limited research on its effects. Cordyceps is known to infect different types of insects, and in popular culture, it has been featured as a deadly threat to humanity, as seen in the video game series The Last of Us. While Cordyceps is sometimes referred to as a mushroom, it is not a traditional mushroom. Instead, it grows out of an infected insect's head, forming a spear-shaped mushroom or fruit body. This fruit body is then harvested for its potential medicinal and health benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Fungi |
| Genus | Ascomycete |
| Species | Over 260 |
| Common names | Bailing, Caterpillar Fungus, Caterpillar Mushroom |
| Medicinal uses | Treatment for kidney and lung tonic, alleviate physical tiredness, respiratory problems, weak constitutions, and sexual dysfunction |
| Side effects | Upset stomach, nausea, loose stools, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach discomfort |
| Safety | Safe for most people when taken in doses of 3-6 grams daily for up to 1 year |
| Antioxidant | Contains polyphenols, which can act as antioxidants or help boost antioxidant activity |
| Cancer treatment | Potential to slow tumor growth and kill cancer cells |
| Heart health | May have positive effects on blood fats like triglycerides, which may be linked to a lower risk of heart disease |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine | Used for over 1,500 years |
| Commercial availability | Two types of Cordyceps mushrooms are most commercially available |
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What You'll Learn
Cordyceps is a fungus, not a mushroom
Cordyceps is not a traditional mushroom; instead, it grows out of an infected insect. The insect's insides are fully devoured by the mycelium, and when external conditions are just right, a spear-shaped mushroom or fruit body grows out of the insect's head. The fruit body or mushroom is then harvested for its medicinal and health benefits. However, natural cordyceps is challenging to obtain and may be expensive due to concerns about over-harvesting.
Cordyceps is often referred to as a "caterpillar mushroom" or "caterpillar fungus" because it lives on certain caterpillars in the high mountain regions of China. It is also known as "bailing" and "DongChongXiaCa," among other names. While cordyceps is sometimes called a mushroom, the type of cordyceps made in a lab does not grow into a mushroom. Lab-grown cordyceps is used in most supplements, and it is one of the fungi found in popular mushroom coffee drinks that contain mushroom extracts.
Cordyceps has been studied for its effects on various conditions, but there is a lack of conclusive research on its health benefits. Although it has been shown to have potential benefits during exercise, more human research is needed to determine the proper dosage and safety of cordyceps supplements. It is considered safe for most people when taken in doses of 3-6 grams daily for up to a year, but it may cause mild side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomach discomfort.
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It infects insects, not humans
Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi (sac fungi) that includes over 260 species worldwide, many of which are parasitic. They are commonly referred to as mushrooms, but they are not mushrooms themselves. Instead, they are a type of fungus that infects insects, not humans.
Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various health issues, but there is limited research on their effects on humans. Most Cordyceps species are parasitic mainly on insects and other arthropods, making them entomopathogenic fungi. A few species are parasitic on other fungi. For example, the species Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, also known as the zombie-ant fungus, infects ants. Once the ant is infected, the fungus takes over its body, causing it to act strangely and walk aimlessly. After a few days, the ant dies, and a stalk-like mushroom grows out of its head. This mushroom is then harvested for its medicinal and health benefits or releases its spores to infect other insects.
Cordyceps contains polyphenols, which can act as antioxidants or help boost antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are molecules that fight cell damage by neutralizing free radicals, which can contribute to disease and aging. Research has shown that Cordyceps may have adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with stress and improving heart health. It has also been studied for its potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and slow tumour growth. However, more human-based research is needed to determine the effectiveness and safety of Cordyceps for human consumption.
While Cordyceps has been portrayed in popular culture as a deadly threat to humans, such as in the video game and television series "The Last of Us," it is important to note that it cannot infect humans. The fungus can only survive in insect hosts, and exposure to humans does not result in infection. Natural Cordyceps is difficult to obtain and expensive, so most supplements use lab-made Cordyceps, which does not grow into a mushroom.
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It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine
Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi that includes over 260 species worldwide, many of which are parasitic. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 1,500 years.
Cordyceps is a medicinal fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various health issues. It is believed to boost energy, support heart health, and potentially kill cancer cells. In traditional Chinese medicine, cordyceps is used as a daily treatment for good health and to boost immunity. It is also used to treat kidney and lung problems, alleviate physical tiredness, respiratory issues, and weak constitutions.
Cordyceps is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to treat auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels as it contains vanadium, a trace mineral that may behave like insulin in the body or boost insulin's effectiveness. Additionally, cordyceps has been used to treat male and female sexual dysfunction, including pain disorders and a lack of arousal, desire, or orgasm.
Cordyceps is generally considered safe for human consumption, but it may cause mild side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomach discomfort in some individuals. However, it is important to note that there is limited research on the effects of cordyceps on humans, and more studies are needed to determine the proper dosage and safety of cordyceps supplements.
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Cordyceps may have health benefits
Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that infects insects and other arthropods. It is not a traditional mushroom, but it has been used in traditional Chinese and Eastern medicine for various health issues. There are over 700 species of cordyceps, but only a few have been studied for their potential health benefits. While there is limited research on the effects of cordyceps on humans, animal and lab studies have shown promising results in several areas. Here are some ways cordyceps may be beneficial to human health:
Heart Health
Cordyceps may help improve heart health by reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of heart disease. A 2019 mouse study found that it helped prevent heart enlargement, and a 2022 review of 19 trials of 1,805 human subjects with arrhythmia showed improvements in markers of bradycardia and tachycardia.
Anti-Inflammatory
Cordyceps may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help ease symptoms of diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions. Research from 2020 showed that when human cells were exposed to cordyceps, special proteins that increase inflammation in the body became suppressed.
Anti-Cancer
Cordyceps may help fight cancer cells and shrink tumour size, particularly with lung or skin cancers. Test-tube studies have shown that cordyceps can inhibit the growth of many types of human cancer cells.
Anti-Aging
Cordyceps may have anti-aging properties due to its potential to reduce inflammation and protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. A 2024 study found that cordyceps extract had antioxidant properties and increased collagen production in the skin.
Exercise Performance
Cordyceps may improve exercise performance by increasing the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. A 2024 study showed that participants who took cordyceps before a high-intensity interval exercise session experienced improved performance.
While cordyceps may offer potential health benefits, more large-scale human studies are needed to confirm these effects and determine the proper dosage and safety of cordyceps supplements. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement or herbal remedy.
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It is used to make supplements
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on insect larvae, particularly caterpillars in the high mountain regions of China. It contains various components that may be beneficial to human health in different ways. For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has used cordyceps to treat fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low sex drive.
Cordyceps is used to make supplements, which have become increasingly popular due to their many purported health benefits. However, it is important to note that most Cordyceps supplements contain a synthetically grown version called Cordyceps CS-4, as natural cordyceps is difficult to harvest and can be expensive.
There is some scientific evidence to support the use of cordyceps supplements for improving health in various ways. For example, a 2024 study found that cordyceps extract increased cell repair and reduced muscle damage in young adults following high-intensity interval exercises. Additionally, a 2020 study found that cordyceps extract increased grip strength in mice, which was attributed to an increase in ATP production.
Cordyceps may also have anti-inflammatory properties, as suggested by a 2022 animal study that found the fungus helped reduce inflammation related to arthritis. Furthermore, research from 2020 showed that when human cells were exposed to cordyceps, special proteins that increase inflammation in the body became suppressed.
Cordyceps may also have potential benefits for heart health. A 2022 review of 19 trials found improvements in markers of bradycardia and tachycardia in some studies, although more human-based research is needed. Additionally, a 2024 study found that cordyceps extract had antioxidant properties and increased collagen production in the skin, suggesting potential benefits for healthy skin and longevity.
It is important to note that while cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various health issues, there is limited research on its effects on humans. More safety testing and human studies are needed to determine the proper dosage and safety of cordyceps supplements.
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Frequently asked questions
Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi (sac fungi) that includes over 260 species worldwide, many of which are parasitic. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various health issues, but there is limited research on their effects on humans.
Cordyceps are not traditional mushrooms. They are a type of fungus that infects different types of insects, depending on the species of fungus. When the insect's insides are fully devoured by the mycelium, a spear-shaped mushroom or fruit body grows out of the insect's head.
Cordyceps are believed to have various health benefits, including boosting energy, supporting heart health, and potentially killing cancer cells. They are also thought to increase immunity, regulate blood sugar, and boost libido. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, and more human research is needed to determine the proper dosage and safety of Cordyceps supplements.
