John Miller
Cordyceps is a fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for generations. It grows on insects such as caterpillars and moths and is now also made in labs. It is often used as a supplement to boost immunity and fight fatigue. Recent studies have shown that it may also help reduce inflammation in the body and improve kidney health. In addition, it has been traditionally used to enhance sexual function in men, and studies suggest that it may improve sperm quality and quantity. Furthermore, it has been found to decrease testosterone-stimulated prostate hypertrophy and alleviate benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms by increasing urinary flow and decreasing the size of the prostatic gland.
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What You'll Learn
- Cordyceps militaris fruit body extract can decrease testosterone-stimulated prostate hypertrophy
- Cordyceps may improve kidney health and prevent kidney disease
- Cordyceps may help reduce inflammation in the body
- Cordyceps may help regulate blood sugar levels
- Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve sexual function
Cordyceps militaris fruit body extract can decrease testosterone-stimulated prostate hypertrophy
Cordyceps is a composite of a genus of fungus that grows on the larvae of insects. More than 350 species have been found worldwide. However, only Cordyceps sinensis has been officially recorded as an herbal drug in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Cordyceps sinensis, known as Dongchongxiacao in Chinese, is one of the most famous traditional Chinese medicines and medicinal mushrooms.
The fruit bodies of fungi of the genus Cordyceps have been regarded as folk medicine or health food with tonic and antifatigue effects. The fruit bodies of Cordyceps militaris, in particular, have been used for hundreds of years in traditional Asian medicine. They are also prized as a health food in Chinese cuisine. In addition, Cordyceps militaris has been traditionally employed for the enhancement of sexual function, and recent reports suggest that the mushroom improves sperm quality and quantity.
The androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are essential for a variety of systemic functions in mature males. Alteration of these hormones results in late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The fruit body extract of Cordyceps militaris parasitizing Samia cynthia ricini (CM) has been evaluated as a novel candidate natural product for ameliorating male andropause symptoms. CM has been found to decrease testosterone catabolism and testosterone-stimulated prostate hypertrophy.
In a study, CM was applied to rat models and cultured testicular cells and prostate cells to explore its effects on LOH and BPH. The concentrations of androgens in the serum and culture media were determined by ELISA. Expression of steroidogenic enzymes and androgen-related genes was evaluated by qPCR, and prostatic cell proliferation was assessed with the cell-viability assay. CM maintained the serum levels of testosterone and DHT, but inhibited testosterone-induced prostate hypertrophy. In addition, CM decreased the viability of prostatic LNCaP and PC3 cells in a dose-dependent manner and decreased the testosterone-dependent proliferation of LNCaP cells.
In conclusion, the extract of Cordyceps militaris parasitizing Samia cynthia ricini maintained androgen levels and inhibited prostate hypertrophy, suggesting that CM may improve both LOH and BPH in aging males.
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Cordyceps may improve kidney health and prevent kidney disease
Cordyceps is a medicinal fungus with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used to treat various ailments and is believed to offer several health benefits. One potential benefit of consuming cordyceps is improved kidney health and the prevention of kidney disease.
Cordyceps sinensis, also known as Chinese caterpillar fungus, is one of the most commonly used varieties in traditional Chinese medicine for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD). Studies have shown that cordyceps sinensis may have therapeutic effects on CKD patients, but the mechanism behind this is not yet fully understood.
Cordyceps militaris, another variety of cordyceps, has also been found to have potential kidney health benefits. Moderate consumption of cordyceps militaris is associated with a lower incidence of kidney failure. It has been shown to increase kidney function, control blood levels of urinal protein, and improve redox properties in CKD patients. The active constituents of cordyceps militaris can downregulate the levels of certain compounds, decrease oxidation, and exert antinephritic activities.
The main bioactive compound in cordyceps militaris, cordycepin, is believed to play a significant role in its kidney-protective effects. Cordycepin can inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, which is associated with the risk of CKD. By reducing the expression of TLR4, cordycepin can suppress this signaling pathway and potentially slow down the progression of CKD.
While the research is promising, it is important to note that the effects of cordyceps on kidney health are not yet fully understood, and more large-scale human studies are needed to confirm its benefits. As with any supplement, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming cordyceps to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions or side effects.
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Cordyceps may help reduce inflammation in the body
Cordyceps is a fungus that grows on insects, such as caterpillars and larvae, in the high mountain regions of China. It is also known as "winter-worm summer-grass" in Chinese. Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years as a folk tonic agent and health food. It is believed to have anti-fatigue, adaptogenic (antistress), and immune-boosting properties.
Cordyceps is available in supplement form, providing the fungus in powder, capsule, and liquid forms. It is also found in mushroom coffee drinks and other mushroom extracts. However, natural cordyceps is difficult to obtain and can be extremely expensive, with some types ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 per kilogram. As a result, manufacturers often turn to lab-grown cordyceps to meet the demand.
While cordyceps has been traditionally used for enhancing sexual function, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim. However, recent reports suggest that cordyceps may improve sperm quality and quantity. Additionally, cordyceps has been studied for its potential benefits in cancer treatment, particularly in lung or skin cancers, due to its ability to fight cancer cells and shrink tumour size.
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Cordyceps may help regulate blood sugar levels
Cordyceps is a medicinal fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to offer a range of health benefits, including boosting energy, supporting heart health, and improving sexual function.
One potential benefit of Cordyceps that has been studied is its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. While there is no conclusive evidence yet, some studies suggest that Cordyceps may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance. For example, in a large-scale study, cordyceps was found to lower creatinine levels in people with chronic kidney disease, which is often associated with diabetes. Other studies have shown that cordyceps can protect the kidneys from complications of diabetes, suggesting a potential link between cordyceps and blood sugar regulation.
The mechanism behind Cordyceps' potential blood sugar-lowering effects may lie in its ability to modulate the gut microbiota and metabolites. In one study, cordyceps militaris extracts and cordycepin were found to improve the abundance of certain bacteria in the gut, which could influence insulin secretion and blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Additionally, cordyceps has been shown to lower fasting blood glucose levels in T2DM patients, further supporting its potential role in blood sugar regulation.
It is important to note that the quality and species of Cordyceps supplements available on the market can vary significantly, and there is a lack of standardization in terms of dosage and recommendations. As such, individuals should exercise caution when taking Cordyceps supplements and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if they are taking medications or have underlying health conditions.
While the research on Cordyceps and blood sugar regulation is promising, more studies are needed to fully understand its effectiveness and any potential long-term effects.
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Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve sexual function
Cordyceps is a fungus that grows on insects, such as caterpillars, in the high mountain regions of China. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years as a folk tonic agent and health food. The dried fruit bodies of Cordyceps, specifically the species C. sinensis and C. militaris, are believed to have antifatigue and health-restoring properties, and are used to enhance sexual function and improve endurance and strength.
In traditional Chinese medicine, C. sinensis, also known as Dongchongxiacao or "winter-worm summer-grass", is one of the most famous medicinal mushrooms. It is believed to have hypotensive and vasorelaxant properties, which may help improve sexual function by aiding the penis in trapping blood for erection. C. sinensis has also been shown to have antitumor properties and positive effects on the immune system, including increasing helpful bacteria populations in the small intestine and lowering harmful ones.
C. militaris, another species of Cordyceps, has been traditionally employed for the enhancement of sexual function, and recent reports suggest that it may improve sperm quality and quantity. A pilot study found that C. militaris fruiting bodies increased urinary flow, decreased the size of the prostatic gland, and alleviated micturition symptoms in elderly male patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Additionally, C. militaris contains cordycepin, a bioactive compound that is believed to offer health benefits and is currently being researched for its potential to battle COVID-19.
While Cordyceps has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in improving sexual function. More large-scale studies on humans are needed to fully understand the benefits of Cordyceps for human health. Additionally, it is important to note that natural Cordyceps is difficult to obtain and can be extremely expensive, with some types ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 per kilogram. As a result, manufacturers often turn to lab-grown fungi for use in supplements, which come in powder, capsule, and liquid forms.
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Frequently asked questions
BPH stands for benign prostate hyperplasia, a well-known disease that impairs prostate function.
Cordyceps militaris fruit body extract has been shown to decrease testosterone-stimulated prostate hypertrophy. It also has the tendency to increase urinary flow, decrease the size of the prostatic gland, and alleviate micturition symptoms.
There is not enough information to determine whether cordyceps is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It may also increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases and the risk of bleeding during surgery.
Cordyceps may help reduce inflammation in the body and improve kidney health. It may also help fight cancer cells and shrink tumour size, particularly with lung or skin cancers.
