Cordyceps-History and Science

The historical use of Cordyceps as an anti-aging herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dates back to 1700 BCE. During China's Chin Dynasty, one emperor is said to have paid an ounce of gold for a three days supply of the precious fungus. Tibetan scholars wrote detailed descriptions of Cordyceps in 15th and 18th century texts. Cordyceps was introduced to Europe at a scientific meeting in Paris in 1726, and first imported to Japan in 1728.

The traditional use of Cordyceps includes improving circulation, as well as health of the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver. Cordyceps was also used to boost general vitality, increase longevity and improve sexual health.1 Cordyceps is known as a "kidney tonic" in traditional Chinese medicine. In the terminology of TCM theory, "the kidneys" refer to a functional organ system that stores vital energy and governs reproduction/sexual ability. Cordyceps promotes both the "yin and yang" aspect of the body, thus it has a very balancing, normalizing effect on many facets of human physiology.2

Commercial cultivation of Cordyceps sinensis began in the early 1980s, making the herb readily available for clinical research. More than 2000 patients have been enrolled in clinical trials in China. The results of this research show that cultivated Cordyceps has the same effects as wild Cordyceps on energy, vitality and numerous other parameters of health.

Pre-clinical Animal Studies: Higher biochemical energy levels; more efficient use of oxygen
Animal experiments suggest Cordyceps may increase the body's supply of ATP, which is the primary form of biochemical energy used by cells to produce metabolic energy. Mice given Cordyceps show substantial increases in liver stores of ATP.3 Cordyceps increased survival time of mice kept in a low oxygen environment, suggesting that Cordyceps helps the body use oxygen more efficiently.4 Studies are underway in China to determine if these findings explain the energy enhancing, anti-fatigue effects of Cordyceps observed in humans. Animal experiments indicate Cordyceps may improve blood supply to the brain and heart by increasing arterial blood flow to these organs.5

Human Clinical Trials
The various effects of Cordyceps on humans have been seen in both open (uncontrolled) and placebo-controlled human trials. Cordyceps was given to a group of elderly persons experiencing fatigue and other age-related complaints. Compared to subjects on placebo, those taking Cordyceps reported better energy, greater tolerance to cold, better memory and improved libido.6 Similar improvements in energy, mental health and sexual function, along with improvements in heart function, were seen in a long-term study giving Cordyceps to patients with chronic heart failure.7 Further evidence that Cordyceps benefits the cardiovascular system is shown in trials where the herb has improved heart rhythm as seen on ECG.8

Clinical trials appear to validate the traditional uses of Cordyceps as a beneficial herb for the lungs, respiratory system, kidneys, liver and immune system. At a dose of 3 grams per day, Cordyceps improved respiratory function and lung health by as much as 92 % after 12 weeks.9 In several trials, Cordyceps has improved various parameters of kidney function such as increased creatinine clearance, reduced BUN and decreased in urinary protein excretion.10 Cordyceps also protects the kidneys from the toxic effects of potent antibiotics, as seen in both human and animal studies.11 Cordyceps has successfully improved liver health, as measured by liver function tests, in patients with hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.12 Numerous in vitro and in vivo animal studies have shown that Cordyceps influences various aspects of immune function, including phagocytosis, natural killer cells, interleukin-2 and T lymphocytes. Positive changes in T cells have been observed in human trials, as well.13

Antioxidant effects
Extracts of Cordyceps exhibit strong free radical scavenging properties. Cordyceps has increased red blood cell SOD activity in humans, while at the same time reducing blood levels of MDA (monodialdehyde), a free radical by-product.14 Cordyceps shows an ability to inhibit both oxidation of LDL by free radicals and the accumulation of oxidized LDL in macrophages.15 Cordyceps has also decreased cholesterol deposition in the aortas of atherosclerotic mice.16

Note: Cordyceps may exhibit mild blood-thinning properties. Use with caution when taking anti-coagulant (blood-thinning) medications. Use with caution when taking MAO inhibitors.