The traditional uses of Cordyceps include improving circulation, function 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 tonic for the "kidney," which includes the reproductive system in traditional Chinese medicine. Cordyceps promotes both the "yin and yang" function of the body, thus it has a very balancing, normalizing effect on many aspects 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 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 in which Cordyceps was given 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 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

Ginkgo Biloba Extract- Herbal Tonic for the Brain and Circulation
An abundance of scientific evidence supports the use of Ginkgo biloba extract for improving circulation, both to the brain and extremities. Ginkgo biloba is approved by the German Commission E for treatment of memory loss, reduced concentration and other signs of impaired mental function in the aging population.17 Uses of Ginkgo biloba include increasing brain tolerance to low oxygen, improvement of blood flow to the brain and extremities, improving mental function and learning capacity, improving equilibrium, inactivation of free radicals and inhibiting platelet activating factor. Numerous clinical trials, using standardized Ginkgo biloba extract, have demonstrated these effects in humans.18

Artichoke Extract-Herbal Protection for the Liver
Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus) is not only a popular food, it has been used as an herb for the liver since the time of the Roman Empire. Artichoke is known to stimulate bile flow and protect the liver against toxins.19 Evidence that confirms the traditional use of Artichoke for improving liver health was seen in experiments where artichoke extracts protected cultured rat cells from the damaging effect of highly toxic oxidizing agents.20 Artichoke exhibited an antioxidant effect by preventing the formation of MDA that occurs when cells are exposed to these agents. Normalizing bile flow may lead to improved digestion, as demonstrated in a large clinical trial that tested artichoke extract on 553 people with poor digestion.21