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Cordyceps sinensis
The Energizer Caterpillar mushroom.
Probably the most unusual energizer ever to become popular
in the US is Cordyceps. This is a peculiar fungus (Cordyceps
sinensis) that grow on certain adult caterpillars native to the high
mountains of China. The fruiting bodies of the fungus have long been
used in that country to enhance endurance and speed recovery from
exhaustion.
Now scientists have been able to grow these fungal cells
in artificial cultures, and the harvested product is dried and sold as an
adaptogen to enhance stamina, reduce symptoms of fatigue, and energize
body systems. These effects are supported by a number of
pharmacological and clinical studies carried out in China, but have not
been studied in the West.
(For more on Cordyceps, see "Mushroom
Medicine," Aug 1999, p. 112.) Dr. Varro E.
Tylor, PhD, ScD. Prevention, September 1999, p. 108-109
More clinical studies
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Cordyceps is among the safest medicinal
foods. Research has shown that it may be useful in the
treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, angina pectoris, liver disease and
cancer. It is a building block for Gene
repair in cell replication. It plays an important
role in ATP, AMP (energy) metabolism.
Heart Disease. Various forms of heart disease have been
treated with Cordyceps with good results. In one study, over 84 %
of patients with cardiac arrhythmia improved following treatment with Cordyceps.
Cholesterol. Clinical studies have shown that Cordyceps
can reduce the amount of LDL cholesterol, and increase the amount HDL
cholesterol in people of all ages. In one study, Cordyceps lowered
total cholesterol levels by over 17 %.
Liver Disease. Studies have shown that Cordyceps can help
treat some liver diseases. In one clinical trial, cirrhosis of the liver
following hepatitis was treated with Cordyceps, which was found to
improve symptoms and liver-cell structures dramatically.
Sexual Dysfunction in Men. Cordyceps has an ancient
reputation as an effective treatment for male impotence. Its use
for this purpose was better known among the royal families and the upper
classes who could afford the mushroom.
Kidney Problems. The primary use of Cordyceps in tradition
Chinese medicine is in the treatment of kidney disorders.
Cordyceps improves kidney function, and in kidney transplant patients, Cordyceps
was shown to return levels of infection-fighting T cells to normal.
Respiratory Functions. A preliminary study found that
middle-aged and elderly patients who took Cordyceps for chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease showed notable improvements.
Disorders of the Immune system. Cordyceps appears to be
one of the most adaptive immunomodulators. The mushroom was found
to quiet immune cells in patients with abnormally overactive immune
systems, and to raise immune system functions in patients with low or
compromised immunological activity.
Fatigue. There are many indications for the use of
Cordyceps in the treatment of fatigue and weakness, an it is used by
athletes and non athletes of all age groups.
Cancer. Significant improvements have been seen in
patient with lung cancer who were treated with a combination of
Cordyceps and chemotherapy.
(G. Halpern,MD,PhD 1999 Cordyceps,
China's Healing Mushroom Avery Publishing Groups, Inc.)
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