Medicinal Mushrooms Part 6: Cordyceps, the Energetic One

Cordyceps, in its many forms, has been used since the 15th century in China and Tibet, while also being used by indigenous peoples around the world.1,2 I have seen it growing in diverse places like China and the Amazon. Its Chinese name dong chong xia cao literally means “winter bug, summer herb,” a reference to the fact that it is an insect in the winter and the mature fungus is harvested the following year.

This mushroom was basically unknown in the Western world until it attracted the attention of the general public and the health profession in 1993, when a group of female Chinese runners started a winning streak, breaking nine world records in the outdoor Track and Field. Afterwards the coach (Ma Junren) attributed those results to the athletes’ regular use of a Cordyceps based tonic. It is now used by both Olympian and professional athletes worldwide. It is not restricted from international competition as an athletic enhancing substance, because it is considered a food.3 Here is another example of mushrooms being Super Foods.

I first noticed Cordyceps while exploring in the exotic section of a specialty herb shop in China Town in the mid 1980’s. A small block of these caterpillar-like mushrooms was selling for a little over $2,000. Not something that I could use with my usual patient. I kept my eye on them as they intrigued me. The price of wild Cordyceps is still on an ever increasing cost curve, with a kilogram at wholesale price costing $15,000 to $30,000. Why would anyone want to pay that much for some mushrooms?

 

Medical Research:

 

  • Cordyceps is a renowned aphrodisiac, with promising scientific research.4-8   
  • Anti-aging, memory and fatigue 9,10
  • Respiratory tract, working as a bronchial dilator; used by athletes, it aids in both getting more oxygen into the cells and increasing endurance.11,12
  • Works against some forms of Diabetes, beneficial for insulin resistance.13-15
  • In cancer, 16-18   inhibits the production of DNA and RNA synthesis in cancer cells,19 enhancement of cell differentiation,20 restructuring of cytoskeleton in cells,21 inhibition of protein kinase activity,22 antitumor activity on bladder, kidney, colon, lung carcinoma as well as fibroblastoma23-25
  • Protects as a conjunctive therapy to increase tolerance to both radiation and chemotherapy in cancer.26-29
  • Cardiovascular Health: reduced heart rate and restoration from arrhythmias have also been shown in animals.30,31 Long-term clinical studies in cardiac failure have described Cordyceps’ effect in improving cardiac function, arrhythmias, and overall quality of life.32 Platelet aggregation has been inhibited in rabbits and in human platelets in vitro. 33,34
  • Anti-depressant 35
  • Promotes cellular health 36,37
  • Regulates blood lipids 38-40
  • Protects the Liver from cirrhosis and hepatitis 41-44  
  • Inhibition of infection and reverse transcriptase activity of HIV 45
  • Increases both male and female fertility 46
  • Several studies show increased immune function while consuming 47-50
  • Increases the size of the spleen; decreases the size of the thymus 51,52

 

The wild Cordyceps grows on the bodies of insects making it both exotic and rare. Because natural Cordyceps (wild Cordyceps sinensis) is so rare, Chinese scientists have extensively examined its life cycle with the aim of developing a technique for isolating fermentable strains of Cordyceps sinensis. At the Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, the strain Cs-4 was isolated from wild Cordyceps sinensis Cs-4 has been used to produce a fermented product of the mycelia of Paecilomyces hepiali. It contains the same pharmacologically active components as the natural Cordyceps. Since its successful isolation in 1982, the Cs4 fermentation product has been studied intensively in China. This cloned product is not only more economical, it leaves the wild species in a more sustainable habitat, something of great political/economical and environmental concern over the last 10 years. Recent studies have shown not only are many of the constituents the same between the two, the genetics (sequence of rDNA-ITS) is 87 – 100% the same as the wild species.53 Most of the scientific studies are based on this fermented variety.54 Of course this product is much more economical, to be affordable by most people.

 

Cordyceps has a strong tonic effect, increasing oxygen uptake in the lungs by opening up the bronchial tubes, while reducing bronchial inflammation and working as an expectorant. It is well known to relieve exhaustion, night sweats, sexual impotency and for its function as a sedative. Cordyceps will increase immune function, anti-tumor function, reduce cholesterol (beneficially adjusting HDL/LDL ratio) and plasma triglycerides; as well as increasing spermatogenesis and sex drive. Other conditions it benefits include improvement in arrhythmias, chronic kidney problems, liver function after hepatitis B, and tinnitus.

 

Cordyceps is specific for uterine fibroids. It will stimulate immune function (due to CS-1) by activating T-cells and B-cells, while increasing interleukin-1 (but not 2) and gamma-interferon. It has also been shown to increase erythroid progenitor cells and erythroid colony-forming units in bone marrow. Sedative and even hypnotic activity can be attributed to the amino acid content.

 

The therapeutic effects of this extraordinary mushroom have been confirmed in many controlled and well designed studies carried out by many medical schools. There are literally hundreds of scientific papers written on this fungus over the last ten years.

 

Both natural Cordyceps and cultured mycelia of C. sinensis have significant effects on the immune systems of mice. They can increase the size of the spleen, decrease the size of the thymus, and prevent atrophy of spleen and liver and hypertrophy of the thymus in mice induced by cyclophosphamide.55 The DNA, RNA, and protein contents in the enlarged spleen were significantly increased.

 

Dosage: 

Powder Super Food: This mushroom can be made into an instant tea by adding hot water to ½ to 1 tsp. (depending on strength desired) of mushroom powder. The mushroom has been pre-steamed to create a 1:1 extract suitable for many food needs. It can be added to blender drinks, sauces, and soups, or sprinkled on food.

Capsule: 2 – 6 capsule; 2 – 4 times daily

Reishi / Cordyceps: 2 – 6 capsule; 2 – 4 times daily

Myco-Feron: 2 – 6 capsule; 2 – 4 times daily

5 Mushroom Blend: ½ – 1 tsp., 2 – 4 times daily

 

  1. Halpern, Georges M.; Miller, Andrew (2002). Medicinal mushrooms: ancient remedies for modern ailments. New York: M. Evans and Co. pp. 64–5
  2. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis : part II. J Altern Complement Med . 1998;4(4):429-457.
  3. Ma’s army on the march again; http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2001/jul/24/athletics.duncanmackay1
  4. Winkler, D. 2008a. Yartsa Gunbu (Cordyceps sinensis) and the Fungal Commodification of the Rural Economy in Tibet AR. Economic Botany 63.2: 291–306
  5. Huang YL, Leu SF, Liu BC, Sheu CC, Huang BM. In vivo stimulatory effect of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium and its fractions on reproductive functions in male mouse. Life Sci . 2004;75(9):1051-1062.
  6. Wong KL, So EC, Chen CC, Wu RS, Huang BM. Regulation of steroidogenesis by Cordyceps sinensis mycelium extracted fractions with (hCG) treatment in mouse Leydig cells. Arch Androl . 2007;53(2):75-77.
  7. Hsu CC, Tsai SJ, Huang YL, Huang BM. Regulatory mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium on mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis. FEBS Lett . 2003;543(1-3):140-143.
  8. Hsu CC, Huang YL, Tsai SJ, Sheu CC, Huang BM. In vivo and in vitro stimulatory effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells. Life Sci . 2003;73(16):2127-2136.
  9. Ji DB, Ye J, Li CL, Wang YH, Zhao J, Cai SQ. Antiaging effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract. Phytother Res . 2009;23(1):116-122.
  10. Wang Y, Wang M, Ling Y, Fan W, Wang Y, Yin H. Structural determination and antioxidant activity of a polysaccharide from the fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis . Am J Chin Med . 2009;37(5):977-989
  11. Wang GD et al., Cordyceps, Its ecology, Cultivation, and Applications, Science and Technology Literature Press, 1995
  12. Yue GG, Lau CB, Fung KP, Leung PC, Ko WH. Effects of Cordyceps sinensis , Cordyceps militaris and their isolated compounds on ion transport in Calu-3 human airway epithelial cells. J Ethnopharmacol . 2008;117(1):92-101.
  13. Zhao CS, Yin WT, Wang JY et al. (June 2002). “CordyMax Cs-4 improves glucose metabolism and increases insulin sensitivity in normal rats”. J Altern Complement Med 8 (3): 309–314
  14. Lo HC, Tu ST, Lin KC, Lin SC (April 2004). “The anti-hyperglycemic activity of the fruiting body of Cordyceps in diabetic rats induced by nicotinamide and streptozotocin”. Life Sci. 74 (23): 2897–2908.
  15. Li SP, Zhang GH, Zeng Q et al. (June 2006). “Hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharide, with antioxidation, isolated from cultured Cordyceps mycelia”. Phytomedicine 13 (6): 428–433.
  16. Zhang W, Li J, Qiu S, Chen J, Zheng Y. Effects of the exopolysaccharide fraction (EPSF) from a cultivated Cordyceps sinensis on immunocytes of H22 tumor bearing mice. Fitoterapia . 2008;79(3):168-173.
  17. Chen Y, Guo H, Du Z, Liu XZ, Che Y, Ye X. Ecology-based screen identifies new metabolites from a Cordyceps-colonizing fungus as cancer cell proliferation inhibitors and apoptosis inducers. Cell Prolif . 2009;42(6):838-847.
  18. Matsuda H, Akaki J, Nakamura S, et al. Apoptosis-inducing effects of sterols from the dried powder of cultured mycelium of Cordyceps sinensis . Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) . 2009;57(4):411-414.
  19. Plageman and Erabe, 1971
  20. Mathew et al., 1989
  21. Deitchand, 1979, Zieve and Roemer, 1988
  22. Glazer and Juo, 1977
  23. Plageman and Erabe, 1971
  24. Hubell et al., 1985
  25. Lee SJ, Kim SK, Choi WS, Kim WJ, Moon SK. Cordycepin causes p21WAF1-mediated G2/M cell-cycle arrest by regulating c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation in human bladder cancer cells. Arch Biochem Biophys . 2009;490(2):103-109
  26. Li SP, Yang FQ, Tsim KW. Quality control of Cordyceps sinensis , a valued traditional Chinese medicine. J Pharm Biomed Anal . 2006;41(5):1571-1584.
  27. Holliday JC, Cleaver MP. Medicinal value of the caterpillar fungi species of the genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes). A review. Int J Med Mushr . 2008;10(3):219-234.
  28. Liu WC, Chuang WL, Tsai ML, Hong JH, McBride WH, Chiang CS. Cordyceps sinensis health supplement enhances recovery from taxol-induced leukopenia. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) . 2008;233(4):447-455
  29. Liu WC, Wang SC, Tsai ML, et al. Protection against radiation-induced bone marrow and intestinal injuries by Cordyceps sinensis , a Chinese herbal medicine. Radiat Res . 2006;166(6):900-907.
  30. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensis : part I. J Altern Complement Med . 1998;4(3):289-303.
  31. Ng TB, Wang HX. Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine. J Pharm Pharmacol . 2005;57(12):1509-1519.
  32. Holliday JC, Cleaver MP. Medicinal value of the caterpillar fungi species of the genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes). A review. Int J Med Mushr . 2008;10(3):219-234.
  33.  Cho HJ, Cho JY, Rhee MH, Park HJ. Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) inhibits human platelet aggregation in a cyclic AMP- and cyclic GMP-dependent manner. Eur J Pharmacol . 2007;558(1-3):43-51.
  34. Ng TB, Wang HX. Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine. J Pharm Pharmacol . 2005;57(12):1509-1519.
  35. Nishizawa K, Torii K, Kawasaki A (September 2007). “Antidepressant-like effect of Cordyceps sinensis in the mouse tail suspension test”. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin 30 (9): 1758–62
  36. Liu WC, Wang SC, Tsai ML (December 2006). “Protection against radiation-induced bone marrow and intestinal injuries by Cordyceps sinensis, a Chinese herbal medicine”. Radiation Research 166 (6): 900–7.
  37. Ko WS, Hsu SL, Chyau CC, Chen KC, Peng RY (July 2009). “Compound Cordyceps TCM-700C exhibits potent hepatoprotective capability in animal model”. Fitoterapia 81: 1
  38. Yang et al. Jiangxi Zhongyiyao, Treatment of sexual hypofunction with Cordyceps sinensis., 1985, 546-47
  39.  Gong, Zhu, Wang, Wang, Ma, and Zhang. Shengwu Huaxue Zazhi, 1990, 6(6); 486-92
  40.  Kiho, Hui, Yamane and Ukai. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 1993, 16(12); 1291-3
  41. Holliday JC, Cleaver MP. Medicinal value of the caterpillar fungi species of the genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes). A review. Int J Med Mushr . 2008;10(3):219-234.
  42. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis : part II. J Altern Complement Med . 1998;4(4):429-457.
  43. Ng TB, Wang HX. Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine. J Pharm Pharmacol . 2005;57(12):1509-1519.
  44. Ko WS, Hsu SL, Chyau CC, Chen KC, Peng RY. Compound Cordyceps TCM-700C exhibits potent hepatoprotective capability in animal model. Fitoterapia . 2010;81(1):1-7.
  45. Montefiori et al., 1989; Muller et al., 1991
  46. Yang WZ, Deng XA, Hu W (1985) Treatment of sexual hypofunction with Cordyceps sinensis. Jiangxi Zhongyiyao 5:46-47
  47. Yang et al. Jiangxi Zhongyiyao, Treatment of sexual hypofunction with Cordyceps sinensis., 1985, 546-47
  48. Kiho, Hui, Yamane and Ukai. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 1993, 16(12); 1291-3
  49. Hubell et al., 1985
  50. Zhang SL, Chen DM, Cheng ZQ, Liu XP (1985) Activation of murine peritoneal macrophage by the natural cordyceps and the cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Chin J. lntegr Trad West Med 5:4547
  51. Chen DM, Zhang SL, Li ZN, Cheng ZQ. Liu XP (1985) Effect of natural cordyceps and the cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis on murine immune organs and functions of mononuclear phagocyte system. Chin J lntegr Trad West med 5:4241
  52. Liu GT, Xu RL (1985) lmmunopharmawlogy of Comceps sinensis Chin J lntegr Trad Western Med 5622-624
  53. Yang JL, Xiao W, He HX, Zhu HX, Wang SF, Cheng KD, Zhu P; Molecular phylogenetic analysis of Paecilomyces hepiali and Cordyceps sinensis; Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2008 Apr;43(4):421-6.
  54. Sung GH, Hywel-Jones NL, Sung JM, Luangsa-Ard JJ, Shrestha B, Spatafora JW. Phylogenetic classification of Cordyceps and the clavicipitaceous fungi. Stud Mycol . 2007;57:5-59

55.  Chen DM, Zhang SL, Li ZN, Cheng ZQ. Liu XP (1985) Effect of natural cordyceps and the cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis on murine immune organs and functions of mononuclear phagocyte system. Chin J lntegr Trad West med 5:4241

 

 

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