Know more about these medicinally valued mushrooms in detail, including their nutrition, benefits, and possible side effects. Read on.
Types Of Cordyceps
There are more than 600 documented types of cordyceps, but only a few of them are edible. Among them, the following are commonly available.
Cordyceps militaris: Grows on grains such as rice and is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Cordyceps sinensis: Also known as “caterpillar fungus”. Grows on ghost moth larvae in Nepal and China and is highly valued for its medicinal properties. Cordyceps cicadae: Grows on cicadas, has a crunchy texture with a mild, sweet flavor, and is hailed for its immunity-boosting properties. Cordyceps ophioglossoides: Grows on club molasses, has a bitter taste, and is medically used to relieve fatigue and respiratory issues.
The benefits of cordyceps are not limited to these. Dive deeper into them in the following section.
Health Benefits Of Cordyceps
There are various mushroom benefits that make it a good food in terms of health. Similarly, Cordyceps mushrooms stand out with their numerous benefits, making them a great addition to your diet. Let’s explore more.
1. Increase Exercise Performance
Polysaccharides (polycarbohydrates) are active components in Cordyceps and possess anti-fatigue properties (1). A study by the University of North Carolina, USA, found that acute supplementation of Cordyceps may improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise. It indicated greater benefits with consistent chronic supplementation (2). Cordyceps also boost the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecules and enhance the body’s oxygen consumption during exercise (3). These mushrooms are also found to increase oxygen uptake (VO2) and resistance to fatigue among older people during exercise (4). Another study by the University of California, USA, suggests that taking Cordyceps capsules thrice a day for 12 weeks boosts exercise performance. They may also contribute to wellness (5). Shoshin Show, a YouTuber, shares her experience of testing Cordyceps mushroom for its effect on endurance and heart rate during physical activity. She ran a test for eight weeks alternating between supplement and control days. She measured the metrics to find the difference between Cordyceps and control. She said, “My biking performance on Cordyceps days was nice seconds faster on average. That’s about a five percent improvement (i).” She added, “I was also able to bike faster with improved heart efficiency.”
2. May Help Reduce Cancer Risk
Cordyceps have an anti-cancer effect (6). Cordycepin, the first isolated drug from Cordyceps militaris, may help prevent the spread of cancer cells besides potentially inhibiting their growth. It works by suppressing tumor growth in different pathways (7). The polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds in Cordyceps also act as potent anti-cancer agents (8). A study suggests that the methanolic extract of C. militaris inhibits the growth of several tumor cells (9). Similarly, the ethanol extract of Cordyceps has a high cytotoxic (damaging or killing cells) activity that can prevent the growth of colon and liver cancer cells (10), (11).
3. May Have Anti-Aging Properties
The polysaccharides in Cordyceps have antioxidant and anti-aging properties that may slow down the signs of premature aging (12). As per a review published in the International Journal Of Molecular Medicine, Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid (CSOL) was found to improve the lifespan of fruit flies by inhibiting oxidative stress (13). C. sinensis has also been shown to reverse age-related changes in gene expression and prolong the lifespan of mice (14). However, more studies are needed to understand this phenomenon of cordyceps in humans.
4. May Help Manage Diabetes
A study by Chang-Jung Christian University, Taiwan, on diabetic rats suggests that the fruiting body of Cordyceps can serve as a functional food for those with diabetes (15). In addition, a combination of powders of fruiting bodies and the mycelia (the vegetative parts) of Cordyceps was found to protect the kidneys of those with diabetic nephropathy (16).
5. May Improve Heart Health
Cordycepin, a bioactive component in Cordyceps militaris, has lipid-lowering effects (17). Besides, Cordyceps have been approved to treat arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) in China (3). Oral administration of C. sinensis could also treat heart injuries in a rat model with chronic kidney disease (18). The extracts of mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis have cardioprotective and antioxidant properties. They were found to help reduce contracture (deformity due to tightness of muscles) in the heart (19). Also, a study on hamsters found that cordycepin can prevent hyperlipidemia (20). However, more human studies are needed to understand these benefits of Cordyceps.
6. May Help Fight Inflammation
Cordyceps militaris is used in Chinese medicine to treat lung and bronchial inflammation. In a study, it could effectively reduce airway inflammation in mice with asthma (21). In addition, the methanol extracts of Cordyceps pruinosa were found to suppress the inflammation-causing genes (22). A review published in Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine suggests that Paecilomyces hepiali (a strain of Cordyceps spp) has anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce the expression of inflammatory genes (23). However, more studies are warranted to understand this benefit of Cordyceps in humans.
Insufficient Evidence For
7. May Increase Sex Drive
Ophiocordyceps sinensis has medicinal properties that can enhance sexual performance and libido (sexual desire). It is shown to increase sperm count, mobility, and serum testosterone levels (24).
8. May Help Treat Kidney Disease
A study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, China, found that Cordyceps sinensis may be used to treat kidney disease (25). Cordyceps preparations, as an adjuvant therapy to conventional medicine, showed potential promise to alleviate complications of chronic kidney disease. However, evidence is too limited to arrive at any definitive conclusion.
9. May Improve Liver Health
Cultured Cordyceps sinensis mycelia may have the potential to improve liver function (26). However, limited studies are available to prove this claim. Cordyceps are available in different forms. In the following section, we will discuss what to look for when buying its supplement form.
Cordyceps Supplements
Cordyceps supplements are available as capsules, tablets, or powders. You can also buy dried Cordyceps mushrooms online. Dried forms are often used to make extracts while powdered Cordyceps can be blended into tea, smoothies, or protein shakes. Always look for NSF or USP seals on the labels while buying supplements. Ensure the product is yeast-free.
Recommended Dosage Of Cordyceps
No recorded dosage recommendations of Cordyceps are available as most of the studies are limited to animals. However, most anecdotal studies suggest that taking 1 to 3 grams of Cordyceps per day is safe for most people and has no side effects. In the following section, we understand how you can store Cordyceps.
How To Store Cordyceps?
Keep them in a cool and dry place. Store unsealed supplements in a refrigerator. Place them in the freezer if you want to consume them for a long time. That said, consuming them for extended periods may cause side effects in some individuals. Let us understand more in the next section.
Possible Side Effects Of Cordyceps
Cordyceps are generally considered safe if you use them in the short run. They are also considered non-toxic, but some people may experience nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Avoid them if you have rheumatoid arthritis (chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints) (27). Pregnant and lactating women should avoid them due to limited data on their safety. Consult your doctor before using Cordyceps if you are on any medication.
In A Nutshell
Can you take cordyceps every day? Yes, cordyceps can be taken every day. However, their consumption should be limited to 3 – 6 grams a day. When should I take cordyceps? Cordyceps or their supplements are recommended to be taken during the day. Do cordyceps boost the immune system? Yes, cordyceps can boost the immune system. They stimulate the immune cells and improve immunity. How long do cordyceps take to start working? They take approximately 1- 2 weeks to show results. Does cordyceps make you sleepy? No, cordyceps cannot make you feel sleepy. Instead, they have an energizing effect and may often interfere with one’s sleep cycle. Hence, consuming them in the morning is generally recommended. Take a look at the incredible benefits of Cordyceps and other medicinal mushrooms. This video also talks about ways to add them to your diet and how they can contribute to your overall wellness. Click on the play button now!
