All kinds of functional mushrooms are widely popular among people seeking ways to improve their quality of life. Some are credited with unique healing properties. Others claim to increase concentration, mental clarity, and creativity. In this context, it’s definitely worth discussing cordyceps – mushrooms primarily associated with the Far East, but – as you’ll see below – also more common in our regions. Learn about these unique organisms and the abilities attributed to them now!
What is cordyceps?
Although indigenous folk medicine has fallen into oblivion, the possibilities of Traditional Chinese Medicine are effectively replacing it. It’s this that provides information about cordyceps – including, for example, Cordyceps sinensis – being a unique source of beneficial compounds. Let’s take a closer look at this entire genus of mushrooms.
Well, cordyceps are mushrooms belonging to the Cordyceps family. They have a somewhat dark side, because… they are parasites. All of them, without exception. They primarily attack invertebrates, including the larvae of moths and butterflies. Some species attack other fungi, replacing the attacked tissue with their mycelium. This property has made them the main “villain” of the game The Last of Us. However – at least so far – there is no significant information about them attacking organisms more advanced than insects. However, they have many properties that can improve the quality of life.
Over 600 species of cordyceps have been identified. Most grow in Asia, including the most famous of them – Chinese cordyceps, also known as Chinese cordyceps. It, along with Cordyceps milii, are rich sources of beneficial ingredients, primarily cordycepin and other active substances. I’ll talk more about them later in the article.
Cordyceps sinensis – a mushroom of traditional Chinese medicine
Known in China, Tibet, Nepal, and India, Cordyceps sinensis is an important element of traditional Chinese medicine. It is primarily used by people to improve their adaptability to difficult conditions, but not exclusively. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it is still considered a “cure-all” there – from cancer to cardiovascular and digestive diseases. Some reports also mention its support for men struggling with sexual problems.
They naturally grow high in the Himalayas, above 2,000 meters above sea level. There, they feed on the larvae of the moth Thitarodes spp and the butterfly Lepidoptera spp, which live underground. Deep in the soil, the Cordyceps sinensis infects them, developing a mycelium and releasing fruiting bodies that emerge above ground. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the entire “kit” is used – the mushroom is dug up along with the larva, powdered, and then added to warm water.
The development process, slow growth, and specific living conditions have made this raw material very expensive. Even the commercialization of cultivation hasn’t changed this. For this reason, interest in other Cordyceps has also developed, including Cordyceps milii.
Cordyceps milii – a sister species
Definitely easier to cultivate in vitro and equally rich in health-promoting compounds, Cordyceps milii is a much more widespread species. Moreover, it grows not only in Asia but also in the Americas and Europe. It also occurs in Poland (and is a protected species in our country).
It’s worth noting that its cordycepin content is similar to that of Cordyceps sinensis. However, cultivated specimens contain more L-arginine and L-proline than their more expensive cousin. For this reason, it is an important ingredient in supplements, positively impacting the price of the product.
Medicinal Properties of Cordyceps
We’ve talked a bit about the mushrooms themselves. What are the medicinal properties of cordyceps? As I mentioned, in Chinese medicine, it is used to treat various, even very serious, ailments, including cancer. This is due to its nutrient content. These include:
- the aforementioned cordycepin,
- various amino acids (including γ-aminobutyric acid),
- glycolipids,
- glycoproteins,
- mannitol,
- sterols,
- statins,
- various vitamins and minerals.
Cordycepin is structurally similar to adenosine and reacts with its receptors in the body. It also supports the immune system and may also have a beneficial effect on physical performance. Some studies indicate that it increases the production of ATP, the main energy carrier in cells.
And what are cordyceps good for? Cordycepin, like other health-promoting ingredients, may have a very broad spectrum of effects. The aforementioned anti-cancer effects result from the potential to inhibit cancer cells by disrupting DNA/RNA biosynthesis. In addition, it has been shown to have the following effects:
- anti-inflammatory,
- antiviral,
- stimulating fertility (affects spermatogenesis),
- regulating cholesterol levels,
- improving heart function,
- stabilizing blood glucose levels…
… and many others. It essentially has a beneficial effect on every system in the body. It can also positively impact the aging process, delaying its visible effects.
Athletes also take advantage of its properties, such as improving concentration, increasing energy levels, etc. On the one hand, it can add strength, and on the other, it can ensure better post-workout recovery.
Contraindications to taking cordyceps
Although it is a kind of “cure-all,” not everyone should reach for it. There are certain contraindications – cordyceps should not be taken if:
- you are allergic to fungi or molds,
- you suffer from an autoimmune disease (may exacerbate symptoms),
- you are taking immunosuppressive medications,
- Antidiabetic treatment is being used.
- The patient is scheduled for surgery.
Furthermore, Cordyceps may interact with antidepressants. It should also not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
Cordyceps – is it worth supplementing?
Cordyceps, despite their somewhat grim origins, are very valuable dietary components and supplements. Therefore, in my opinion, they are definitely worth considering. It is one of the most important functional mushrooms described in Chinese medicine, which – according to various studies – has a significant impact on human health. This is especially true since the in vitro cultivation of Cordyceps milii has a positive impact on the prices of preparations containing this ingredient.