Cordyceps is a mushroom, otherwise known as aveto, yarchagumbu or mace. It has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine as a healing agent, while today it is gaining popularity as a supplement or one of the so-called super foods. It shows anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic or endocrine, kidney and liver support effects. Research is still being conducted on its beneficial properties and its possible use in alleviating various ailments. Find out all there is to know about Chinese mace.
The most popular varieties of Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a type of fungus that parasitizes mainly invertebrates. It invades the larvae of moths of the Thitarodes family and forms mycelium from them. In Poland, there are several varieties of it - Cordyceps bifusispora, Cordyceps militaris (war moth), Cordyceps tuberculata (nodular moth). In addition, we distinguish, for example, Cordyceps ophioglossoides, Cordyceps nipponica, Cordyceps pseudomilitaris, Cordyceps sinclairii, Cordyceps heteropoda or Cordyceps cicadae. Most of them show positive effects on the human body to varying degrees, while others prove to be highly poisonous, especially when not properly processed. Nonetheless, in the form of supplements (that is, mainly tablets and powders), the most common is the variety that grows in Asia, namely Cordyceps sinensis.
History of Cordyceps mushrooms
Cordyceps mushrooms, which are safe to eat, are naturally found at altitudes above 3,500 meters above sea level in some parts of the Himalayas - mainly the Midwest. Cordyceps sinensis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It was used by the people living on the Tibetan Plateau. After the mushroom was harvested, it was ground and dried, and then a hot, medicinal infusion was prepared from it, which was said to be an aphrodisiac, have a regenerative effect, and help treat kidney and liver disorders. Also currently, one of the few commonly used varieties of mace is actually Cordyceps sinensis.
Some of the varieties growing in Poland are highly poisonous. As Cordyceps is relatively expensive, it is currently often produced in laboratories. From China, it is reported that its natural habitat is being degraded due to over-harvesting. One of the moments in the modern world when the tentacle mushroom made headlines was the 1993 Seoul Olympics. At the time, Cordyceps was discussed in connection with the then doping scandal.
What does it mean that the fungus is entomopathogenic?
The mollusc fungus is entomopathogenic, and this means that it exhibits negative, pathogenic effects in the larvae whose bodies it inhabits. When an insect comes into contact with the spore of the fungus, the fungus sticks to its body and penetrates it, usually through natural openings in its body or through injury. It can independently secrete substances that dissolve the insect's cuticle. Then the infective frass attack the host's body and burst its organs. At the same time, substances are secreted to paralyze the insect and weaken its defensive reactions.
The fungus then forms its mycelium from the host, the elements of which can produce spores that are resistant to external agents. After a certain period of time after colonization, the insect ceases to function, its body twists and dies. After the death of the host, the mycelium produces new spores that allow it to infect other insects. In the vast majority of cases, entomopathogenic fungi are representatives of lower species, but this is not the case with the tentacle. There are about 3,000 different species of fungi with such a pathogenic pattern of action on insects. Cordyceps is commonly called zombie fungi by the fact that it lives in the bodies of dead larvae, which it infects and kills.
Cordyceps use - what does Cordyceps work for?
Currently, Cordyceps is attributed the following properties:
- reducing inflammation,
- Supporting the work and production of hormones in men,
- Increasing libido and solving erection problems,
- Eliminating the effects of stress and excessive fatigue,
- Supporting kidney and liver health.
In addition to this, it is sometimes helpful when it comes to improving athletic performance, recovery or boosting immunity. It helps prevent autoimmune diseases associated with skin lesions or digestive tract problems. This is because it influences increased immune tolerance and facilitates the colonization of the intestines with beneficial bacteria. Cordyceps reduces the amount of toxins in the body. Although nowadays we should not consider it as a drug, nor consider it an essential part of the treatment of the conditions we suffer from, it can support their treatment and supplement a healthy diet. It is used by patients being treated for obesity, insulin resistance or Hashimoto's. What other uses does Cordyceps find?
Cordyceps and its impact on sports performance
During exercise, we use Adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), which is a coenzyme that serves, among other things, to transport energy. It serves as an energy store, energy carrier and trigger for cellular metabolism. It also regulates blood pressure. We consume between 80 and 90 mg of it per day. The coenzyme cannot be deposited in tissues and must be produced on an ongoing basis. The data we currently have indicates that Cordyceps supports the production of ATP, which can have a positive effect on sports performance. According to the information available to us, its use can:
- Increase lung capacity during exercise,
- Improve well-being and reduce the effects of fatigue on the body,
- Improve performance during anaerobic exercise,
- allow more efficient delivery of energy to the body during exercise,
- Increase fitness and strength and improve overall sports performance.
Cordyceps and its effects on health and vitality
Cordyceps is gaining great popularity as a supplement, which is related to the fact that it exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant and antiviral properties. In addition, it has been proven to increase the human body's sensitivity to insulin, and thus regulate blood sugar levels. It is likely that Cordyceps causes apoptosis of cells in some cancers, but further research is needed.
It enables us to perform multiple tasks at the same time, supports divided attention and concentration. It makes us better adapt to harsh environments. Interestingly, because it increases lung capacity, it can be used during mountain excursions to improve adaptation to decreasing oxygen concentration in the air.
Cordyceps, and cold and flu
Cordyceps can be used supportively during fever, cold and flu season both as a form of prevention and as a method of supporting treatment. Before an infection occurs, Cordyceps will strengthen immunity by stimulating macrophage activity. In a situation where we come into contact with pathogens, it will warm up the body to fight them, and once the infection has developed, cordyceps will support efforts to restore the body to a state of homeostasis.
The fungus does an excellent job of relieving the symptoms of asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease and reduces the unpleasant effects of their symptoms on the patient. Cordyceps nullifies persistent coughs and helps expectorate secretions lingering in the respiratory system. Even in ancient times it was used for upper respiratory tract infections, treating pneumonia and bronchitis.
Cordyceps and erectile problems and reduced libido
Cordyceps improves circulation and mood, as well as nullifies fatigue. You can look at it as a remedy that will help impotent men. Its effect on erection has been tested many times, and there have been attempts to use it to treat male infertility. Cordyceps has an effect on the process of spermatogenesis, improving sperm production and sperm motility.
It also supports hormonal balance and testosterone secretion. It has a regulating and tonic effect on it. In such applications, it is not uncommon to combine it with Siberian ginseng root extract, reishi and maca root. In contrast, its properties related to sexual performance were spread by the Nepalese. They used it as an aphrodisiac. It is in connection with their activities that it is nowadays called "Viagra from the Himalayas".
Mace and anti-aging effects
Cordyceps contains antioxidants, sterols, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides and other substances that protect the body not only from the inside, but also from the outside. It has a great effect on the skin, increasing its resistance to UV radiation or delaying the appearance of the first signs of aging. Mace also strengthens blood vessels, and therefore has a positive effect on skin tone and the visible capillaries on its surface. It fights free radicals and stimulates the skin for intensive regeneration. It also protects it against the development of inflammatory diseases such as acne.
Biologically active substances - Cordyceps
Mace contains a number of biologically active substances, to which it owes its unusual effects. Among them can be mentioned:
- Cordycepin - which has effects that allow it to kill certain leukemia cells. In animal studies, it has shown positive effects related to the treatment of depression. It has antiviral activity and helps treat various varieties of fungal infections.
- Hypoxanthine - which occurs naturally in the tissues and body fluids of many living organisms. It is formed due to the metabolism of adenine and metabolizes to urate.
- Ergosterol - the basis of antifungal drugs for humans. It is a provitamin D2, which affects the body's calcium-phosphate balance. Basically, it is not found only in the Cordyceps species, but also in many other mushrooms. Probably due to this substance, after the use of matcha, it was possible to reduce liver fibrosis in humans in a 2014 study conducted by Chinese researchers.
- Dipicolinic acid - helps fungi survive, stabilizes their structure and increases UV resistance.
- Lectins - with a broad spectrum of action. They are associated with carbohydrate processing and immune production by fungi. They protect plants from pests and are found naturally in human food.
In addition to these, Cordyceps contains antimalarial compounds that are used to treat malaria, among other things, as well as substances that resemble natural antibiotics.
Vitamins and minerals in Cordyceps
Cordyceps owes its positive effects on the body not only to the aforementioned substances, but also to vitamins and minerals that we find every day in our food. Among the compounds that can be encountered in its composition are:
- Vitamin A - which is essential for keeping the organ of sight healthy. Its deficiencies cause "night blindness," that is, problems with proper vision after dusk. Vitamin A is called the substance of youth because it positively affects the appearance of hair, skin and nails.
- Vitamin B12 - or cobolamine. It is involved in metabolic and hematopoietic processes. It is also essential for mental balance and has neuroprotective effects. It should be supplemented by all vegans and vegetarians if they do not use fortified foods. The daily requirement for this vitamin is 2.4 μg in an adult.
- Vitamin B3 - otherwise known as niacin or nicotinic acid. Strongly linked to the functioning of the nervous system, the production of sex hormones, normal cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It plays an important role in the health of hair, skin and nails due to the fact that it treats skin discoloration, eliminates redness, acts to stimulate collagen and elastin production and reduces the negative effects of free radicals.
- Selenium - like its predecessor, protects against free radicals and helps remove toxins from the body, strengthens the heart and nervous system. Its effects on neurodegenerative diseases have been tested. It helps maintain hormonal balance, and its deficiencies may be associated with certain autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism.
- Copper - is associated with the body's energy production, nerve transmission processes or the proper functioning of the immune system. It takes part in hematopoietic processes, takes care of the health of the skeletal system or the appropriate level of collagen. It is most often found in animal products and seeds. It is also found in trace amounts in some fruits.
- Zinc - zinc supplementation is not uncommonly recommended for conditions of lowered immunity, problems with hair, skin, nails or libido. It enables wounds to heal efficiently, and affects the function of many organs including the pancreas and thyroid. Its deficiency can be linked to fertility problems. It is not stored in the body, which makes it, as mentioned earlier in ATP, necessary to supply it with diet on a regular basis.
Future possibilities for the use of Cordyceps in medicine
Cordycep may find use in at least several different branches of medicine in the future, as preliminary studies have shown its positive effects in some cases. In addition to the aforementioned studies in which liver fibrosis was slowed down using Cordycep, it is said that:
- With the help of substances isolated from the mace, cytotoxic activity was achieved against HL-60 leukemia cells,
- it would be potentially possible to use Cordycep in preventing rejection of certain organ transplants,
- mace has been shown to improve memory and cognitive abilities, so theoretically attempts could be made to use it in neuroprotective drugs.
Cordycep dosage - how to use matzoh?
There are no clear dosage guidelines for Cordycep, and the concentration of active substances varies between species, fungal specimens and even elements. Cordycep is sold in tablet or powder form. It is therefore necessary to check the manufacturer's dosage suggestions and strictly follow them.
Cordyceps capsules are most often consumed 1-2 times a day, sipping one tablet with water. Cordyceps powder is dissolved in water and consumed before or during a meal. Do not consume more than 2,000 mg of Cordycep extract per day. The specific cannot be used if you have chronic diseases or if you are taking any medications on a regular basis. If you wish to supplement it to eliminate various ailments, you should consult this idea with your doctor.
Side effects of taking Cordycep
Cordyceps, although it appears to be quite a useful plant, can cause side effects in people who have blood clotting problems or are taking medications that affect this parameter in any way. In addition, it can harm people who take diabetes medications. It is not recommended to use it for regeneration purposes after surgery or accidents in which the continuity of tissues has been broken, as it has a blood-thinning effect and can cause hemorrhage. It should also not be used before, during and several weeks after tattooing or permanent makeup, piercings and other body modifications.
Sources:
Wang W. Q., Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases improvement of 40% after Cordyceps supplement, Trad Chinese Med, 1995
Colson S. N., Cordyceps sinensis and Rhodiola rosea based supplementation in male cyclists and its effect on muscle tissue oxygen saturation, J Strength Cond Res, 2005
Peng Y., Tao Y., Wang Q et al. Ergosterol is the active compound of cultured mycelium Cordyceps sinensis on antiliver fibrosis, Based Complement, 2014
Ng T. B., Wang H. X., Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2005
Chen P. X., Wang S., Nie S., et al, Properties of Cordyceps sinensis: a review. Journal of Functional Foods, 2013