Cordyceps are tiny, bright orange, club-shaped fungi that parasitize certain host insects such as ants and caterpillars. They get them to do their bidding before completely engulfing them and feasting on their remains. Trust me, I know, that sounds pretty creepy. But that’s not all they do! They also have an amazing track record for their beneficial implications on the health of humans.

This odd little mushroom is a prized folk medicine that has been used for many centuries, particularly throughout Asia. It was seen as a functional food that enhanced one’s health and vitality. People gravitated to this medicinal mushroom for energy, stamina, and sexual potency. It was especially useful in supplementing athletes so that they had more endurance and consistent energy throughout their sporting events.

Today we use these unique little mushrooms in many of the same ways and thanks to modern science, we’re able to prove what has been known for all this time. Using this evidence, we’re able to determine many different ways Cordyceps can enhance our health and our lives. This article will highlight some of the science backed potential benefits of this incredible little fungus!

May Help Boost Immune System Function

Proinflammatory cytokines are molecules that aid in immune system function. They do this by regulating inflammation in the body. In studies of cell cultures, Cordyceps militaris extract has been shown to increase the number of these helpful cytokines and in turn, not only boosts immune function, but also enhances the body’s natural ability to fight off foreign diseases.

In another study, this time involving mice, Cordyceps taii was put to the test against various free radicals to determine it’s antioxidant efficacy. The conclusion was that “C. taii polysaccharides possessed potent antioxidant activity closely associated with immune function enhancement and free radical scavenging”. Further testing on humans is necessary, but these are some promising results.

May Have Anti-aging Effects

As we’ve determined above, Cordyceps has shown to have antioxidant effects, scavenging and eliminating free radicals which may have negative impacts on the body and aging process. This is one of the ways that Cordyceps could potentially help with anti-aging. This along with several other studies have exhibited this fungus’ ability to increase antioxidants in mice aged by d-galactose, helping with memory and sexual function.

A couple of other studies have shown Cordyceps sinensis extending the lives of both mice and fireflies, adding to the evidence of the mushroom’s potential anti-aging abilities. Again, we need more clinical trials to determine the effects on humans, but the results are promising.

May Help Fight Inflammation

Inflammation is an important action in our body, but excess amounts of it can cause damage and lead to chronic disease. Codyceps has shown to have immunosuppressant abilities along with it’s immune boosting functions. This can be a little confusing, but stay with me.

The ability to balance immune response is the primary action of some medicinal plants and mushrooms known as adaptogens. These particular herbs have the capacity to modulate the immune system, boosting it when it’s activity is too low and suppressing it when it’s over functioning. When the immune system is overactive and causes damage to the body via excess inflammation, adaptogens do their job by regulating this response, reducing the inflammation.

Another study supports these results by revealing that Cordyceps also possesses topical anti-inflammatory activity on croton oil-induced ear edema in mice.

Cordyceps & The Lungs

Asthma is another symptom caused by an overactive immune response and inflammation. As we mentioned, Cordyceps may be able to regulate these responses. One study shows that this mushroom has the potential to modulate inflammation in asthma, although not as well as the prescribed drugs. Another shows that Cordyceps “improved asthma symptoms, lung function, and inflammatory profile of the patients with moderate-to-severe asthma.”

Potential Anti-Tumor Effects

Perhaps one of the most exciting effects of Cordyceps is it’s potential anti-tumor activity. This fungus has shown in multiple test-tube studies to have tumor inhibiting action on various types of cancers. Some of these include lung, liver, colon, and skin cancer cells. Studies in mice have shown promising anti-tumor effects of Cordyceps on lymphoma, melanoma and lung cancer. Cancer therapy also has negative side effects associated with it and Cordyceps exhibits the potential of reversing some of these effects.

May Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body regulates and uses sugar. Insulin is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar (glucose) into the cells for energy. Those with diabetes either do not reproduce this hormone or do not respond to it. This can result in too much blood sugar circulating in the body and can lead to complications in the immune, circulatory, and nervous systems.

Cordyceps exhibited antidiabetic and anti-hyperglycemic effects, in studies, by mimicking the action of insulin. It has shown to reduce the levels of blood sugar, keeping it in a healthy range, in diabetic mice & rats on several different occasions.

As you can see Cordyceps has the potential to add vitality and longevity to the lives of those brave enough to consume them. Here at Zoom Out Mycology, we invite you to take the leap and see how Cordyceps can enhance your wellbeing! Giving our new Citrusceps tea a try is a great place to start! This warm, bright and flavorful tea highlights the energizing properties of this mushroom and is paired with complimenting herbs that enhance its uplifting effects. Click here to get a tin for yourself.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2881426/

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