Cordyceps is a well-known fungus used in traditional medicine across the world. This fungus has been utilized as a tonic for energy, vitality, endurance, and supporting a strong immune system by royal and aristocratic families for thousands of years. Cordyceps contains cordycepin, a well-known and effective immune-boosting chemical. The fruit bodies of Cordyceps Militaris mushrooms are used to make all of our products. This implies that our products include cordycepin, adenosine, beta-glucans, and a variety of immune-modulating polysaccharides.
Cordyceps militaris and cordyceps sinenses are two of the most popular cordyceps species. Both are prized for their health-promoting properties. However, there are some key differences between the two fungi.
Cordyceps Sinensis is the more well-known of the two, and it is typically found in the wild. In contrast, cordyceps militaris are typically grown in a lab or controlled environment. This difference is significant because it means that cordyceps militaris are less likely to be contaminated with heavy metals or other toxins. In addition, cordyceps militaris are typically more potent than cordyceps sinensis, due to the higher levels of cordycepin and adenosine. These compounds are thought to be responsible for the cordyceps militaries medicinal properties. Studies have shown that cordyceps militaris can improve lung function, boost immune system activity, and reduce inflammation. It has also been shown to have anti-tumor activity.
These fungi have been used as an immune tonic for centuries to help people recover from intense activity. These mushrooms, come into popularity among elite athletes because their natural resources can enhance energy levels while also improving endurance stamina. It's not only good at boosting performance but it helps you get through those long stressful days!
Lab-grown cordyceps is a healthier, more sustainable, and more affordable alternative to wild cordyceps sinensis. Cordyceps militaris is the most commonly cultivated cordyceps species and can be easily grown in a controlled environment. Unlike cordyceps sinensis, which only grows at high altitudes in the Himalayas, cordyceps militaris can be cultivated at lower altitudes, making it more accessible and less expensive. In addition, cordyceps sinensis is often collected from the wild, which can put pressure on wild populations. Lab-grown cordyceps are not only more sustainable but also more nutritious.
The ability to boost energy is one of the most well-known benefits of cordyceps for athletes, whether they are endurance or power athletes. It aids in the development of stamina and overall athletic performance in both male and female athletes.
Taking this mushroom as a regular supplement may help you maintain your stamina and endurance. It's no surprise that Cordyceps, commonly known as the "Himalayan Viagra," has grown in popularity in recent years.
For the price of one, this miraculous fungus provides three major advantages:
Research has shown that the use of Cordyceps increases adenosine triphosphate in the body (1).
This organic compound drives energy to our cells, supporting elevated energy and endurance.
In one study, participants took 3g of Cordyceps daily for 6 weeks. By the end of the study, the participants increased their V02 max by 7% compared to those who took a placebo and showed no change (2).
V02 max refers to the maximum amount of oxygen you can utilize during exercise, and increasing it means having more endurance.
Cordyceps mushrooms produce valuable polysaccharides that are shown to enhance immune function. This can prove invaluable for those who are immuno-suppressed or immuno-deficient (3).
The compound cordycepin is shown to inhibit replication of cancer and tumor cells. It can slow down their growth while keeping white blood cell counts high, even during radiation (1).
This mushroom can support the healthful function of the liver, kidneys and lungs. One small study showed improvements in liver function after taking 6-9g of Cordyceps daily for 3 months(1).
There are many studies that have shown Cordyceps can enhance kidney function(4).
In TCM, Cordyceps is seen as a guardian of respiratory health by increasing the efficiency of oxygen uptake(5).
It can also support those with asthma by soothing inflammation and tracheal contractions(1).
Cordyceps contains bioactive chemicals that are quite potent. Cordycepin, one of these compounds, has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties*. [1]
Cultivated Cordyceps militaris has 90 times more cordycepin than wild Cordyceps sinensis*.
The fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris contains large quantities of immune-boosting beta-glucans (up to 25%)*. This is far greater than supplements derived from Cordyceps sinensis mycelium grown on grain, which can be as low as 1%.
Cordyceps has hundreds of distinct species. The majority are parasitic, meaning they feed on bugs. Cordyceps spores may infect an insect, take over its body and mind, kill it, and then grow a mushroom through its head in nature.
Isn't it a little creepy?
Fortunately, Cordyceps militaris possesses all of the zombie-inducing capability of its cousins without the need to parasitize an insect. On a rice and soy substrate, the entire fruiting body may be developed naturally and sustainably.
Cordyceps militaris supplements are insect-free and vegan.
Cordyceps has long been used to alleviate fatigue*.
Cordyceps increased aerobic activity, exercise metabolism, and endurance performance in healthy, middle-aged to elderly inactive humans*, according to a randomised double-blind research published in 2015. [2]
In another study, feeding with Cordyceps militaris for two weeks enhanced the length of time rats could swim before fatigue when compared to the control group*. [3]
Nucleosides found in Cordyceps, such as Cordycepin, have been shown to suppress viral replication*.[7]
Polysaccharides found in Cordyceps can also aid to boost the immune system's response to viral infections*. These two characteristics of Cordyceps make it an attractive candidate for use as a natural antiviral*.
1. Holliday, J. C., & Cleaver, M. P. (2008). Medicinal Value of the Caterpillar Fungi Species of the Genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes). A Review. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 10(3), 219–234. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v10.i3.30
2. Yi, X., Xi-Zhen, H., & Jia-Shi, Z. (2004). Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 10(3), 187–192. doi: 10.1007/bf02836405
3. Wang, S.-Y., & Shiao, M.-S. (2000). Pharmacological Functions of Chinese Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps sinensis and Related Species. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 8(4), 248–257
4. Z hang, H. W., Lin, Z. X., Tung, Y. S., Kwan, T. H., Mok, C. K., Leung, C., & Chan, L. S. (2014). Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi: 10.1002/14651858.cd008353.pub2
5. Shashidhar, M., Giridhar, P., Sankar, K. U., & Manohar, B. (2013). Bioactive principles from Cordyceps sinensis: A potent food supplement – A review. Journal of Functional Foods,5(3), 1013-1030. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2013.04.018
Extracts are the easiest ways to incorporate Cordyceps into your routine. At Alchemy Dose, we use 100% fruiting body mushrooms in our Extracted Mushroom Powders.
They are water-soluble, and easy to add to coffee, smoothies, or your favorite recipe. Our Cordyceps mushroom powder has an extraction ratio of 8:1.
This means that 8 grams of fruiting body mushroom can be found in 1 gram of our concentrated powder.
