Cordyceps sinensis is a minute fungus that sprouts out of caterpillar carcasses at high altitudes of the Tibetan plateau. [1] Considering that 95% of all fungi species still remain undiscovered, it's a wonder a small fungus from such a remote area is even described, let alone that it's managed to become one of the world's most popular medicinal fungi.
The highly improbable likelihood of fame from such humble origins may in and of itself indicate that, "surely there must be something to it."
Cordyceps sinensis has been used in China for two millennia to increase strength, stamina and vitality, and more specifically as an aphrodisiac. The earliest record is from 200 AD in the form of a Chinese book titled The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman. Modern science appears to confirm what Traditional Chinese Medicine tells us about this mushroom.
Contemporary researchers in Asia have discovered that Cordyceps sinensis demonstrates anti-tumor and immune-enhancing qualities. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Four studies have indicated that Cordyceps may be useful in treating leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] The U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of the compound cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia in 2002.
One clinical study on Cordyceps extract showed a 64% improvement in the sexual performance of men with sexual dysfunction. [17] The underlying reason for Cordyceps effect as an aphrodisiac may be that it appears to help increase blood-flow by dilating blood vessels. [18, 19]
Cordyceps extract also appears promising for cardio-vascular health by reducing cholesterol and acting as a general cardiotonic, [20] as well as aiding the kidneys [21] and liver (post-hepatitic cirrhosis). [22]
However, the main reason for Cordyceps' popularity is its effect on physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned above, this may in part be due to the fact that it helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood-flow to muscles and organs. Although another reason may be that Cordyceps helps dilate not only blood-vessels but also respiratory passageways, as reported in two papers on bronchitis and asthma. [3, 26]
Nine Chinese women who set world records at the 1993 Chinese National Games attributed their success to their use of Cordyceps extract. [27, 28]
Cordyceps sinensis is also rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides and many other newly discovered compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus many more that are yet to be isolated.
Last but not least, in his book Mycelium Running, foremost U.S. medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following additional areas of potential usefulness for Cordyceps extract as indicated by scientific research: Anti-bacterial; anti-viral; blood pressure; nerve support (stress); lymphoma; lung cancer. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
The highly improbable likelihood of fame from such humble origins may in and of itself indicate that, "surely there must be something to it."
Cordyceps sinensis has been used in China for two millennia to increase strength, stamina and vitality, and more specifically as an aphrodisiac. The earliest record is from 200 AD in the form of a Chinese book titled The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman. Modern science appears to confirm what Traditional Chinese Medicine tells us about this mushroom.
Contemporary researchers in Asia have discovered that Cordyceps sinensis demonstrates anti-tumor and immune-enhancing qualities. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Four studies have indicated that Cordyceps may be useful in treating leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] The U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of the compound cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia in 2002.
One clinical study on Cordyceps extract showed a 64% improvement in the sexual performance of men with sexual dysfunction. [17] The underlying reason for Cordyceps effect as an aphrodisiac may be that it appears to help increase blood-flow by dilating blood vessels. [18, 19]
Cordyceps extract also appears promising for cardio-vascular health by reducing cholesterol and acting as a general cardiotonic, [20] as well as aiding the kidneys [21] and liver (post-hepatitic cirrhosis). [22]
However, the main reason for Cordyceps' popularity is its effect on physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned above, this may in part be due to the fact that it helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood-flow to muscles and organs. Although another reason may be that Cordyceps helps dilate not only blood-vessels but also respiratory passageways, as reported in two papers on bronchitis and asthma. [3, 26]
Nine Chinese women who set world records at the 1993 Chinese National Games attributed their success to their use of Cordyceps extract. [27, 28]
Cordyceps sinensis is also rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides and many other newly discovered compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus many more that are yet to be isolated.
Last but not least, in his book Mycelium Running, foremost U.S. medicinal mushroom expert Paul Stamets also lists the following additional areas of potential usefulness for Cordyceps extract as indicated by scientific research: Anti-bacterial; anti-viral; blood pressure; nerve support (stress); lymphoma; lung cancer. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently focuses on medicinal fungi in partnership with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For research references to this article, go to the Cordyceps Extract site, where you can also find Cordyceps Capsules and other medicinal mushrooms.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment