Cordyceps (mace): properties, contraindications, how to take

A parasitic fungus that invades an insect's body, attacks its nervous system, controls its prey's behaviour and feeds on it. In the final stage, cordyceps grows on the outer surface of the possessed insect. The victim dies and the fungus escapes from its body to spread its spores to other insects. Fungus.

Yes, this is the same fungus that in the game and TV series The Last of Us is responsible for the global zombie-apocalypse.

And you want to eat it... consciously. For your health. And it will be OK - it won't grow on your back, but rather offer positive properties.

The Last of Us.

But let's start at the beginning.

Does cordyceps exist?

Yes, cordyceps does exist, but it does not act as extremely as the series The Last of Us suggests. There are more than 680 species of this parasitic fungus. Most are native to Asia, mainly in the high mountain areas of Nepal and Tibet. The most common and best studied species are cordyceps militaris and cordyceps sinensis. These fungi attack living organisms, but insects, not humans (uff).

What is cordyceps?

Cordyceps (also known as Chinese cordyceps, Chinese tentacle) is a species of parasitic fungiand. The name cordyceps is derived from the ancient Greek word κορδύλη kordýlē, meaning 'mace', and the Latin suffix -ceps, meaning 'with a head'.

The name refers to the shape of the fungus that grows from the body of the prey.

Cordyceps specialises in parasitising specific species of insect larvae. Each parasite that exists in nature attacks a specific host to which it is evolutionarily adapted.

Thanks to the work of scientists, we now know that bioactive componentsand:

• cordycepin,
.
• polysaccharides,
.
• ergosterol,
.
• mannitol,
.
• adenosine,
.

There are many important nutrients in this deadly (to insects) fungus, including various types of essential amino acids, B vitamins (B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B12), vitamin K, various functionally important carbohydrates, proteins, sterols, nucleosides and other trace elements.

What does cordyceps help with?

Cordyceps helps to reduce fatigue, support immunity, reduce cholesterol, improve concentration, can combat inflammation in the body, improve sports performance and have an anti-aging effect. This is what scientific studies to date mainly involving animals or in vitroand suggest.

Note that there are not many reliable studies involving humans, so we cannot say that this mushroom has health-promoting properties for the human body. It's a guess - although, as you'll see shortly, it's promising a guess.

Is cordyceps safe?

Yes, cordyceps is considered safe for humans and is usually well tolerated. However, it can lead to adverse reactions in some people - but this will not be growing a stem out of the back. It is not known whether cordyceps is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is not recommended for use during this period.

Cordyceps - what properties does it have?

The following properties of cordyceps refer mainly to results of animal or in vitro studies (i.e. studies under laboratory conditions outside the living organism, for example in a test tube)and.

Cordyceps potentially:

Reduces inflammation

Several laboratory studies have shown that when human cells are exposed to cordyceps militaris, proteins that increase inflammation in the body are suppressed, reversing that inflammation .

In a 2008 study involving asthmatic mice, cordyceps reduced inflammation in their airways. However, researchers stress that this mushroom is less effective than commonly prescribed substances used to alleviate inflammation in the body .

And how about... smearing yourself with a mushroom?

Cordyceps can have topical applications. One scientific study showed that this fungus applied topically in mice reduces skin inflammationand.

The potential anti-inflammatory properties of cordycepse have not yet been confirmed in humans.

Improves sports performance

Cordyceps increases the production of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule, which is essential for providing energy to musclesand. This can improve the efficiency with which the body uses oxygen, especially during physical activityand.

There are two interesting studies (from a decade ago) involving seniors that show the positive effects of cordycepse on their physical activity.

In one of them, researchers tested the effects of cordycepse on exercise capacity in 30 healthy older people using a stationary bicycle. Participants were given either a synthetic strain of cordycep three times a day or a placebo for six weeks.

The participants received either a synthetic strain of cordycep three times a day or a placebo.

At the end of the study, the aerobic ceiling increased by 7% in participants who took cordyceps. The seniors taking placebo showed no change in this parameterand.

In a similar study, 20 healthy seniors were given 1 gram of cordycep or placebo for 12 weeksand. The subjects' exercise performance improved and contributed to feelings of well-beingand.

Current research, however, suggests that cordyceps is not effective in improving exercise performance in trained athletes. If you want to support performance during training, check out ashwagadha or other adaptogens.

Anti-aging effects

Many animals have benefited in scientific studies from the anti-aging properties of cordycep.

This mushroom increased antioxidant levels in ageing mice, improved memory and learning ability - the rodents performed better in maze testsand.

Cordyceps militaris also prolonged the lives of mice and fruit flies, compared to test animals that took a placebo .

Scientists explain that it is the antioxidant content of cordyceps that may explain their anti-ageing potential.

It is not known whether cordyceps has the same anti-aging properties in humansand.

Reduces fatigue and stress

Cordyceps is used in Chinese medicine as a functional food for its stress and fatigue relieving effects .

Some manufacturers of cordyceps preparations boldly write about mood enhancement and antidepressant potential. However, be careful with this.

Improves memory and concentration

Cordyceps can support learning ability and improve memory. It has the potential to alleviate short-term memory impairment caused by brain ischaemiaand. The mushroom also contains nucleosides, cordyceps acid and other bioactive substances that may have potential benefits for cognitive function.

Cordyceps is a popular addition to so-called functional coffees, which are designed to stimulate and improve memory and focus, but do not contain caffeine.

See also:

• Dietary supplements with adaptogens
.

Antitumour effects

Laboratory and animal studies have discovered the anti-cancer potential of cordyceps sinensis and militaris.

In a 2015 in vitro study, cordyceps inhibited the growth of many types of cancer cells, including lung, colon, skin and liver cancerand. Meanwhile, in mouse studies, it stopped the growth of lymphoma, melanoma and lung cancerand.

Cordyceps can reverse the side effects of cancer therapy. One study tested the effects of cordyceps sinensis on mice with leukopenia after radiotherapy and treatment with Taxol (a chemotherapy drug). Cordyceps reversed the leukopenia.

However, it is important to note that these studies were conducted on animals and in vitro, so the effect of cordycepse on tumour suppression or leukopenia in humans is as yet unknown.

Prevention of type II diabetes

Results from studies in diabetic mice have shown that cordyceps can maintain normal blood sugar levels by mimicking the action of insulinand.

Cordyceps may play a key role in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy by affecting various mechanisms involved in inflammation, cell death, oxidative stress and insulin resistance .

Positive effects on the kidneys

The aforementioned diabetes can cause kidney diseaseand. A 2014 review of 22 studies involving 1,746 people with chronic kidney disease found that patients taking cordyceps preparations experienced improvements in kidney function .

It should be noted, however, that the results are not conclusive - the review authors stated that many of the studies were of low quality.

Regulates cholesterol

In a 2011 study, rats and hamsters were fed a high-fat diet. They were simultaneously given cordycepin (the active compound of cordycepin) for 4 weeks. The rodents had reduced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and so-called LDL bad cholesteroland.

In another study in which Syrian hamsters were fattened, their lipid profile was also significantly improved .

Heart support

Rats with chronic kidney disease came under the magnifying glass of researchers in 2014. They were given cordyceps (of the genus sinensis) for eight weeks. The study showed that it significantly reduced heart and liver damage in the rodentsand.

Scientists attributed these findings to the adenosine content of cordyceps. Adenosine is a naturally occurring compound that protects the heart .

Facilitates weight loss

In one 2010 study, rats were fed a high-fat diet and given cordycepin at the same time. The results showed that consumption of this mushroom may promote weight loss, due to cordycepin's modification of the gut microflora, which may be one mechanism for obesity reductionand.

See also:

• Berberine for weight loss
.

Improves libido

Many adaptogens are attributed with properties that improve sexual function and are called natural aphrodisiacs.

In Chinese medicine, cordyceps has been used to improve libido, fertility and semen quality. Scientific studies have shown that cordyceps (of the genus militaris) has a positive effect on testosterone production and improves sexual health in ratsand.

.

Castrated rats given cordyceps improved sexual function - the appearance of erections, prolonged erection time and ejaculationand.

Does cordyceps stimulate?

No, cordyceps does not stimulate because it is not a stimulant and has no such properties. Some scientific studies indicate that cordyceps, which is one of the adaptogens, can reduce fatigue, which can translate into feeling more energy to perform.

Cordyceps - doctors' opinions

Cordyceps has positive feedback from doctors specialising in Eastern medicine and mycotherapy experts due to its fatigue reduction, immune support, anti-aging and tonic effects and general strengthening of the body, among other things. Its use has been practised for over 4,000 years.

In Poland, where we have a different treatment tradition, doctors are cautious and temper enthusiasm. "At the moment, its consumption is a kind of medical experiment," says Dr Witold Tomaszewski, M.D., emphasising the scarcity of scientific studies confirming the properties of cordycep.

The use of cordycep is not a medical experiment.

Dosage

In research studies, scientists used 1000-3000 mg of cordycep per dayand in subjects. This amount did not cause side effects. It is best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the packaging. Due to limited human studies, there is no clear consensus on the dosage of cordycep.

How long to use cordyceps?

In various scientific studies cordyceps has been administered to humans or animals from 14 days to 3 weeks and this has not been associated with the occurrence of side effects. The effect of long-term cordyceps ingestion on humansand is unknown.

However, if you are not experiencing effects after a few weeks, perhaps try other adaptogenic plants?

See also:

• Reishi
• Lion's Mane
• Ashwagandha
• Patchwork
• Caffeine

What time to take cordyceps?

It doesn't matter what time of day you take cordyceps because it doesn't have an immediate effect. Taken in the morning or before a workout, it will not stimulate (it is not a stimulant), and consumed before bedtime, it will not have a sleep-inducing effect (it has no sleeping properties). Adjust the consumption of cordycep according to your preferences.

Some phytotherapy (herbal medicine) experts indicate that it is a good idea to consume cordyceps on an empty stomach, so that the natural digestive enzymes can more easily process and absorb it into the body.

When will I see the effects of cordyceps?

You may feel the effects of cordycep even after 7 days of regular consumption, but this depends on the purpose of use. For example, cholesterol lowering will not happen in a few days (and it won't happen at all if you don't change your diet), so blood tests should be done after 4-6 weeks of use.

But if you have a session or kitchen at work ahead of you, within a few days you may feel the knowledge self enter your head or tick off more tasks and not feel the need to drink coffee.

Which cordyceps to choose?

When looking for a product containing cordyceps extract, it is advisable to choose those that are standardised for polysaccharide content (10-40%) and standardised for cordic acid (the more the better, usually 7%). Ideally, if the manufacturer also provides the DER (Drug Extract Ratio).

Cordyceps from dietary supplements is not the same as the cordyceps from Tibetan monks extracted from areas of its natural occurrence. In the preparations available on the market you will find its synthetic form, extracted in laboratories.

Cordyceps from dietary supplements is not the same as that from the Tibetan monks.

It is worth looking at preparations that are a mixture of mushrooms and other adaptogenic plants. Some combinations may work better than a single substance. Look out for a blend of: cordyceps, reishi, coneflower (Lion's Mane), ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea.

Worth considering.

For athletes

Shroom Force Sport cordyceps mushrooms and adaptogens

4.5

Composition: Cordyceps sinensis extract, green tea, ashwagandha, membranous astragalus, gógór, grape seed extract

Form: capsules

.

Packaging: 30 or 60 capsules

Dose: 3 capsules daily before training

Sufficient for: 10 or 20 days

See price

Product description

Shroom Force is a natural performance and function support blend based on a combination of cordyceps mushroom and plant extractsós. The composition is recommended for physically active people and anyone who needs to raise their energy levels in life.

Pros and cons

Shroom Force is a natural performance and function support blend based on a combination of cordyceps mushroom and plant extractsós. The composition is recommended for physically active people and anyone who needs to raise their energy levels in life.

Additional information

Shroom Force is a natural performance and function support blend based on a combination of cordyceps mushroom and plant extractsós. The composition is recommended for physically active people and anyone who needs to raise their energy levels in life.

Coffee substitute

Kanaste, Better Focus, functional drink with adaptogens

4.7

Composition: extracts of cordycepse, Lion’s Mane, chagi, ashwagandha, góginseng; L-tyrosine, Alpha GPC, L-theanine, pterostilbene

Form: powder

Packaging: 219 g

Dose: 7 g per day

Sufficient for: 30 days

See price

Product description

A combination of nootropicsós, mushroomsós and adaptogensós created for your concentration, mental clarity and high energy levels. It is a healthy alternative to coffee without feeling irritable or havingósleep problems.

Pros and cons

A combination of nootropicsós, mushroomsós and adaptogensós created for your concentration, mental clarity and high energy levels. It is a healthy alternative to coffee without feeling irritable or havingósleep problems.

Additional information

A combination of nootropicsós, mushroomsós and adaptogensós created for your concentration, mental clarity and high energy levels. It is a healthy alternative to coffee without feeling irritable or havingósleep problems.

User review

A combination of nootropicsós, mushroomsós and adaptogensós created for your concentration, mental clarity and high energy levels. It is a healthy alternative to coffee without feeling irritable or havingósleep problems.

Contraindications

Cordycep contraindications include pregnancy, lactation, age under 18 years, autoimmune diseases, use of immunosuppressants and anticoagulants, allergy to the ingredient and planned surgery. Consult your doctor to be 100% sure of the safety of use.

Side effects

Cordyceps can cause side effects such as diarrhoea, constipation and stomach discomfort in someand. They usually pass after discontinuing the product. Cordyceps can affect the increased leaching of calcium from the body , so take care of its supply in the diet.

Cordyceps - expert opinions

Why the growing popularity of mushrooms?

Dietitian explains:

"Mushrooms are excellent at supporting the body on its journey towards balance, a fact that has already been recognised in ancient Chinese medicine. Nowadays, the scientific world is starting to appreciate more and more the properties of adaptogenic plants and mushrooms. This allows us to improve our quality of life and increase our resistance to stress without resorting to pharmacology," adds the nutritionist.

See also:

• Ashwagandha
• Indian ginseng
• Reishi
• Berberine
• Dietary supplements with adaptogens

Summary