Chinese mace mushroom: properties, how it works + doctors' opinions

The cordyceps, or popular cordyceps, is an interesting fungus with murderous properties - fortunately only for insects. It has played its part in games and TV series, and has its own circle of admirers.

Yes - people consume this mushroom, which in its previous incarnation (before it became a capsule or functional coffee) turned insects into zombies. Together with a clinical nutritionist, we take it under the magnifying glass to see what the scientific research suggests and whether it is safe to use.

See also:

• Cordyceps
• Chaga
• Reishi
• Hogweed
• Ashwagandha
• Berberine
• Adaptogens
• Cordyceps
• Caffeine
• Indian ginseng

Patchworm - what is this fungus?

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The tentacle is a genus of parasitic fungi in the tentacle familyand. More than 680 species have been identified to date, and the most popular and best studied of these are cordyceps militaris (combat tentacle) and cordyceps sinensis (Chinese tentacle). Most of the mushrooms are native to Asia, with most found in the high mountainous areas of Nepal and Tibetand.

This parasitic fungus invades the insect's body, attacks its nervous system, controls its prey's behaviour and feeds on it. In the final stage, the fungus 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 insectsand.

You already know why the zombie tentacle became the inspiration for the developers of the game The Last of Us. If it is such an uninvited guest, why do people voluntarily ingest it ?

You may be wondering...

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Can the tentacle infect humans?

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Luckily, the tentacle cannot attack humans. It won't infect him and it certainly won't grow on his skin. A clinical nutritionist explains:

Macrophage "specialises" in parasitizing specific species of insect larvae - feel safe.

How does the tentacle work?

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The bioactive constituents in matzoh are responsible for the beneficial effects of matzoh :

• cordycepin,
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• polysaccharides,
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• ergosterol,
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• mannitol,
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• adenosine,
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Maccharide also contains many important nutrients, including various types of essential amino acids, B vitamins - B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B12, vitamin K, various carbohydrates of functional importance, proteins, nucleosides, sterols and other trace elementsand.

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Maceberry - properties

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For centuries this mushroom has been used in Eastern medicine to treat certain ailments, add vigour and even improve libidoand. The following properties of mace mainly refer to results of animal or in vitro studies (i.e. studies under laboratory conditions outside of a living organism, such as in a test tube)and.

Potentially:

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Anti-aging benefits

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Scientists explain that it is the content of antioxidants in matcha that may explain its anti-aging potential.

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Many animals have benefited in scientific studies from the anti-ageing properties of matcha. This fungus increased antioxidant levels in ageing mice, improved memory and learning ability - the rodents performed better in maze testsand.

In another study, administration of the fungus extended the lives of mice and fruit flies, compared to test animals that took a placebo .

Improves memory and concentration

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

In a 2018 study, mice given this mushroom improved memory and learning ability. This was tested, among other things, in a maze test. In addition, the mice had increased levels of the neurotransmitters GABA and glutamine in brain tissueand.

Maccharide is a popular additive in so-called functional coffees and even hot chocolates, which are thought to improve memory and focus.

Reduces inflammation

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When human cells are exposed to matcha, proteins that increase inflammation in the body are suppressed, reversing the inflammatory processand.

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

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

Reduces fatigue and stress

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Maccharide is used in Chinese medicine as a functional food for its tension, stress and fatigue reducing effectsand.

Some manufacturers of matcha preparations boldly write about mood enhancement and even antidepressant potential. Unfortunately, human studies are lacking in this area.

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Improves libido and fertility

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Many adaptogens are attributed with sexual enhancement properties and are called natural aphrodisiacs.

In Chinese medicine, mace is used to improve libido and fertilityand. Scientific studies have shown that passionflower (of the genus militaris) has a positive effect on testosterone production and improves sexual health in ratsand.

Castrated rats administered mace improved sexual function: appearance erections, prolonged erection time and ejaculationand.

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In another study, administration of this fungus to rats showed a 33% increase in sperm count, a 29% decrease in sperm malformations and a 79% increase in sperm survival rate .

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Improves sports performance

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Muscle enhances 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 intense physical activity .

There are two interesting studies (from a decade ago) involving seniors that suggest a positive effect of this fungus on physical activity.

• In one of these studies, researchers tested the effects of the mace on exercise capacity in 30 healthy older people using a stationary bicycle. Participants received either a synthetic strain of passionflower three times a day or a placebo for six weeks. At the end of the study, the aerobic ceiling increased by 7% in the seniors who took passionflower, while the subjects taking the placebo showed no change in this parameterand.
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• In a similar study, 20 healthy seniors were given 1 gram of matcha or placebo for 12 weeks . The subjects' exercise performance improved, which contributed to a better sense of well-beingand.

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

Preventing type II diabetes

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

This mushroom may play an important role in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease by affecting various mechanisms involved in inflammation, cell death, oxidative stress and insulin resistance .

Positive effects on the kidneys

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A review of 2014 studies involving 22 papers with 1,746 participants found that patients with chronic kidney disease taking matcha preparations experienced improvements in kidney functionand.

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

Regulates cholesterol

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In a 2011 study, rats and hamsters were fed a high-fat diet and simultaneously given cordycepin (the active compound of matcha) for four weeks. The rodents had a reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL 'bad cholesterol'and. In another study fattening Syrian hamsters, their lipid profile was also significantly improved .

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Promotes heart function

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In a 2014 study, rats were given tentacles (of the genus sinensis) for eight weeks. The study showed that it significantly reduced heart and liver damage in rodentsand.

Scientists have attributed these effects to the adenosine present in this mushroom. It is a naturally occurring compound that protects the heart and prevents arrhythmia .

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Facilitates weight loss

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One 2010 study fed rats a high-fat diet and simultaneously administered cordycepin from mace. The results showed that consumption of this fungus may promote weight loss due to cordycepin's modification of the gut microflora, which may be one mechanism for obesity reductionand.

See also:

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• Berberine for weight loss
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Shows anti-cancer potential

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In vitro and animal studies suggest anti-cancer potential of the fungi cordyceps sinensis and militaris.

• In a 2015 in vitro study, maquis inhibited the growth of multiple types of cancer cells in the lung, colon, skin and liverand.
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• In a study in mice, mace stopped the growth of lymphoma, melanoma and lung cancer .
• One study tested the effect of maize (sinensis) on mice with leukopenia after radiotherapy and treatment with Taxol (a chemotherapeutic drug). The fungus reversed the leukopenia, suggesting that it may reverse the side effects of cancer therapy.

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

Does the tentacle stimulate?

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Mace mushrooms do not stimulate because they are not stimulants and do not have properties such as, for example,  caffeine or taurine. Some scientific studies indicate that matcha may reduce fatigue, which can translate into feeling more energised to perform.

Maceberry - how to use?

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In order for the mushroom to have a chance to work, you need to know how much and how long to use it.

Dosage

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In scientific studies, mace proved effective in doses 1000-3000 mg per dayand. This amount caused no side effects and was well tolerated by the subjects. However, follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the packaging. Due to limited research with humans, there are no clear dosage guidelines for matcha.

How long to use?

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In scientific studies, passionflower has been administered to humans or animals from 2 to 3 weeks and this has not been associated with side effects. The effect of long-term intake of matcha on humans is unknownand.

Some sources state that it is necessary to take a break of about a week from consuming matcha after 6-8 weeks of use. This is because cordyceps mushrooms activate immune cells, so it is important to give the body time to rebalance after a cycle of use.

It is important to give the body time to rebalance after a cycle of use.

If you are not feeling the effects after a few weeks, perhaps try other adaptogenic plants?

See also:

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• Reishi
• Chaga
• Lion's Mane
• Ashwagandha

What time of day to take it?

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

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

When will I feel the effects?

You can feel the effects of matcha even after a week of regular consumption, but it depends on the purpose of use. For example, lowering blood cholesterol will not happen in a few days (and it won't happen at all if you don't change your diet), so blood test take it after 4-6 weeks of use.

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

Which matcha to choose?

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Choose matcha preparations that have:

• standardised for polysaccharide content (10-40%),
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• standardisation for cordic acid (the more the better, usually 7%),
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• DER ( Drug Extract Ratio) - determines how much of the raw material was extracted.

The mushroom available in dietary supplements or functional coffees is not the same mushroom as the one from Tibetan monks extracted from regions of its natural occurrence. In the preparations available on the market, you will find a synthetic form of matcha, grown in laboratories.

Tip: Coneflower and coneflower are a popular combination with synergistic effects. Preparations with these two adaptogenic mushrooms are worth trying.

Contraindications

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Contraindications to the use of matcha areand:

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• pregnancy,
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• lactation,
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• age under 18 years old,
• lactation,
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• autoimmune diseases,
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• sensitivity to any component of the preparation,
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• planned surgery,
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Consult your doctor to be 100% sure of the safety of this adaptogen.

Side effects

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Macrimony may cause side effects in some such asand:

• diarrhoea,
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• constipation,
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• discomfort in the stomach,
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Unpleasant symptoms usually pass after discontinuation of the fungicide.

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Maccharide - expert opinions

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Why the growing popularity of mushrooms?

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Clinical dietitian explains:

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"Already in ancient Chinese medicine, it was recognised that mushrooms were excellent at supporting the body on its journey towards balance. Nowadays, the scientific world is starting to appreciate more and more the adaptogenic properties of plants. Thus, we can improve our quality of life and increase our resistance to stress without resorting to pharmacology. However, everything in moderation", addresses the nutritionist.

Summary

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