Cordyceps sinensis - The Athlete's Mushroom

By Dr. Markho Rafael

From high elevations of the Tibetan plateau comes a minute fungus known as Cordyceps sinensis. It parasitizes on caterpillars and sprouts out of their dead carcasses. [1] With 95% of the world's mushroom species still undiscovered, it's a small wonder that a tiny fungus from a remote and sparsely populated area is not only described but revered the world over as one of the most highly prized medicinal mushrooms on the planet.

The extreme unlikeliness of this remote, rare, and insignificant fungus's claim to fame speaks volumes in and of itself as to its value and potency.

In China, Cordyceps sinensis has been treasured for 2,000 years as a vitalizing tonic and aphrodisiac. The oldest preserved written record of it stems from 200 A.D. and the book The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman. Contemporary research is beginning to reaffirm the traditional Chinese knowledge about this medicinal fungus.

Later research in China and Japan has indicated that Cordyceps possesses important anti-tumor and immune stimulating properties. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]

In particular, a number of studies indicate its potential usefulness in cases of leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] In 2002, the U.S. National Institute of Health began Phase I screening of cordycepin in the treatment of leukemia. Cordycepin is an active compound from Cordyceps sinensis.

In keeping with the use of Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac, a recent study reported a 64% improvement of erectile dysfunction. [17] Underlying these results may be the effect Cordyceps appears to have on blood vessel dilation and blood-flow. [18, 19]

Some more areas of potential interest for Cordyceps extract include reducing cholesterol, [20] supporting liver function (post-hepatitic cirrhosis), [22] and kidney health. [21]

But Cordyceps' main claim to fame lies in its enhancement of physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned earlier, a contributing factor may be the dilation of blood vessels and increased blood-flow, but also the dilation of respiratory passageways, as demonstrated in two studies on asthma and bronchitis. [3, 26]

Cordyceps made sports headlines in 1993 when a group of nine Chinese women credited the mushroom for their world records set at the Chinese National Games that year. [27, 28]

Cordyceps extract is a confirmed source of anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides, and a large host of other newly discovered nutritional compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus certainly many others that are yet to be discovered.

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 to Paul Stamets for research and source material. - 17273

About the Author:

Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently focuses on medicinal fungi in cooperation 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 fungi.