Cordyceps

(Cordyceps sinensis)

What Is Cordyceps?

Cordyceps is one of the most popular natural remedies of traditional Asian medicine and is only consumed for its health benefits. Also known as Cordyceps sinensis, it is popularly referred to as ‘winter insect, summer grass’, a name that has to do with its development and fruiting. Cordyceps is special and scarce, and fetches a high price. In fact nomadic shepherds of Tibet call this mushroom their treasure.

Powerful benefits of Cordyceps

Improves fertility

Unique composition of Cordyceps increase sexual appetite and fertility. It is considered a powerful aphrodisiac!

Immunity 

Compounds within Cordyceps balance the immune system.

Fatigue

Cordyceps properties increase energy production and recovery after illnesses. Particularly helpful in conditions with prominent symptoms of fatigue and sports performance.

Kidney Health

Cordyceps is effective in improving conditions relating to kidney function.

Respiratory function

Medicinal properties of Cordyceps work to improve lung function and breathing. Useful in conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and COPD.

Powerful nutrients in Cordyceps
  • Beta-glucans – known to support the immune system
  • Cordycepic acid supports liver and kidney health
  • Ergosterol, the precursor of vitamin D
  • Essential amino acids
  • High in Vitamins B1, B2, B12, E and K
  • Rich in minerals sodiumpotassiumcalcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium

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2. Illana Esteban C. Cordyceps sinensis, a fungi used in the Chinese traditional medicine. Rev Iberoam Micol. 2007 Dec 31;24(4):259-62.

3. Liu YK, Shen W. Inhibitive effect of Cordyceps sinensis on experimental hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanism. World J Gastroenterol. 2003 Mar;9(3):529-33.

4. Hsu CC, Huang YL, Tsai SJ, Sheu CC, Huang BM. In vivo and in vitro stimulatory effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells. Life Sci. 2003 Sep 5;73(16):2127-36.

5. Hu Z1, Lee CI, Shah VK, Oh EH, Han JY, Bae JR, Lee K, Chong MS, Hong JT, Oh KW. Cordycepin Increases Nonrapid Eye Movement Sleep via Adenosine Receptors in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:840134.

6. King RW, Zecher M, Jefferies MW. Inhibition of the replication of a hepatitis C virus-like RNA template by interferon and 3′-deoxycytidine. Antivir Chem Chemother. 2002 Nov;13(6):363-70.

7. Xiao Yi, Huang Xi-zhen, Zhu Jia-shi (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. 10,187-192.

8. Yoshikawa, N et al. (2011). Cordyceps sinensis Acts as an Adenosine A3 Receptor Agonist on Mouse Melanoma and Lung Carcinoma Cells, and Human Fibrosarcoma and Colon Carcinoma Cells. Pharmacol Pharmacy. 2, 266-270.

9. Yoshikawa N et al. (2011) Cordyceps sinensis acts as an adenosine A3 receptor agonist on mouse melanoma and lung carcinoma cells, and human fibrosarcoma and colon carcinoma cells. Pharmacology & Pharmacy 2, 266-270.

10. Jordan JL et al. (2008) Immune activation by a sterile aqueous extract of Cordyceps sinensis: mechanism of action. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology 30, 53-70.

11. Fung CK et al. (2012) Cordyceps Extracts and the major ingredient, cordycepin: possible cellular mechanisms of their therapeutic effects on respiratory disease, Capítulo 1 en Respiratory Diseases, Mostafa Ghanei (Ed.) InTech.