Cordyceps: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Anticancer

Studies conducted on animals with cancer suggest that Cordyceps may enhance immune response, reduce tumor size, and extend survival.

Several mechanisms contribute to Cordyceps' antitumor effect, such as direct cytotoxicity, immunopotentiation, apoptosis, selective inhibition of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein synthesis, as well as its antioxidant, antiangiogenic, antimutagenic, antimetastatic, and antiviral activities.

One of the functional components is cordycepin, whose anticancer effects on various tumors, including breast cancer, have been reported. Its structural similarity to cellular nucleosides and adenosine (constituents of DNA and RNA, playing important roles in many biological processes including genetic information transmission and cell activity regulation) allows it to interfere with the ability of cancer cells to properly produce genetic messages (mRNA), thus contributing to their destruction.

Immunomodulator

Preliminary studies suggest that Cordyceps may boost immune function by increasing the number of T-helper cells; enhancing natural killer cell activity; stimulating blood mononuclear cells; raising interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 levels; and prolonging lymphocyte survival.

Interestingly, Cordyceps has immunomodulatory effects, mainly attributed to its polysaccharides and cordycepin.

Polysaccharides may stimulate macrophage and T-cell activity, increasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and phagocytosis, mechanisms useful for tackling tumors and viral infections.

Cordycepin, on the other hand, seems more suitable for autoimmune diseases as it can act as an immunosuppressant. The combination helps balance immune response, making Cordyceps an appealing remedy for immunity.

Nephroprotective

The use of Cordyceps in Chinese medicine reinforces the kidneys. Studies have shown much of Cordyceps' kidney-strengthening potential comes from its ability to increase 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-ketosteroids levels in the body. Their dosage provides insights into adrenal function.

Renal protection effects are mainly presented in three aspects:

- Protection against chronic renal functional insufficiency;

- Therapeutic effect on toxic renal lesions;

- Reversal of glomerulonephritis effect in an animal model.

All these aspects have been proven by a series of experiments with Cordyceps.

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Hypoglycemic

Studies on Cordyceps have revealed its hypoglycemic potential. A compound extracted from this mushroom, called CS-F30, was effective in reducing blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. Another compound, CS-F10, also showed positive effects by lowering glucose in diabetic mice and those with induced high glucose levels.

But there's more: Cordyceps also seems to positively influence cholesterol. It has been found to lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol) in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet. These findings suggest that Cordyceps could be a natural ally for managing both diabetes and cholesterol issues.

Hepatoprotective

Animal tests and clinical research data have shown Cordyceps has a protective effect on patients suffering from liver conditions, particularly those with viral hepatitis A, chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, and liver fibrosis. The bioactive components of Cordyceps for liver protection are primarily Cordyceps polysaccharides. Although the content and efficacy of Cordyceps polysaccharides vary by species, they can improve the immunological functions of organic cells, eliminate harmful components, and thereby reduce hepatic cell damage. The effects include:

- Protective effect on liver immune lesions;

- Effect on cirrhosis patients post-hepatitis;

- Effect on patients with chronic hepatitis B;

- Protective effect on liver fibrosis.

Bioenergizer

A recent study explored the effects of Cordyceps Sinensis, a medicinal mushroom, on stress and endurance. Researchers administered hot water extract of Cordyceps to rats at a dose of 150 mg/kg for a week.

A notable reduction in biochemical stress markers was observed. Among them, total cholesterol decreased, returning to levels comparable with non-stressed rats. This cholesterol normalization is an important indicator of the body's effective stress management, as stress has been shown to contribute to increased LDL cholesterol, also known as 'bad cholesterol.'

Furthermore, the extract had an impact on the weight of certain vital organs. The spleen, adrenal glands, and liver of the rats showed a less significant weight reduction - respectively 24%, 91%, and 37% - compared to what's generally observed under stress. These organs play a crucial role in immune response, hormonal regulation, and metabolism, and maintaining them in good health is essential.

Finally, the study also highlighted the effects on endurance. With doses of 150 to 300 mg/kg of extract, rats were able to swim longer before tiring. The time before fatigue set in increased by about 12.5%, suggesting that Cordyceps could be beneficial for improving physical endurance.

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Fertility Effect

Cordyceps is traditionally used to enhance sexual function in men.

Evidence shows that Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris can improve reproductive activity and restore impaired reproductive function. Administration of Cordyceps sinensis increased libido and sexual activity, and restored impaired reproductive function in men. These effects are linked to increased testosterone release in plasma via the cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate)-protein kinase A signaling pathway.

A protein in Cordyceps contributed to the hypotensive and vasorelaxing properties observed, enhancing NO (nitric oxide) production, which could support erection, thus improving sexual function.

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