Cordyceps sinensis, also known as Chinese caterpillar fungus, has a long history used as a traditional Chinese medicine since the 15ᵗʰ century. Its name is derived from Tibeto-Bhutanese as Yartsa Gunbu, meaning Yartsa: grass in summer and Gunbu: worm in winter “Dong Chong Xia Cao”. It is a fungus parasitises moth caterpillar which grows mainly in high mountain regions in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau¹,²².
Cordyceps sinensis has always been one of the most expensive medicines known because of its rarity, difficulty in harvest and high medicinal value. Further to the associated enormous environmental pressure and ecological problems on the grassland raised from cordyceps, modern technology has introduced artificially cultivation of cordyceps (Cs-4 strain) for sustainability. Active components of cordyceps include polysaccharides, adenosine, cordycepin, cordycepic acid and ergosterol². It has been used to treat diseases including cancer, diabetes, pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular disorder, sexual dysfunction, renal disorders for centuries in Chinese Traditional Medicine and Bhutanese Indigenous Medicine.
Cordyceps in aqueous extract form has been shown to possess stimulatory effect on ion transport in human airway epithelial cells possibly due to presence of cordycepin and adenosine²⁰. Promising efficacy is shown in the clinical studies conducted on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchitis²⁵⁻²⁶. Cordyceps had significantly improved the health-related quality of life, asthma symptoms, lung function and inflammatory profiles of patients with moderate-to-severe asthma in 3-month treatment (1.2g, 3 times daily)²¹.
Cordyceps is potential in promoting immunity. Research suggested cordyceps might stimulate immune function through a series of immunomodulating activities, for instance, increases number of T helper cells; enhances natural killer cell activity; promotes blood mononuclear cells; increases interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 levels; and prolonging survival of lymphocytes¹³⁻¹⁶.
Cordyceps has been reported to improve immune response, decrease tumour size and lengthen survival time³⁻⁷. It is suggested cordyceps might be cytotoxic to cancer cells specifically lung cancer cells and melanoma (skin cancer)⁸⁻¹².
Cordyceps is shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombus formation¹⁷. The cordyceps polysaccharides might decrease plasma triglycerides and cholesterol¹⁸. In China, it has been approved as a treatment for arrhythmia (a condition of irregular heartbeat).
Cordyceps in aqueous extract form has been shown to possess stimulatory effect on ion transport in human airway epithelial cells possibly due to presence of cordycepin and adenosine²⁰. Promising efficacy is shown in the clinical studies conducted on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchitis²⁵⁻²⁶. Cordyceps had significantly improved the health-related quality of life, asthma symptoms, lung function and inflammatory profiles of patients with moderate-to-severe asthma in 3-month treatment (1.2g, 3 times daily)²¹.
Cordyceps is potential in promoting immunity. Research suggested cordyceps might stimulate immune function through a series of immunomodulating activities, for instance, increases number of T helper cells; enhances natural killer cell activity; promotes blood mononuclear cells; increases interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 levels; and prolonging survival of lymphocytes¹³⁻¹⁶.
Cordyceps has been reported to improve immune response, decrease tumour size and lengthen survival time³⁻⁷. It is suggested cordyceps might be cytotoxic to cancer cells specifically lung cancer cells and melanoma (skin cancer)⁸⁻¹².
Cordyceps is shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombus formation¹⁷. The cordyceps polysaccharides might decrease plasma triglycerides and cholesterol¹⁸. In China, it has been approved as a treatment for arrhythmia (a condition of irregular heartbeat).
Cordyceps are believed to promote production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the body which is important in delivering energy to the muscles. Study reported supplementation of cordyceps for 12 weeks shown improvement in the aerobic performance and resulting in reduction in muscle fatigue, improvement in strength and exercise load in elderly people²³.
Studies suggested cordyceps may be used as an adjuvant therapy to conventional medicine from its potential protection against kidney diseases, a common complication of diabetes through decreasing serum creatinine, increasing creatine clearance, reducing proteinuria and alleviating CKD-associated complications²⁴.
Cordyceps is generally well tolerated for adults, with reported minor adverse effects include mild gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea and nausea.
Cordyceps extracts have been safely used in doses of 3g to 6g daily for up to 1 year.
– Anticoagulant/ antiplatelet drugs, herbs and supplements
– Immunosuppressants
– Testosterone
– Autoimmune diseases
– Perioperative
Cordyceps is generally well tolerated for adults, with reported minor adverse effects include mild gastrointestinal disturbances, abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea and nausea.
Cordyceps extracts have been safely used in doses of 3g to 6g daily for up to 1 year.
– Anticoagulant/ antiplatelet drugs, herbs and supplements
– Immunosuppressants
– Testosterone
– Autoimmune diseases
– Perioperative
The material is prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a piece of personal medical advice. Owing to each person’s varying health needs, a physician should be consulted before acting on any information provided in this material. Although every effort is made to ensure that this material is accurate, it is compiled for internal use only and should not be considered definitive. Neither VitaHealth nor its employees, or information providers shall be responsible or liable for any errors, inaccuracies, or other defects in the information contained in this publication.
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