15 Studied Potential Benefits of Cordyceps Mushrooms
The Big “WTF” About Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a literal abundance of potential in one mushroom. China has used it as a medication for over 3 centuries.
Yet this fungus is a particularly gnarly one if you consider how it grows. It is a parasitic variety that lives on the head of a certain species of moth larvae. But it can grow from other species as well.
This means the fungus grows from within the larvae, up out of the ground. With the head of the larvae sitting atop the fruiting body!
Yeah, I know. WTF.
Luckily, that’s where the downfalls end. This fungus has a high potential for holistic benefits.
In 2013, a pharmacological review summarized the current research on this "fungisect." And yes, I made that word up.
Lab-Grown Cordyceps
Promising Effects of Cordyceps Mushroom Powder
Studies of Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris have shown the following benefits:
1. Immunomodulatory
Cordyceps has shown to keep immune system balance in humans and mice. In one study, it significantly increased the survival rate of mice against strep throat infections.
2. Anti-inflammatory
It’s demonstrated to reduce water retention and swelling in a study of mice ear edema.
3. Antitumor/anticancer
Cordyceps has been studied to inhibit tumor weight and volume by 40-50% in mice cells.
4. Pro-sexual
Cordyceps significantly induced testosterone in immature and mature mice. I like it already!
5. Nephroprotective
Experiments have shown cordyceps can protect the kidneys from toxicity.
6. Hepatoprotective
Shown to significantly help liver values in both mice and humans.
7. Antihyperglycemic
Studied to keep blood sugar levels down in mice.
8. Anti-ageing/antioxidant
Showed moderate anti-oxidant activity in mice.
9. Antifibrotic
Fibrosis is the unchecked wound healing of connective tissue, leaving permanent scarring. Results of one study showed significantly less kidney scarring in mice pretreated with cordyceps.
10. Nueroprotective
Studied to stimulate new brain cell sprouting in mice cells.
11. Antifungal
Cordymicin was shown to be anti-fungal and help guard against breast-cancer cell multiplication.
12. Antiviral
Shown to be anti-herpes (HSV1)
13. Anti-bacteria
Cordycepin strongly inhibited growth of the bacteria Clostridium paraputrificum and Clostridium perfringens. Clostridium is a gram-positive (i.e. the kind you don't want) bacteria, causing diseases such as tetanus.
14. Hypoglycemic
Cordyceps enhanced sugar uptake in the skeletal muscles of mice. This is promising for athletic performance.
15. Anti-HIV
One study's treatment of infected H9 cells with Cordyceps showed an almost 100% inhibition of virus production.
One should know there are no human studies done on the safety of Cordyceps in humans. However, the Chinese government approved Cordyceps sinensis (CS-4) for use in hospitals, demonstrating it as safe.
How to Take Cordyceps Powder
Cordyceps Powder in a Blate Pape
I say Cordyceps powder because I doubt many people would like to eat the dried “fungisect” whole. Common dosages in humans range from about 1 to 3 grams per day.
We recommend using single-ingredient, powdered Cordyceps and taking it using Blate Papes. Capsules will cost more than powder and come with unnecessary stabilizers or fillers.
But with powder and Blate Papes you can take your 1-3 gram dose at once and you won’t notice it going down. Read more about how Blate Papes work better than capsules here.
Make Sure You're Informed
Depending on what benefit you’re seeking, you'll want the Cordyceps mushroom powder to be of the species studied for it.
For example, if I'm interested in increasing my testosterone levels like studied in mice, I'd ensure my powder is Cordyceps sinensis. You can find this information through our first source below.