In this article, we will:

Offer some basic facts regarding the cordyceps fungus
Talk about the different types of cordyceps mushroom
Let you know whether cordyceps supplements are vegan
Discuss how medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps can support wellness
Talk about some of the active compounds found in cordyceps mushrooms
Offer insight regarding cordyceps health benefits

What is cordyceps?

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus, a mushroom, an adaptogen and a herb, and it’s been used in Eastern medicine for generations. It’s quite rare, and it’s found at high altitudes in the Himalayan plateau.

The cordyceps mushroom is an entomopathogenic fungus. This type of fungus acts as a parasite on insects, disabling and ultimately killing them. It often grows on caterpillars; as a result, cordyceps is sometimes called caterpillar fungus.

When the cordyceps fungus attacks its host, it replaces the insect’s tissue. It also grows long stems that extend outside the insect’s body. The physical structure of the fungus itself is also referred to as the fruiting body.

People seeking to explore the ways in which the cordyceps mushroom benefits health often choose to take a supplement made with this fungus. So, how is a cordyceps supplement created?

If it’s cultivated in the wild, cordyceps is harvested by hand-collecting the fungus and its insect host. The remains are dried and used in tonics and supplements; these products allow you to enjoy the many ways in which cordyceps benefits wellness. But there are other methods of cultivating this medicinal mushroom; the cordyceps fungus can also be grown in a lab.

The cordyceps mushroom has long been a staple in ancient Chinese medical practices. With this fact in mind, what is cordyceps used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

In Asian medical traditions, the cordyceps fungus is used to treat conditions such as acute illness, fatigue, weak sex drive, poor kidney function and kidney disease. It’s also used to strengthen the immune system.

Types of cordyceps fungus

The cordyceps fungus comes in many different strains. It’s one of the largest subgroups of entomopathogenic fungi. There are more than 500 species of cordyceps mushroom in existence.

Here are some examples of different cordyceps strains:

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (also known as Cordyceps sinensis)
Cordyceps sobolifera
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis (also known as zombie fungus)
Cordyceps ciccodicola
Ophiocordyceps aurantia
Cordyceps liangshanesis
Ophiocordyceps gracilis
Cordyceps militaris
Ophiocordyceps tiputini
Cordyceps ophioglossoides

Cordyceps benefits well-being, and it’s been prized over the years for its ability to improve certain health conditions. Among the wide range of cordyceps mushrooms available, some species have been grown specifically for their therapeutic value.

Which of these strains provide the best health benefits? Two of the most effective and highly valued types of this medicinal mushroom are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris.

Are cordyceps supplements vegan?

Cordyceps benefits your health, but is this supplement acceptable for those who follow a vegan lifestyle? What is cordyceps’ role in the health journey of a vegan? Let’s take a look.

In nature, the cordyceps fungus grows on insects.

When this medical mushroom is harvested in the wild, the end result often includes both the fungus and the insect that hosted it. As a result, supplements that are made with wild cordyceps typically aren’t vegan-friendly.

However, there are other ways of cultivating the cordyceps fungus; it doesn’t need to be harvested in the wild. These approaches don’t involve insect hosts. For example, the cordyceps fungus can be grown on a vegan substrate involving rice and other nutrients. A supplement made with cultivated cordyceps that’s been grown and harvested in this manner is considered vegan.

If you’re looking for a cordyceps supplement that’s vegan-friendly, be sure to check the product label or product website before making a purchase. Typically, these sources will offer some indication as to how the cordyceps was cultivated. In many cases, if the cordyceps supplement is vegan-friendly, this will be clearly noted on the packaging.

The role of cordyceps and other medicinal mushrooms

Cordyceps benefits your health thanks to strengths and qualities it possesses as a medicinal mushroom.

Medicinal mushrooms are also known as functional mushrooms. For centuries, these mushrooms have been cherished and celebrated for the role they play in supporting good health.

In Asian countries, medicinal mushrooms have long been used as a remedy for common infections. More recently, these mushrooms have been tapped in that part of the world as a treatment for cancer.

The National Cancer Institute reports that medicinal mushrooms have been approved adjuncts to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China for over 30 years.¹ They’ve been used as single agents in cancer therapy. These functional mushrooms have also been used to support other cancer protocols, such as chemotherapy.

Here are some examples of medicinal mushrooms that are commonly used around the world:

Reishi mushroom
Cordyceps mushroom
Turkey tail mushroom
Lion’s mane mushroom
Chaga mushroom
Shiitake mushroom
Maitake mushroom

Bioactive compounds found in cordyceps mushrooms

As far as health-promoting compounds are concerned, what is cordyceps capable of providing?

Cordyceps mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds. Bioactive compounds are molecules present in foods; these molecules have the potential to protect against conditions such as inflammation, chronic diseases and various metabolic disorders. As a key source of bioactive compounds, cordyceps benefits wellness.

You’ll find these active compounds in the cordyceps fungus:

Cordycepin
Exopolysaccharides
Polysaccharides
Cordycepic acid
Adenosine
Terpenoids
Ampinol
Lectins
Proteoglycans

Of these, one bioactive compound stands apart from the pack: cordycepin. Cordycepin has been studied extensively for its anti-cancer properties.² It also works aggressively to combat inflammation.³

There’s another active compound worth mentioning: The cordyceps mushroom contains polysaccharides. Polysaccharides have anti-tumor effects, and they can help protect against oxidative stress.

Cordyceps benefits

So, what is cordyceps capable of doing when it comes to wellness? Here are some ways in which the cordyceps mushroom benefits your health:

Helps Slow the Aging Process

A key cordyceps health benefit concerns aging.

Antioxidants can help slow down the aging process. These molecules battle cell damage by neutralizing free radicals. Excessive free radicals can cause disease and accelerate aging.

The cordyceps mushroom is loaded with antioxidants. Because of this quality, cordyceps benefits a general slowdown of the aging process.

A 2011 study looked at the effect cordyceps has on mice when it comes to lifespan and age-related gene expression.⁴ Mice that took a cordyceps extract lived longer than mice that didn’t. The study also showed that cordyceps reversed many age-related changes in gene expression.

Boosts Athletic Performance

Endurance helps if you want to excel in athletics. As an energizing adaptogen, cordyceps benefits athletic performance.

What is cordyceps doing to make this outcome possible?

This fungus increases the body’s production of a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This molecule plays a crucial role in delivering energy to your body’s muscles. Increased levels of adenosine triphosphate assist with oxygen delivery and can help reduce fatigue and boost stamina.

A 2006 study looked at the effect of a cultured cordyceps supplement on exercise performance.⁵ The research showed that cordyceps reduced fatigue and improved energy during periods of prolonged exercise.

And 2004 research studied the effect of a synthetic strain of Cordyceps sinensis called Cordyceps CS-4.⁶ Participants who were given CS-4 showed improvements in oxygen uptake and aerobic capacity.

Helps Treat Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body stores too much glucose in the blood. Over time, this condition can cause serious health problems.

Cordyceps benefits diabetes treatment by helping to control glucose levels in the blood. In studies involving diabetic rats, a cordyceps mushroom extract helped reduce blood sugar levels.⁷ This suggests that the cordyceps fungus has value as a treatment for diabetes.

Helps Fight Cancer

Cancer is a chronic disease that’s very deadly and all too prevalent. Research shows that the cordyceps mushroom benefits cancer treatment by inhibiting the growth of certain types of cancer cells.

In test-tube studies, cordyceps slowed the growth of these types of cancer:

Lung cancer ⁸
Colon cancer ⁹
Skin cancer
Liver cancer ¹⁰

Additionally, cordyceps can help diminish the negative side effects that come with certain types of cancer therapy.

Protects Heart Health

The cordyceps fungus can help treat certain heart conditions, and it can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. By doing all this, cordyceps benefits heart health and protects against heart disease.

In a 2014 animal study, the cordyceps mushroom helped protect against heart injuries that are common in those with chronic kidney disease.¹¹ And research shows that this functional mushroom plays a role in lowering harmful LDL cholesterol.¹²

Sources and References

Warren Clarke is the editorial manager at Fresh N’ Lean, a specialty diet meal delivery service. Warren began his career in automotive journalism. He enjoys sharing information that can help readers simplify and improve their lives.

TOP OF PAGE ^

Cordyceps Benefits: Can it boost athletic performance?

by Warren ClarkePublished May 8, 2021Fresh N’ Lean excerpt

In this article, we will:

Offer some basic facts regarding the cordyceps fungus

Talk about the different types of cordyceps mushroom

Let you know whether cordyceps supplements are vegan

Discuss how medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps can support wellness

Talk about some of the active compounds found in cordyceps mushrooms

Offer insight regarding cordyceps health benefits

What is cordyceps?

Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus, a mushroom, an adaptogen and a herb, and it’s been used in Eastern medicine for generations. It’s quite rare, and it’s found at high altitudes in the Himalayan plateau.

The cordyceps mushroom is an entomopathogenic fungus. This type of fungus acts as a parasite on insects, disabling and ultimately killing them. It often grows on caterpillars; as a result, cordyceps is sometimes called caterpillar fungus.

When the cordyceps fungus attacks its host, it replaces the insect’s tissue. It also grows long stems that extend outside the insect’s body. The physical structure of the fungus itself is also referred to as the fruiting body.

People seeking to explore the ways in which the cordyceps mushroom benefits health often choose to take a supplement made with this fungus. So, how is a cordyceps supplement created?

The cordyceps mushroom has long been a staple in ancient Chinese medical practices. With this fact in mind, what is cordyceps used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

In Asian medical traditions, the cordyceps fungus is used to treat conditions such as acute illness, fatigue, weak sex drive, poor kidney function and kidney disease. It’s also used to strengthen the immune system.

Types of cordyceps fungus

The cordyceps fungus comes in many different strains. It’s one of the largest subgroups of entomopathogenic fungi. There are more than 500 species of cordyceps mushroom in existence.

Here are some examples of different cordyceps strains:

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (also known as Cordyceps sinensis)

Cordyceps sobolifera

Ophiocordyceps unilateralis (also known as zombie fungus)

Cordyceps ciccodicola

Ophiocordyceps aurantia

Cordyceps liangshanesis

Ophiocordyceps gracilis

Cordyceps militaris

Ophiocordyceps tiputini

Cordyceps ophioglossoides

Cordyceps benefits well-being, and it’s been prized over the years for its ability to improve certain health conditions. Among the wide range of cordyceps mushrooms available, some species have been grown specifically for their therapeutic value.

Which of these strains provide the best health benefits? Two of the most effective and highly valued types of this medicinal mushroom are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris.

Are cordyceps supplements vegan?

Cordyceps benefits your health, but is this supplement acceptable for those who follow a vegan lifestyle? What is cordyceps’ role in the health journey of a vegan? Let’s take a look.

In nature, the cordyceps fungus grows on insects.

When this medical mushroom is harvested in the wild, the end result often includes both the fungus and the insect that hosted it. As a result, supplements that are made with wild cordyceps typically aren’t vegan-friendly.

The role of cordyceps and other medicinal mushrooms

Cordyceps benefits your health thanks to strengths and qualities it possesses as a medicinal mushroom.

Medicinal mushrooms are also known as functional mushrooms. For centuries, these mushrooms have been cherished and celebrated for the role they play in supporting good health.

In Asian countries, medicinal mushrooms have long been used as a remedy for common infections. More recently, these mushrooms have been tapped in that part of the world as a treatment for cancer.

Here are some examples of medicinal mushrooms that are commonly used around the world:

Reishi mushroom

Cordyceps mushroom

Turkey tail mushroom

Lion’s mane mushroom

Chaga mushroom

Shiitake mushroom

Maitake mushroom

Bioactive compounds found in cordyceps mushrooms

As far as health-promoting compounds are concerned, what is cordyceps capable of providing?

You’ll find these active compounds in the cordyceps fungus:

Cordycepin

Exopolysaccharides

Polysaccharides

Cordycepic acid

Adenosine

Terpenoids

Ampinol

Lectins

Proteoglycans

Of these, one bioactive compound stands apart from the pack: cordycepin. Cordycepin has been studied extensively for its anti-cancer properties.² It also works aggressively to combat inflammation.³

There’s another active compound worth mentioning: The cordyceps mushroom contains polysaccharides. Polysaccharides have anti-tumor effects, and they can help protect against oxidative stress.

Cordyceps benefits

So, what is cordyceps capable of doing when it comes to wellness? Here are some ways in which the cordyceps mushroom benefits your health:

Helps Slow the Aging Process

A key cordyceps health benefit concerns aging.

Antioxidants can help slow down the aging process. These molecules battle cell damage by neutralizing free radicals. Excessive free radicals can cause disease and accelerate aging.

The cordyceps mushroom is loaded with antioxidants. Because of this quality, cordyceps benefits a general slowdown of the aging process.

A 2011 study looked at the effect cordyceps has on mice when it comes to lifespan and age-related gene expression.⁴ Mice that took a cordyceps extract lived longer than mice that didn’t. The study also showed that cordyceps reversed many age-related changes in gene expression.

Boosts Athletic Performance

Endurance helps if you want to excel in athletics. As an energizing adaptogen, cordyceps benefits athletic performance.

What is cordyceps doing to make this outcome possible?

This fungus increases the body’s production of a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This molecule plays a crucial role in delivering energy to your body’s muscles. Increased levels of adenosine triphosphate assist with oxygen delivery and can help reduce fatigue and boost stamina.

A 2006 study looked at the effect of a cultured cordyceps supplement on exercise performance.⁵ The research showed that cordyceps reduced fatigue and improved energy during periods of prolonged exercise.

And 2004 research studied the effect of a synthetic strain of Cordyceps sinensis called Cordyceps CS-4.⁶ Participants who were given CS-4 showed improvements in oxygen uptake and aerobic capacity.

Helps Treat Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body stores too much glucose in the blood. Over time, this condition can cause serious health problems.

Cordyceps benefits diabetes treatment by helping to control glucose levels in the blood. In studies involving diabetic rats, a cordyceps mushroom extract helped reduce blood sugar levels.⁷ This suggests that the cordyceps fungus has value as a treatment for diabetes.

Helps Fight Cancer

Cancer is a chronic disease that’s very deadly and all too prevalent. Research shows that the cordyceps mushroom benefits cancer treatment by inhibiting the growth of certain types of cancer cells.

In test-tube studies, cordyceps slowed the growth of these types of cancer:

by Warren Clarke
Published May 8, 2021
Fresh N’ Lean excerpt