Chinese Cordyceps – Properties, Uses, Side Effects
Chinese cordyceps is an Asian parasitic fungus that is gaining increasing attention among people around the world. This microorganism stands out for its richness in valuable nutrients and may show a range of beneficial properties - Chinese caterpillar fungus can have a positive effect on cognitive functions, as well as improve libido and support the immune system. What exactly is Chinese caterpillar fungus? Cordyceps - what is it good for? Chinese cordyceps - how to use it?
Table of contents
Cordyceps - what is it?
Cordyceps is a group of parasitic fungi belonging to the family Ophiocordycipitaceae, which includes over 700 different species. One of its most popular representatives is Cordyceps sinensis, also known as Chinese caterpillar fungus or Chinese cordyceps. This is an endemic species – a fungus originating from Asia, which primarily grows in the high mountain areas of Tibet. Chinese caterpillar fungus can be found at altitudes of 3,000 to 5,000 meters above sea level.
Cordyceps is a fungus that parasitizes specific insect species. In natural conditions, the microorganism most often uses the larvae of ghost moths of the genus Thitarodes, which live several centimeters underground, for its growth and development. In late autumn, the fungal spores “invade” the moth larvae, and by drawing nutrients from them, the mycelium grows toward the surface of the ground, so that between May and June a fruiting body resembling a small club emerges from the mycelium. Large-scale cultivation of Chinese caterpillar fungus is carried out on artificial substrates using biotechnological methods, without the involvement of Thitarodes moth larvae – it is estimated that the annual production of Cordyceps sinensis worldwide may reach as much as 180 tons of the fungus.
Chinese caterpillar fungus has a slightly bitter taste and a meaty smell, and was probably used by humans as early as the Tang Dynasty, between 600 and 900 CE. Due to its content of many valuable nutrients, today cordyceps is attracting increasing interest from both consumers and researchers worldwide.
Chinese cordyceps - nutritional components
The fruiting bodies of Chinese cordyceps are a treasure trove of valuable substances. The fungus contains, above all, nucleosides such as cordycepin and adenosine. In addition, Chinese caterpillar fungus is also a source of polysaccharides, sterols, as well as minerals and vitamins. Cordyceps also contains mannitol, ergosterol and hypoxanthine, amino acids, and peptides.
Cordyceps - properties
Cordyceps has been used by the people of Asia for hundreds of years. In China, Chinese caterpillar fungus was primarily used to reduce fatigue and restore energy, but it was also believed that cordyceps could increase lung capacity and support the work of the heart and kidneys.
So far, scientific analyses focusing on the valuable properties of Chinese caterpillar fungus are mainly animal studies or in vitro tests. Although more detailed research on its effects on the human body is still needed, current findings suggest that cordyceps may have a number of beneficial properties, supporting the functioning of the human body.
According to current knowledge, cordyceps is an adaptogenic fungus that may reduce stress and mental tension, while also improving well-being and having a positive effect on mood. Moreover, it is believed that Chinese caterpillar fungus can stimulate the mind and help improve cognitive functions – studies indicate that the fungus may improve memory and concentration, as well as positively influence learning ability. Additionally, cordyceps may alleviate short-term memory problems that can result from reduced blood supply to the brain.
Due to the presence of antioxidant compounds, Chinese caterpillar fungus may have antioxidant properties, helping reduce oxidative stress, neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and thus slow down aging processes.
Animal studies indicate that cordyceps may reduce inflammation and support maintaining normal blood sugar levels while increasing cell sensitivity to insulin, thereby lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Chinese caterpillar fungus may also have a positive effect on kidney and respiratory function, as well as the cardiovascular system, for example by reducing cholesterol levels, improving microcirculation, and stabilizing blood pressure. The fungus may also support the proper functioning of the immune system and have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
On top of that, cordyceps may help increase ATP levels, as well as nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, improve blood flow and oxygen utilization, which can be beneficial for physically active individuals. Studies conducted on older adults indicate that Chinese caterpillar fungus may improve sports performance and physical fitness, contributing, among other things, to increased VO₂max. Additionally, cordyceps may support post-exercise recovery by speeding up the repair of muscle damage caused by intense physical activity.
The properties of the fungus also suggest that cordyceps can improve libido, boost testosterone production, and positively affect sexual function and desire.
Chinese caterpillar fungus - dietary supplements. Is it worth using cordyceps-based products?
Chinese caterpillar fungus is a mushroom that is becoming more and more popular, and it is eagerly used both by physically active people and by consumers performing intense mental work. Cordyceps is also chosen by people whose goal is to support the daily functioning of their body.
As a result, dietary supplements and preparations containing this valuable fungus are appearing more and more often on store shelves – these include products with cordyceps in powder form, as well as Chinese caterpillar fungus in capsules or tablets. Moreover, among the products offered by manufacturers, there are both single-ingredient supplements containing only cordyceps, and complex dietary supplements that, in addition to Chinese caterpillar fungus, also provide other valuable components, such as other adaptogenic mushrooms. The choice of the right product is an individual matter, depending on the consumer’s needs and preferences.
When looking for the best product with Chinese caterpillar fungus, it is worth paying attention to the standardization of the supplement – the best choice may be a dietary supplement standardized for polysaccharide or cordycepin content. When deciding to use Chinese caterpillar fungus, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the product packaging to avoid unwanted side effects.
Chinese cordyceps - how to use it?
In scientific studies, doses of Chinese caterpillar fungus most often range from 500 to 3,000 mg of the fungus. Due to limited human research, further studies are needed to determine the recommended serving size for Chinese cordyceps supplements.
So far, studies suggest that Chinese caterpillar fungus taken regularly for 2–3 weeks in amounts recommended by supplement manufacturers does not cause unwanted side effects. However, research focusing on the long-term use of the fungus is still needed.
What is the best time of day to take Chinese caterpillar fungus? Some researchers suggest that cordyceps is best taken on an empty stomach, although the time of supplementation can be adjusted to the individual preferences of the consumer.
Cordyceps - contraindications and side effects
Cordyceps is considered pharmacologically safe for humans. However, if taken in excessive amounts, the fungus may cause undesirable side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and discomfort. Moreover, existing research indicates that Chinese caterpillar fungus may increase calcium loss from the body, so people using dietary supplements containing this parasitic fungus should pay special attention to an adequate intake of this mineral in their daily diet.
Cordyceps should not be used by people with autoimmune diseases. In addition, Chinese caterpillar fungus supplementation should be avoided by individuals taking anticoagulant or immunosuppressive drugs, as well as consumers before planned surgeries or medical procedures, due to the fact that Chinese cordyceps may prolong blood clotting time.
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