by Dr. Markho Rafael
From high elevations of the Tibetan plateau comes a minute fungus known as Cordyceps sinensis. It parasitizes on caterpillars and sprouts out of their dead carcasses. [1] With 95% of the world’s mushroom species still undiscovered, it’s a small wonder that a tiny fungus from a remote and sparsely populated area is not only described but revered the world over as one of the most highly prized medicinal mushrooms on the planet.
The unlikely origins of Cordyceps sinensis as a medicinal mushroom is enough to stand up and take notice.
Cordyceps extract has been valued in China for almost two thousand years as an aphrodisiac and general vitalizing tonic. The first recorded mention of Cordyceps extract appears in the Chinese work The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman from about 200 A.D. [2] Modern works have reaffirmed its traditional wisdom. [3]
Contemporary researchers in Asia have discovered that Cordyceps sinensis demonstrates anti-tumor and immune-enhancing qualities. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Several studies suggest its usefulness in the treatment of leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] In 2002 began the initial Phase I screening of cordycepin by the U.S. National Institute of Health as a possible treatment of leukemia.
Affirming the traditional Chinese use of Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac, a modern trial found a 64% improvement in men with erectile dysfunction. [17] A possible explanation for this effect may be that Cordyceps helps dilate blood vessels, as demonstrated by two other studies. [18, 19]
Additional benefits of Cordyceps sinensis indicated by modern research include cholesterol regulation [20], kidney [21] and liver support (post-hepatitic cirrhosis). [22]
However, the main reason for Cordyceps’ popularity is its effect on physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned above, this may in part be due to the fact that it helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood-flow to muscles and organs. Although another reason may be that Cordyceps helps dilate not only blood-vessels but also respiratory passageways, as reported in two papers on bronchitis and asthma. [3, 26]
Nine Chinese women who set world records at the 1993 Chinese National Games attributed their success to their use of Cordyceps extract. [27, 28]
Additionally, Cordyceps extract is rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides, and many more recently discovered potentially therapeutic compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus undoubtedly a host of others yet to be discovered.
Finally, a few additional areas where modern research on Cordyceps has shown some promising results, as listed by Paul Stamets in his book Mycelium Running, include: Lymphoma; lung cancer; viruses; bacteria; nerves (stress); blood pressure. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked in the natural health field since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90’s. He currently focuses on medicinal mushrooms in partnership with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For research references to this article, go to the
Extract of Cordyceps site, where you can also find
Cordyceps Capsules and other medicinal fungi.
Cordyceps sinensis – Medicinal Mushroom for Stamina and Strength
From high elevations of the Tibetan plateau comes a minute fungus known as Cordyceps sinensis. It parasitizes on caterpillars and sprouts out of their dead carcasses. [1] With 95% of the world’s mushroom species still undiscovered, it’s a small wonder that a tiny fungus from a remote and sparsely populated area is not only described but revered the world over as one of the most highly prized medicinal mushrooms on the planet.
The unlikely origins of Cordyceps sinensis as a medicinal mushroom is enough to stand up and take notice.
Cordyceps extract has been valued in China for almost two thousand years as an aphrodisiac and general vitalizing tonic. The first recorded mention of Cordyceps extract appears in the Chinese work The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman from about 200 A.D. [2] Modern works have reaffirmed its traditional wisdom. [3]
Contemporary researchers in Asia have discovered that Cordyceps sinensis demonstrates anti-tumor and immune-enhancing qualities. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12]
Several studies suggest its usefulness in the treatment of leukemia. [13, 14, 15, 16] In 2002 began the initial Phase I screening of cordycepin by the U.S. National Institute of Health as a possible treatment of leukemia.
Affirming the traditional Chinese use of Cordyceps as an aphrodisiac, a modern trial found a 64% improvement in men with erectile dysfunction. [17] A possible explanation for this effect may be that Cordyceps helps dilate blood vessels, as demonstrated by two other studies. [18, 19]
Additional benefits of Cordyceps sinensis indicated by modern research include cholesterol regulation [20], kidney [21] and liver support (post-hepatitic cirrhosis). [22]
However, the main reason for Cordyceps’ popularity is its effect on physical stamina. [23, 24, 25] As mentioned above, this may in part be due to the fact that it helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood-flow to muscles and organs. Although another reason may be that Cordyceps helps dilate not only blood-vessels but also respiratory passageways, as reported in two papers on bronchitis and asthma. [3, 26]
Nine Chinese women who set world records at the 1993 Chinese National Games attributed their success to their use of Cordyceps extract. [27, 28]
Additionally, Cordyceps extract is rich in anti-oxidants, [29] polysaccharides, and many more recently discovered potentially therapeutic compounds, [8, 30, 31] plus undoubtedly a host of others yet to be discovered.
Finally, a few additional areas where modern research on Cordyceps has shown some promising results, as listed by Paul Stamets in his book Mycelium Running, include: Lymphoma; lung cancer; viruses; bacteria; nerves (stress); blood pressure. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material.
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