Cordyceps, one of the better-known traditional Chinese medicines, consists of the dried fungus Cordyceps sinensis growing on the larva of the caterpillar. It is commonly used in China for the replenishment of body health. One of the known pharmacological effects of cordyceps is its anti-oxidation activity.
   Cordyceps sinensis has been known as a component of traditional medicines that elicit various biological effects such as anti-fatigue, immune system influence, and hypoglycemic actions.

Full Spectrum Cordyceps 450 mg, 120 Tablets - Planetary Herbals

In China, Cordyceps sinensis is recognized as a premier tonifier. Full Spectrum Cordyceps 450 provides the same amount of cordyceps CS-4 extract (standardized to 0.1% adenosine) used in clinical studies.  This is combined with cordyceps mycelia, grown on organic brown rice form spores originally gathered in the Himalayas. This combination insures a full spectrum of important cordyceps constituents.

Suggested Use:  One cordyceps tablet, 1 to 2 times daily between meals, or as recommended by your health care professional.

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Properties of Cordyceps

Anti-aging action of Cordyceps extract in rodents
Cordyceps consists of the dried fungus cordyceps sinensis growing on the larva of the caterpillar. Cordyceps is commonly used in China. One of the known pharmacological effects is its anti-oxidation activity. Cordyceps is also known as an immune system stimulant. To investigate the anti-aging effect and mechanism of cordyceps, aged mice were treated with cordyceps extract. After six weeks, the scientists found that cordyceps increased their ability to learn, remember, and it improved the activity of their antioxidant systems.
   There are many herbs, mushrooms, and supplements that have shown similar properties. It's probably a good idea to take cordyceps a few times a month.

Antioxidant
The extracts of cultured Cordyceps sinensis possess potent antioxidant and anti-lipid peroxidation activities and inhibit accumulation of cholesteryl ester in macrophages via suppression of LDL oxidation.

Depression
Cordyceps influences the adrenergic and dopaminergic systems.

Diabetes
Cordyceps improvess glucose metabolism and increases insulin sensitivity in normal rats. For more diabetes info.

Energy
A 5 week study using a trademarked formula CordyMax Cs-4 had no effect on aerobic capacity or endurance exercise performance in endurance-trained male cyclists. The dose used was 3 grams a day.

Fertility and reproduction
In vivo stimulatory effect of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium and its fractions on reproductive functions in male mouse.
Huang YL. National Cheng Kung University, #1, Ta-Hsueh Road, Tainan, Taiwan 70101, ROC.
Life Sci. 2004 Jul 16;75(9):1051-62.
Cordyceps sinensis, an Ascomycetes fungus parasitic to Lepidoptera larvae, has been traditionally used as nutritious food for the enhancement on sexual performance and the restitution of impairment in sexual function in Chinese society. We have previously demonstrated the stimulatory effect of Cordyceps sinensis and its fractions on steroidogenesis both on primary mouse Leydig cells and MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. In the present studies, we determined the in vivo effects of Cordyceps sinensis and its fractions on steroidogenesis in mouse. Different concentrations of CS and Cordyceps sinensis fractions (0.02 and 0.2 mg/g body weight) were fed to immature or mature mice from 1 to 7 days. The plasma levels of testosterone were evaluated by radioimmunoassay. The weights of reproductive organs were also determined. Results illustrated that Cordyceps sinensis significantly induced plasma testosterone levels both in immature and mature mice in 3 and/or 7 days treatment. F2 and F3 at 0.02 and/or 0.2 mg/g body weight for different feeding duration could also significantly stimulated plasma testosterone levels both in immature and mature mice. In general, Cordyceps sinensis, F2 and F3 didn't have considerable effect on the weights of reproductive organs. Taken together, these studies illustrate that Cordyceps sinensis and its fractions significantly stimulated in vivo mouse testosterone production.

Cordyceps and Hepatitis B
Cordyceps may be helpful in treating hepatitis B. One study showed an improvement in the CD4 to CD8 ratio with the use of cordyceps for 3 months.

Immune system
Cordyceps has an influence on the immune system, although the research is still too early to know the full details.

In China, Cordyceps sinensis is recognized as a premier tonifier . Cordyceps 450 provides the same amount of cordyceps CS-4 extract (standardized to 0.1% adenosine) used in clinical studies.  This is combined with cordyceps mycelia, grown on organic brown rice form spores originally gathered in the Himalayas. This combination insures a full spectrum of important cordyceps constituents.

Cordyceps supplement and leukemia
Cordyceps sinensis mycelium extract induces human premyelocytic leukemia cell apoptosis through mitochondrion pathway.
Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2007 January. Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
This study was to identify the signaling pathways for the induction of HL-60 cell apoptosis by Cordyceps sinensis mycelium extract. Cordyceps sinensis extract at 25 mug/ml induced nuclear fragmentation and DNA degradation, two hallmark events of apoptosis, Our results suggest that Cordyceps sinensis mycelium extract induces apoptosis in HL-60 cell through the mitochondrial pathway rather than the death receptor pathway.

Q. I was very impressed with your website. I suffer form chronic myelogenous leukemia CML an I am doing well on Imatinib, known by the product name Gleevec. My blood count shows good results with a combination of feverfew, curcumin and black pepper. Recently I learned about cordyceps mushroom and the good influence on leukemia Now I was considering to start using this. According to a Chinese research team in can boost up natural killer cells activity in leukemia patients to 400 percent. According to a Sloan Kettering however cordyceps shows proliferation of progenitor red blood cells and therefore should not be used in myelogeous cancers. Being impressed with your expertise I would be very happy to know your opinion.
   A. It is very difficult to extrapolate from in vitro lab studies to what would occur if a cordyceps supplement was taken orally. Also, the effects may be influenced by the type of cordyceps extract and the dosage used. There won't be easy answers until actual cordyceps studies are done in humans with different types of leukemia. Also, it is difficult to predict the influence of a cordyceps supplement when used in combination with medications and other supplements.

Lupus
Cordyceps has been studied in systemic lupus erythematosus in rats. Cordyceps sinensis could inhibit lymphadenectasis, reduce the level of proteinuria and anti-ds-DNA antibody in plasma, and improve kidney function in SLE rats.

Sex, aphrodisiac
There are claims that cordyceps is an aphrodisiac. We are not able to find human studies regarding cordycep's influence on sexuality. However a mouse study indicates that cordyceps can stimulate testosterone release.

Cordyceps sinensis availability from herb and ingredient suppliers
Cordycepsis sinensis is available as a plain powder or in various extract potencies, for instance an extract that has 5 percent adenosine.

Side effects
No major adverse effects have been mentioned in medical papers.

Cordyceps supplement emails
Q. Is cordyceps good for promoting more energy to use during the day or during exercise? I saw that the Chinese used it in 1993 for more endurance. Is it that special by its self or is it best taken with other herbs and such?
   A. We find combinations of nutrients and herbs to be more effective than one supplement by itself. Many people tell us that they get great energy from MultiVit Rx. Cordyceps can provide a little energy, but other supplements may be more potent. See energy info.

Q. Can Cordyceps S-4 and L-Tyrosine be taken at the same time with no adverse reactions. Both are considered to be amongst the safest of supplements.
   A. Cordyceps may be safer than tyrosine which can cause heart rhythm problems.

Q. I read that cordyceps helps kidney function. Does codyceps interact with medications. I have stage 4 kidney disease, would cordyceps help me?
   A. We cannot predict the influence of any supplement on a medical condition. We suggest your physician read the research on cordyceps supplement and guide you. What works for one person may not in another.

Q. How well does cordyceps extract work for erections or erectile function. Is it of any benefit at all in the sexual area for men?
   A. We have limited experience regarding cordyceps extract in terms of libido or impotence treatment. There are much more powerful herbs for libido improvement. One of these is tongkat ali which helps sexual enhancement and better libido within a few days.

Q. I bought a relatively large quantity of cordyceps powder from a reliable source approximately 8 months ago, and immediately transferred it to an air - tight glass jar with tight fitting lid. Have kept it in a dark, dry cupboard since. Do you know what, or if, there is a shelf - life to this powder? And in reading your material on cordyceps, I noticed about 3 grams to be a good average daily dose?
   A. If it is sealed well the mushroom powder should last a long time but we don't know how long the powder was made before you purchased it. We often suggest people begin with low amounts for a few days before increasing the dosage.

Q. I have suffered from severe clinical chronic depression, along with Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia for maybe 15 years and will try anything (within reason). After much research cordyceps sounds good. Am currently on Bupropion, Methadone for degenerative herniated discs plus bad hip arthritis, Xanax (titrating way down) for Panic Disorder. What think you re: cordyceps? Have no experience with cordyceps. I just want to see what it feels like to get a small sense of normalcy for a time. Thank you, and all the best.
   A. It is difficult to predict the effect of cordyceps in any one person since responses to this mushroom are varied. There are many other herbs and supplements that have been tested more thoroughly for depression and anxiety. One has to be very careful combining supplements with a combination of prescription medications.

Q. I'm going in for hip replacement surgery and of course the surgeon says "No herbal supplements, vitamins, and NSAID's a week or two prior to surgery. I do understand. I'm wondering if cordyceps supplement would be a bad idea?
   A. It is a good idea not to take the cordyceps supplement since we don't know the full interactions of supplements and analgesics, anesthesia, and bleeding / clotting issues.

Could you please clear my doubts about cordyceps supplement. I have read that it is recommended for SLE. I've read cordyceps is used for replenishment of general body health and has a broad range of actions on the liver, kidneys, heart, and immune system. Isn't there a danger that an herb with such properties could stimulate the immune system? If so, it could cause a great aggravation in SLE (similar ones experienced with astragalus, ginseng, echinacea, zinc, and other immune-stimulating supplements) -- I am speaking from years of painful personal experience. Unfortunately, even substances that are described as having a "BALANCING" action on the immune system (e.g.maritime bark-derived formulas), in fact stimulate it and aggravate an autoimmune disease. So what about cordyceps? Unfortunately, there is not much information. I would be happy to know that it could mimic prednisone, down-regulate the immune system and thus reduce inflammation.
   A. You raise a good point. Any supplement that has a strong influence on the immune system could have effects that are not predictable. Not much is known about the long term use of herbs that stimulate the immune system and whether they have long term side effects. There is also a wide range of response among individuals. As to cordyceps supplements, it is a good idea to take frequent breaks from use.

Q. From the website, you are in the product containing the cordyceps powder. Our company is one of the most earliest and biggest manufacturers specializing in producing cordyceps mycelium powder by liquid-fermentation technology in China. Zhejiang Wanfeng Medicines Group, 51 Renmin Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang, Prov., China. Postcode: 311201

Q. I have a question regarding cordyceps: my acupuncturist recommended it to me a couple of years ago when my liver functions were just a little off for no apparent reason? she said it was a “liver tonic”. I took it (along with homeopathic remedies and acupuncture treatments) and after a while my liver function returned to normal. In the meantime, however, my flexibility went THROUGH THE ROOF (I practice karate.) I certainly never CONNECTED the Cordyceps with the increase flexibility I figured my hard work at the sport was simply paying off. I did, however, mention the flexibility increase to my acupuncturist one day and she said without hesitation it was the Cordyceps; according to her, in Chinese medicine the liver controls the elasticity of connective tissue so that when liver health improves, flexibility does as well. Have you ever heard of such a thing? (I have several adult friends at the karate studio who have all kinds of flexion issues who’d LOVE to find a supplement that would help but I don’t feel comfortable making recommendations based solely on personal experience.)
   A. We have not seen studies regarding the role of cordyceps mushroom supplements and flexibility. Yoga is a much more reliable and effective way to improve flexibility than taking supplements.

I understand tribulus terrestris extract is used as an aphrodisiac herb and I have also seen cordyceps added to libido herbal formulas with the promoted benefits of a better sexual experience. Is cordyceps useful for this purpose?
    Cordyceps is added to such formulas, but it is not as potent as tribulus, catuaba, or other herbs.

Cordyceps supplier
Dear Sirs, we are GMP enterprise and exporting the products to the USA,  Canada, Australia and Southeastern Asian countries in large quantity. Our main products as follows:
1. Cordyceps Cephalsporium Mycelia: adenosine 0.375%, mannitol 11.50%, Polysaccharide 10%
2. Fermentation Cordyceps Cs-4 Powder: adenosine 0.337%, mannitol 15.59%, Polysaccharide 19%
3. Cordyceps Polysaccharide Powder: Polysaccharide 35% , mannitol 18.19%
Company Name: Zhejiang Wanfeng Medicines Group Co.,Ltd.
Original Name: Zhejiang Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicines Factory.
Office Add: 51 Renmin Rd, Xiaoshan ,Hangzhou City,China,311201

Cordyceps sinensis supplier
We are GMP enterprise and exporting the products to the USA, Canada, Australia and Southeastern Asian countries in large quantity, enjoy the good reputation. Our main products as follows: 1. Cordyceps Cephalsporium Mycelia: adenosine 0.375%, mannitol 11.50%, Polysaccharide 10% 2. Fermentation Cordyceps Cs-4 Powder: adenosine 0.337%, mannitol 15.59%, Polysaccharide 19% 3. Cordyceps Polysaccharide Powder: Polysaccharide 35% , mannitol 18.19%  For the detailed information, you can contact me directly. Company Name: Zhejiang Wanfeng Medicines Group Co.,Ltd. Original Name: Zhejiang Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicines Factory. Office Add: 51 Renmin Rd, Xiaoshan, Hangzhou City, China,311201