What Are Cordyceps Mushrooms?
Cordyceps mushrooms, a fascinating class of fungi, have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, particularly among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Belonging to the Cordyceps genus, these mushrooms encompass a diverse array of species. Among the most renowned variants are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris.
Revered for their exceptional health advantages, Cordyceps has enjoyed centuries of use in traditional Chinese medicine, renowned for its capacity to enhance energy, endurance, and overall physical performance. With its inherent adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, Cordyceps is reputed to offer a broad spectrum of health benefits, such as heightened endurance, accelerated recovery, improved immune function, and even enhanced libido.
Cordyceps mushrooms are renowned for their wide range of medicinal benefits. Some of the most significant include boosting immune function, increasing energy and endurance, reducing inflammation, and enhancing cardiovascular health. These powerful fungi contain adaptogenic compounds that help the body adapt to physical and mental stress. Their anti-inflammatory properties also aid in quicker recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Additionally, Cordyceps mushrooms have been shown to support healthy blood sugar levels and promote cardiovascular health by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
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The Benefits Of Cordyceps
Cordyceps mushrooms are valued for boosting energy, endurance, and immune function. They contain adaptogenic compounds that help the body manage stress and support cardiovascular health, making them a versatile addition to wellness routines.
Cordyceps is Mother Nature’s all-natural performance enhancer. Athletes frequently turn to Cordyceps mushroom capsules as a means to elevate energy levels, enhance stamina, and amplify endurance, all achieved without the aid of caffeine or any addictive chemical stimulants. Through clinical trials, it has been demonstrated that Cordyceps may boost energy-producing pathways within the body and elevate ATP levels, the energy-carrying molecules nestled within our cells [1]. As a natural exercise mimetic, Cordyceps has been proven to enhance exercise performance through several mechanisms.
Cordyceps facilitates increased blood flow, optimizes our body's oxygen utilization, and acts as an antioxidant [1]. In a study conducted on a group of 28 individuals consuming a mushroom blend that included Cordyceps, improvements were observed in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), time to exhaustion, and ventilatory thresholds following three weeks of supplementation [1]. The treated participants experienced enhanced oxygen availability during exercise, as evidenced by increased oxygen levels, and their ventilatory threshold, the point at which lactate starts accumulating in the blood, was elevated. This indicates that a greater amount of oxygen could enter their bodies [1].
Additionally, another study demonstrated that even elderly individuals experienced the benefits of improved oxygen uptake, enhanced ventilation function, and heightened resistance to fatigue during exercise [2]. A study investigating the impact of Cordyceps sinensis on exercise endurance revealed its remarkable ability to enhance endurance capacity in rats. This effect was achieved through the activation of multiple skeletal muscle metabolic regulators, as well as the stimulation of genes associated with promoting endurance and antioxidant activity [3]. Furthermore, Cordyceps demonstrated improvements in angiogenesis, glucose uptake, and lactate uptake in both exercised and non-exercised rats [3].
As mentioned, Cordyceps has shown the potential ability to prolong time to exhaustion and alleviate fatigue during exercise. In a notable study, mice treated with Cordyceps displayed significantly extended exhaustive swimming times compared to the control groups [4]. Furthermore, the study assessed various fatigue-related biochemical parameters and discovered that Cordyceps led to reduced concentrations of serum lactic acid, urea nitrogen, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde.
Simultaneously, it boosted liver and muscle glycogen contents and increased the concentrations of several potent antioxidants [4]. Collectively, these findings led to the conclusion that Cordyceps may exert a robust anti-fatigue effect when utilized as a functional food or medicine.
Cordyceps’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities have also been reported to contribute to its neuroprotective effects. A groundbreaking study, focused on cognitive dysfunction, found that a Cordyceps extract showed promise in enhancing spatial memory in cognitive disorders induced by beta-amyloid plaques [25]. Spatial memory impairment is a common characteristic observed in certain types of dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease, resulting in behaviors such as wandering, disorientation, or forgetting destinations [25]. Notably, Cordyceps also displayed a protective effect against object recognition impairment, which is another unfortunate consequence associated with dementia [25]. These findings highlight the potential of Cordyceps as a valuable resource in addressing cognitive decline and supporting brain health.
Cordyceps is Mother Nature’s all-natural performance enhancer. Athletes frequently turn to Cordyceps mushroom capsules as a means to elevate energy levels, enhance stamina, and amplify endurance, all achieved without the aid of caffeine or any addictive chemical stimulants. Through clinical trials, it has been demonstrated that Cordyceps may boost energy-producing pathways within the body and elevate ATP levels, the energy-carrying molecules nestled within our cells [1]. As a natural exercise mimetic, Cordyceps has been proven to enhance exercise performance through several mechanisms.
Cordyceps facilitates increased blood flow, optimizes our body's oxygen utilization, and acts as an antioxidant [1]. In a study conducted on a group of 28 individuals consuming a mushroom blend that included Cordyceps, improvements were observed in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), time to exhaustion, and ventilatory thresholds following three weeks of supplementation [1]. The treated participants experienced enhanced oxygen availability during exercise, as evidenced by increased oxygen levels, and their ventilatory threshold, the point at which lactate starts accumulating in the blood, was elevated. This indicates that a greater amount of oxygen could enter their bodies [1].
Additionally, another study demonstrated that even elderly individuals experienced the benefits of improved oxygen uptake, enhanced ventilation function, and heightened resistance to fatigue during exercise [2]. A study investigating the impact of Cordyceps sinensis on exercise endurance revealed its remarkable ability to enhance endurance capacity in rats. This effect was achieved through the activation of multiple skeletal muscle metabolic regulators, as well as the stimulation of genes associated with promoting endurance and antioxidant activity [3]. Furthermore, Cordyceps demonstrated improvements in angiogenesis, glucose uptake, and lactate uptake in both exercised and non-exercised rats [3].
As mentioned, Cordyceps has shown the potential ability to prolong time to exhaustion and alleviate fatigue during exercise. In a notable study, mice treated with Cordyceps displayed significantly extended exhaustive swimming times compared to the control groups [4]. Furthermore, the study assessed various fatigue-related biochemical parameters and discovered that Cordyceps led to reduced concentrations of serum lactic acid, urea nitrogen, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde.
Simultaneously, it boosted liver and muscle glycogen contents and increased the concentrations of several potent antioxidants [4]. Collectively, these findings led to the conclusion that Cordyceps may exert a robust anti-fatigue effect when utilized as a functional food or medicine.
Cordyceps’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities have also been reported to contribute to its neuroprotective effects. A groundbreaking study, focused on cognitive dysfunction, found that a Cordyceps extract showed promise in enhancing spatial memory in cognitive disorders induced by beta-amyloid plaques [25]. Spatial memory impairment is a common characteristic observed in certain types of dementia, including Alzheimer's Disease, resulting in behaviors such as wandering, disorientation, or forgetting destinations [25]. Notably, Cordyceps also displayed a protective effect against object recognition impairment, which is another unfortunate consequence associated with dementia [25]. These findings highlight the potential of Cordyceps as a valuable resource in addressing cognitive decline and supporting brain health.
EVERSIO WELLNESS
Functional mushrooms are powerful on their own, but when combined, they create a synergy that amplifies their benefits, known as the entourage effect." This natural phenomenon occurs when the diverse bioactive compounds found in different mushroom species work together, enhancing each other's effects and supporting overall wellness more effectively than any single mushroom could alone.
Whether it's strengthening immunity, improving cognitive function, or enhancing energy levels, the combined power of these mushrooms provides a more balanced and potent impact on your health, helping you achieve holistic well-being.
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The Fungi Fineprint
The sections below provide valuable insights into functional mushrooms' benefits, safety, research, and practical use. These notes help you better understand how these powerful natural ingredients can support your health and well-being. Whether you're new to functional mushrooms or looking to deepen your knowledge, you'll find helpful information right here to guide your wellness journey.
Benefits Summarized
Cordyceps mushrooms are known to offer an extensive array of medicinal benefits. Among the most notable advantages are enhanced immune function, heightened energy and endurance, diminished inflammation, and improved cardiovascular well-being.
These remarkable fungi harbor potent adaptogenic compounds that assist the body in adapting to both physical and mental stress, while their anti-inflammatory properties contribute to a swifter recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Moreover, Cordyceps mushrooms have demonstrated an ability to promote healthy blood sugar levels and support cardiovascular health by reducing LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. Altogether, the utilization of Cordyceps offers individuals a multitude of potential benefits.
Health & Safety
Recommended Dosages of Cordyceps Mushrooms - For optimal consumption, Health Canada advises individuals to limit their intake of dried Cordyceps fruiting body to a maximum of 9000mg per day. Our Cordyceps product, ENERGIZE NOW, boasts an impressive composition with over 32% beta-glucans, 0.24% cordycepin, and 0.27% adenosine. We recommend a daily consumption of 1000 mg of our Cordyceps extract, which is equivalent to a crude quantity of 8000mg.
When it comes to the health and safety of taking a Cordyceps mushroom extract, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, Cordyceps mushrooms have a long history of traditional use in various cultures, suggesting a degree of safety. Additionally, scientific research has explored the potential health benefits of Cordyceps and found it to be generally well-tolerated. However, as with any dietary supplement, it is important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.
Cordyceps mushroom extracts are known for their immune-modulating, adaptogenic, and antioxidant properties. They have been studied for their potential to improve energy levels, enhance exercise performance, support respiratory health, boost fertility, and promote cognitive function. These potential benefits make Cordyceps an intriguing option for those seeking natural wellness support.
Regarding safety, Cordyceps is considered safe for most individuals when taken within recommended dosages. However, it is important to note that individual responses may vary, and some people may experience mild side effects such as digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. If you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications, it is crucial to consult with your health care provider before incorporating Cordyceps extracts into your routine.
Furthermore, it is essential to choose high-quality Cordyceps mushroom extracts from reputable sources. Ensuring that the product undergoes proper testing for purity, potency, and contaminants is crucial for your safety and optimal health outcomes. Look for products that are third-party tested and adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMP) to ensure quality and safety.
Cordyceps mushroom extract offers a promising array of potential health benefits and is generally considered safe when used responsibly. However, it is crucial to consult with a health care professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions
or are on medications. By doing so, you can make informed decisions and embark on your wellness journey with confidence, prioritizing both your health and safety.
Research & References
[1] Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. J Diet Suppl. 2017 Jan 2;14(1):42-53. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386. Epub 2016 Jul 13. PMID: 27408987; PMCID: PMC5236007.
[2] Yi, X., Xi-zhen, H. & Jia-shi, Z. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 10, 187–192 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02836405.
[3] Kumar R, Negi PS, Singh B, Ilavazhagan G, Bhargava K, Sethy NK. Cordyceps
sinensis promotes exercise endurance capacity of rats by activating skeletal
muscle metabolic regulators. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Jun 14;136(1):260-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.040. Epub 2011 Apr 28. PMID: 21549819.
[4] Xu YF. Effect of Polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes) on Physical Fatigue Induced by Forced Swimming. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2016;18(12):1083-1092. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.v18.i12.30. PMID: 28094746.
[5] Lee CT, Huang KS, Shaw JF, Chen JR, Kuo WS, Shen G, Grumezescu AM, Holban AM, Wang YT, Wang JS, Hsiang YP, Lin YM, Hsu HH, Yang CH. Trends in the
Immunomodulatory Effects of Cordyceps militaris: Total Extracts, Polysaccharides and Cordycepin. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Nov 30;11:575704. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.575704. PMID: 33328984; PMCID: PMC7735063.
[6] Lee CT, Huang KS, Shaw JF, Chen JR, Kuo WS, Shen G, Grumezescu AM, Holban AM, Wang YT, Wang JS, Hsiang YP, Lin YM, Hsu HH, Yang CH. Trends in the
Immunomodulatory Effects of Cordyceps militaris: Total Extracts, Polysaccharides and Cordycepin. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Nov 30;11:575704. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.575704. PMID: 33328984; PMCID: PMC7735063.
[7] Yang L, Jiao X, Wu J, Zhao J, Liu T, Xu J, Ma X, Cao L, Liu L, Liu Y, Chi J, Zou M, Li S, Xu J, Dong L. Cordyceps sinensis inhibits airway remodeling in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Exp Ther Med. 2018 Mar;15(3):2731-2738. doi: 10.3892/etm.2018.5777. Epub 2018 Jan 19. PMID: 29456676; PMCID: PMC5795554.
[8] Wang N, Li J, Huang X, Chen W, Chen Y. Herbal Medicine Cordyceps sinensis Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Moderate-to-Severe Asthma. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:6134593. doi: 10.1155/2016/6134593. Epub 2016 Dec 5. PMID: 28050193; PMCID: PMC5165155.
[9] Kusama K, Miyagawa M, Ota K, Kuwabara N, Saeki K, Ohnishi Y, Kumaki Y, Aizawa T, Nakasone T, Okamatsu S, Miyaoka H, Tamura K. Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract Decreases Testosterone Catabolism and Testosterone-Stimulated Prostate Hypertrophy. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 26;13(1):50. doi: 10.3390/nu13010050. PMID: 33375244; PMCID: PMC7824671.
[10] Jiraungkoorskul, Kanitta, and Wannee Jiraungkoorskul. Review of naturopathy of medical mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, in sexual dysfunction. Pharmacognosy Reviews, vol. 10, no. 19, Jan.-June 2016, p. 1. Gale Academic OneFile. Accessed 2 Nov. 2023.
[11] Nguyen TV, Chumnanpuen P, Parunyakul K, Srisuksai K, Fungfuang W. A study of the aphrodisiac properties of Cordyceps militaris in streptozotocin-induced
diabetic male rats Vet World. 2021 Feb;14(2):537-544. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.537-544. Epub 2021 Feb 27. PMID: 33776321; PMCID:
PMC7994127.
[12] Dong CH, Yao YJ. In vitro evaluation of antioxidant activities of aqueous extracts from natural and cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. LWT-Food Sci Technol.
2008;41:669–77.
[13] Huang BM, Hsiao KY, Chuang PC, Wu MH, Pan HA, Tsai SJ. Upregulation
of steroidogenic enzymes and ovarian 17beta-estradiol in human granulosa-lutein
cells by Cordyceps sinensis mycelium. Biol Reprod. 2004 May;70(5):1358-64. doi: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.022855. Epub 2004 Jan 7. PMID: 14711788.
[15] Lo HC, Tu ST, Lin KC, Lin SC. The anti-hyperglycemic activity of the fruiting body of Cordyceps in diabetic rats induced by nicotinamide and streptozotocin. Life Sci. 2004 Apr 23;74(23):2897-908. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2003.11.003. PMID: 15050427.
[16] Dong Y, Jing T, Meng Q, Liu C, Hu S, Ma Y, Liu Y, Lu J, Cheng Y, Wang D, Teng L. Studies on the antidiabetic activities of Cordyceps militaris extract in diet-streptozotocin-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:160980. doi: 10.1155/2014/160980. Epub 2014 Mar 11. PMID: 24738047; PMCID: PMC3967809.
[17] Huang HS, Wu HY, Chang WT, Lin YE, Huang YJ, Lu KH, Lu YS, Chen MH, Sheen LY. The Antidepressive and Anxiolytic Effects of Formula Consisted of Poria cocos and Cordyceps militaris Waster Medium Extract in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Animal Model. Curr Dev Nutr. 2020 May 29;4(Suppl 2):1212. doi: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa057_028. PMCID: PMC7257912.
[18] Onaolapo AY, Onaolapo OJ. Glutamate and depression: Reflecting a deepening knowledge of the gut and brain effects of a ubiquitous molecule. World J Psychiatry. 2021 Jul 19;11(7):297-315. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i7.297. PMID: 34327123; PMCID: PMC8311508.
[19] Allen J, Romay-Tallon R, Brymer KJ, Caruncho HJ, Kalynchuk LE. Mitochondria and Mood: Mitochondrial Dysfunction as a Key Player in the Manifestation of Depression. Front Neurosci. 2018 Jun 6;12:386. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00386. PMID: 29928190; PMCID: PMC5997778.
[20] Ko KM, Leung HY. Enhancement of ATP generation capacity, antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory activities by Chinese Yang and Yin tonifying herbs. Chin Med. 2007 Mar 27;2:3. doi: 10.1186/1749-8546-2-3. PMID: 17386115; PMCID: PMC1847515.
[21] Koh JH, Kim KM, Kim JM, Song JC, Suh HJ. Antifatigue and antistress effect of the hot-water fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Biol Pharm Bull. 2003;26(5):691-694. doi:10.1248/bpb.26.691
[22] Song J, Wang Y, Teng M, Cai G, Xu H, Guo H, Liu Y, Wang D, Teng L. Studies
on the Antifatigue Activities of Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract in Mouse Model. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:174616. doi: 10.1155/2015/174616. Epub 2015 Aug 17. PMID: 26351509; PMCID: PMC4553310.
[23] Chen YJ, Huang HC, Chien CT. Antioxidant abilities and lipid peroxidation in the liver from exercise-trained rats. Life Sci. 2000;66(12):L149-L157. doi:10.1016/s0024-3205(00)00608-1
[24] Li SP, Yang FQ, Tsim KW. Quality control of Cordyceps sinensis, a valued traditional Chinese medicine. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2006;41(5):1571-1584. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2006.01.046
[25] He MT, Lee AY, Kim JH, Park CH, Shin YS, Cho EJ. Protective role of Cordyceps militaris in Aβ1-42-induced Alzheimer's disease in vivo. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2018 Dec 4;28(3):865-872. doi: 10.1007/s10068-018-0521-z. PMID: 31093445; PMCID: PMC6484065.
[26] Bombi Lee; Jongbong Park; Jinhee Park; Hyun-Jae Shin; Sunoh Kwon; Mijung Yeom; Bongjun Sur; Sunghun Kim; Myunghwan Kim; Hyejung Lee; Suk Hoo Yoon; Dae-Hyun Hahm (2011). Cordyceps Militarisimproves neurite outgrowth in Neuro2A cells and reverses memory impairment in rats. , 20(6), 1599–1608. doi:10.1007/s10068-011-0221-4.
Where To Buy
In the vast market of medicinal mushrooms, it becomes imperative to prioritize awareness of the product's composition to ensure the utmost potency. At Eversio Wellness, our commitment lies in offering exclusively 100% fruiting body mushroom extracts, maintaining a transparent approach towards consumers by providing Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for each product. These COAs serve as a reassurance, scientifically confirming the claimed percentages of beneficial constituents through meticulous lab testing. Furthermore, the COAs also verify the absence of heavy metals and microbial contaminants, assuring customers of receiving the finest mushroom supplements available. There has never been a more opportune moment to explore the world of online mushroom purchases.
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Eversio Wellness products deliver the benefits of functional mushrooms with premium-grade fruiting body extract products that are vegan, created in a Canadian GMP Certified facility, USDA Organic Certified, non-GMO, third party lab tested, and super concentrated. Each capsule or ½ tsp of our extract blends delivers a FULL BENEFICIAL DOSE in line with current research.