Overview

Cordyceps has been used in China for literally centuries and is considered the top herb for restoring energy and quality of life. It first came to the attention of Western athletes when Chinese athletes used it to break nine world records in the World Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Germany in 1993. As a result, it became legendary for increasing performance and has become one of the top-selling sports supplements among elite competitive athletes. Now, more and more active people are discovering its powerful potential to promote energy, vitality, and stamina.

Usage

Amount and Timing: Two to four grams per day, consumed in divided amounts in the morning and evening, is the amount used in studies for performance enhancement. Between 5 and 10 grams of raw cordyceps has been used for specific ailments.

Raw cordyceps look like matchsticks and are sold bundled up into blocks. Sun-dried herbs are preferred to avoid damage by high temperatures. Cordyceps has a flavor a little like licorice.

Tip: Look for cordyceps supplements that contain one percent adenosine, which is the type used in studies.

Quite simply—for greater energy, vitality, and endurance. Ever since coach Ma confessed he was feeding the stuff to his world-record breaking runners on China's track teams, athletes have given this mushroom a legendary reputation. And studies support its effects on stamina, vitality, endurance, and energy as well as its added benefits on cardiovascular and immune functioning.

Safety Information

Toxicity:
There are no indications for toxicity in humans, and toxicity levels were only reached at extremely high amounts in animals. Mild side effects were noted in hyperlipidemic patients who experienced dry mouth and nausea while taking an extract of the cultured mycelium at levels of 333 mg 3 times daily for 4 to 8 weeks.

Known drug interactions:
People using MAO inhibitors should be cautious when using cordyceps since it may inhibit them. Cordyceps may increase the effects of anticoagulant medications.

Bans and Restrictions:
None known.

References

Bao, T.T., et al., "Pharmacological Actions of Cordyceps sinensis," Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 8.6 (1988) : 352-4, 325-6.

Bok, J.W., et al., "Antitumor Sterols from the Mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis," Phytochemistry 51.7 (1999) : 891-8.

Bucci, L.R., "Selected Herbals and Human Exercise Performance," Am J Clin Nutr 72.2S (2000) : 624S-36S.

Chiou, W.F., et al., "Protein Constituent Contributes to the Hypotensive and Vasorelaxant Activities of Cordyceps sinensis," Life Sci 66.14 (2000) : 1369-76.

Kuo, Y.C., et al., "Cordyceps sinensis as an Immunomodulatory Agent," Am J Chin Med 24.2 (1996) : 111-25.

Manabe, N., et al., "Effects of the Mycelial Extract of Cultured Cordyceps sinensis on In Vivo Hepatic Energy Metabolism and Blood Flow in Dietary Hypoferric Anaemic Mice," Br J Nutr 83.2 (2000) :197-204.

Manabe, N., et al., "Effects of the Mycelial Extract of Cultured Cordyceps sinensis on In Vivo Hepatic Energy Metabolism in the Mouse," Jpn J Pharmacol 70.1 (1996) : 85-8.

Shao, G., "Treatment of Hyperlipidemia with Cordyceps sinensis-a Double Blind, Randomized Placebo Control Trial," Zhong Xi Jie He Za Zhi 5.11 (1985) : 652-4, 642.

Yoshida, J., et al. Antitumor Activity of an Extract of Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. Against Murine Tumor Cell Lines," Jpn J of Exp Med 59(4) 1989 : 157-62.

Zhang, S.S., et al., "A Pharmacological Analysis of the Amino Acid Components of Cordyceps sinensis Sacc," Yao Xue Xue Bao 26.5 (1991) : 326-30.

Zhu, J.S., et al., "The Scientific Rediscovery of a Precious Ancient Chinese Herbal Regimen: Cordyceps sinensis: Part II," J Altern Complement Med 4.4 (1998) : 429-57.

Xiao, Y., et al., "Increased Aerobic Capacity in Healthy Elderly Human Adults Given a Fermentation Product of Cordyceps cs-4," Med Sci Sports Exerc 31S (1999) : S174 (abstract).