Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris) are medicinal mushrooms prized for their adaptogenic properties, energy-boosting effects, and support for respiratory and immune health. They have been used in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine for centuries and are now widely available in supplement form.
Key Components
Cordyceps contain bioactive compounds responsible for their health benefits, including:
Cordycepin: A nucleoside analogue with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-tumour properties.
Polysaccharides: Enhance immune function and act as antioxidants.
Adenosine: Improves energy metabolism and supports cardiovascular health.
Health Benefits of Cordyceps Supplements
Energy and Stamina:
● ATP production, physical performance improvement and fatigue reduction.
● Beneficial for athletes and individuals with chronic fatigue.
Respiratory Health:
● Lung function support by improving oxygen utilisation. This may be beneficial in asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions.
Immune System Support:
● Immune responses modulation. Defence against infections while reducing inflammation.
Anti-Aging and Longevity:
● Oxidative stress reduction. Cellular repair support.
Kidney and Liver Support:
● Protection against organ damage caused by toxins or stress.
Blood Sugar Regulation:
● Insulin sensitivity support and blood glucose levels regulation, making it beneficial for
managing type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Health:
● Blood circulation support and cholesterol levels regulation. CVD risk reduction.
Anti-Cancer Potential:
● Tumour-inhibiting effects through its immunomodulatory and cytotoxic properties.
Supplement Forms
Powders:
● Dried Cordyceps; can be added to food, smoothies, or beverages.
- Buy Cordyceps (powder) supplement HERE
Capsules/Tablets:
● Convenient, standardised doses for consistent intake.
- Buy Cordyceps (capsule) supplement HERE
Adaptogenic Coffee:
● A mushroom coffee blend.
- Buy Adaptogenic Coffee with Cordyceps & Ginseng HERE
Liquid Extracts:
● Highly bioavailable concentrated tinctures.
Recommended Dosage
● General Health: 1,000–2,000 mg of Cordyceps extract daily.
● Athletic Performance/Chronic Fatigue: Up to 3,000 mg daily, divided into 2–3 doses.
● Dosages depend on the standardisation of active compounds like cordycepin or
polysaccharides.
Precautions: May interact with blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or diabetes medications
Potential Clinical Applications
● Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Energy support.
● Respiratory Disorders: Oxygen efficiency support in asthma and COPD.
● Athletic Performance: Stamina and recovery support.
● Immune Modulation: Supports immunity during infections or autoimmune conditions.
● Diabetes Management: Blood sugar levels regulation.
● Kidney and Liver Health: Protects against damage and supports detoxification.
Further support at Body Fabulous
Book a General Advice Call - Speak with our clinical team who can advise on the right testing or supplements based on your symptoms and needs.
References
1. Ashraf SA, Elkhalifa AEO, Siddiqui AJ, Patel M, Awadelkareem AM, Snoussi M, Ashraf MS, Adnan M, Hadi S. Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Cordyceps Medicinal Fungus and Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential. Molecules. 2020 Jun 12;25(12):2735. doi: 10.3390/molecules25122735. PMID: 32545666; PMCID: PMC7356751.
2. Shashidhar, M. G., Giridhar, P., Udaya Sankar, K., & Manohar, B. (2013). Bioactive principles from Cordyceps sinensis: A potent food supplement - A review. Journal of functional foods, 5(3), 1013–1030. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2013.04.018
3. Tuli HS, Sandhu SS, Sharma AK. Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin. 3 Biotech. 2014 Feb;4(1):1-12. doi: 10.1007/s13205-013-0121-9. Epub 2013 Feb 19. PMID: 28324458; PMCID: PMC3909570.
4. Das, S. K., Masuda, M., Sakurai, A., & Sakakibara, M. (2010). Medicinal uses of the mushroom Cordyceps militaris: current state and prospects. Fitoterapia, 81(8), 961–968. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2010.07.010
