Cordyceps (short for Cordyceps sinensis) is a rare Chinese mushroom that grows naturally on certain species of caterpillars. Fortunately, the cordyceps that are used today are cultivated through fermentation--that means, without caterpillars! For thousands of years, cordyceps have been used by Chinese healers as tonic for sexual vigor and overall vitality. It makes sense that cordyceps would be an effective aphrodisiac. Similar to ginkgo and other sex-enhancing herbs, cordyceps increases arterial blood flow, which sends more blood flowing to the pelvic area. According to Chinese studies, cordyceps can also improve athletic performance. A recent double-blind crossover study performed at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota confirms that, when combined with other tonic herbs, including Asian ginseng, enoki mushroom, green tangerine peel, reishi mushroom, and Siberian ginseng, cordyceps can speed recovery in athletes. . . . In the study, twelve well-trained college athletes were either given a placebo or 950 mg. of the combination herbal formula for five weeks. At the end of the five weeks, the athletes cycled intensely for twenty minutes, rested for twelve minutes, then completed cycling. There was little difference in performance between the two groups, although those who took the herbs finished slightly faster than the placebo group. The real difference, however, was in the accumulation of lactic acid postexercise. Those who took the herbs had significantly less lactic-acid build up. As many of you know, lactic acid is a byproduct of glucose that builds up in muscles during anaerobic exercise (high-intensity exercise like weight-lifting or sprinting). Lactic acid buildup is what makes muscles sore after a hard workout. From this study, it's reasonable to assume that cordyceps may help speed recover after intense exercise. Given its long-standing reputation as a tonic herb, it may also help relieve fatigue.
Possible BenefitsReduces lactic acid buildup in muscles. May enhance energy and stamina.
From The fruiting body and its caterpillar host of Cordyceps sinensis show close resemblance in main constituents and anti-oxidation activity, Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy & Phytopharmacology, May 1, 2002, T S.P. Li, Z.R. Su, T.T.X. Dong, and K.W.K. Tsim:
Cordyceps, one of the most valued traditional Chinese medicines, is used commonly for the replenishment of body health.
It is used commonly in China to replenish the kidney and soothe the lung, for the treatment of fatigue, night sweating, hyposexualities, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, asthenia after severe illness, respiratory disease, renal dysfunction and renal failure, arrhythmias and other heart disease, and liver disease (Zhu et al., 1998). Recent studies have demonstrated its multiple pharmacological actions-such as anti-oxidation activity (Yamaguchi et al., 2000a; 2000b; Li et al., 2001b), potentiating the immune system (Liu et al., 1992; Xu et al., 1992) and anti-tumor activities (Ohmori et al., 1986; Yoshida et al., 1989; Chen et al., 1997).
