What are Cordyceps?
Cordyceps militaris is a species of fungus that belongs to the Cordyceps genus. Unlike its counterpart Cordyceps sinensis, which grows naturally on insect larvae in mountainous regions of the In Asia, Cordyceps militaris has a different life cycle and does not require a specific host to grow. Instead of parasitizing insects, Cordyceps militaris grows in soil or organic materials in cool, humid climates. Medes.
History and Origins
Importance in traditional medicine
This adaptogenic mushroom is found mainly in the mountainous regions of Asia, especially in Tibet, Nepal, India and China. Its origins date back to ancient traditional Chinese medicine practices, where it was used to treat various ailments and improve vitality. In addition, it is credited with therapeutic properties ranging from strengthening the immune system to improving physical endurance and enhancing sexual function.
In Chinese medicine, it has been used to treat conditions such as fatigue, kidney and lung weakness, and is considered an adaptogen, meaning a substance that helps the body adapt to stress and increase overall endurance.
In modern times, Cordyceps militaris has gained worldwide popularity as a dietary supplement and medicinal herb. It is commercially cultivated in controlled locations, which has allowed for greater availability and a diversity of products such as capsules, teas, and extracts.
Today, Cordyceps militaris remains the subject of scientific research due to its potential for a variety of medicinal and therapeutic applications. Numerous studies have been conducted to better understand its mechanisms of action and potential benefits to human health, which has contributed to its growing popularity worldwide as a superfood and dietary supplement.
Health Benefits
Vitamins, minerals and other bioactive compounds
Cordyceps militaris contains vitamins such as vitamin B2; vitamin B3; vitamin C; vitamin A and vitamin E.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin) reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue, and are responsible for normal energy metabolism.
- Vitamin C protects cells from oxidative stress and contributes to maintaining the normal function of the immune system, supports collagen formation and increases iron absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
- Vitamin A plays a role in the process of cell specialization and the maintenance of normal vision.
- Vitamin E protects cells against oxidative stress. Bioelements such as magnesium, potassium, selenium and sulfur have been detected in the fruiting bodies of C. militaris.
The high concentration of these minerals in this mushroom makes it an alternative source for the human diet.
Benefits
ANTI-FATIGUE
Cordycepin is the main bioactive component present in Cordyceps Militaris. This compound has been shown to reduce the feeling of fatigue and improve physical performance.
In a study by Hirsch et al., a significant improvement in exercise performance was observed in physically active individuals who consumed 4 grams per day of a mushroom mixture containing Cordyceps militaris for a period of 3 weeks. This dose of Cordyceps militaris mushrooms was found to have a positive impact on exercise capacity, improving maximal oxygen consumption capacity and prolonging performance time to exhaustion.
IMPROVES INSULIN LEVELS
In a study conducted by Zhu et al. with diabetic mice, it was observed that treatment with Cordyceps Militaris for 21 days was beneficial in regulating glucose tolerance and glucose absorption, which in turn contributed to reducing blood glucose concentration.
ANTIVIRAL
Several scientific studies have confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of Cordyceps militaris, demonstrating antifungal and antiviral properties in laboratory tests. It inhibited the growth of several species of fungi, including Candida albicans and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and HIV.
This adaptogenic mushroom contains various active components, such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, and ergosterol, which confer it diverse physiological activities. Cordycepin, present in Cordyceps, has been shown to act as a nucleic acid antibiotic that can inhibit cellular cancerization and normalize cancer cells. Moreover, recent studies indicate the antiviral potential of cordycepin, especially against COVID-19. Extracts of C. militaris have also shown multiple pharmacological actions, including anti-fibrosis, anti-angiogenic, improvement of insulin resistance and secretion, anti-inflammatory properties, and inhibition of leukemic cell growth.
