Cordyceps- Adaptogens, What are They?

Elizabeth Bradley, MS
Aug 24, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Feb 14, 2024

What it is:

A grim fungus that grows by infecting particular insect species, altering their behavior, and eventually killing them to use their bodies as nutrients. However, as grotesque as this fungus may sound, its chemical properties are vast. It is currently used in immunosuppressant drugs and is being researched for cancer treatment. Generally consumed in powder form, such as in a post-workout recovery smoothie.

Origins:

There are hundreds of different strains of Cordyceps, but most originate from Asian countries such as Nepal, China or Japan.

Supplement form:

A bright or burnt orange coloring of powder or in its whole form it resembles a long twig-like appearance.

Claims:

Reduction of exercise-induced fatigue, improved exercise performance, an antidepressant, kidney supporter, antioxidant, respiratory, and immune supporter.

What the science says:

Despite wide use in traditional Chinese medicine, further consistent information is needed to understand the wide claims of cordyceps. There are hundreds of varieties with a multitude of different claims of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, increased cellular immune response alongside energy production via ATP pathways properties.

The active compound is theorized to be Cordycepin. However, the potency varies greatly depending on how the items are cultivated and the species utilized.

In terms of athletic performance, some studies have shown enhanced aerobic capacity and respiratory function. The dosage used in athletic performance studies was around 4 g daily for a minimum of 3 weeks to see benefits in oxygenation and performance. The specific strain was CS-4, so be conscious of the varieties when selecting your supplement.

One area that Cordycep's may assist in is the potential risk reduction of complications for COVID and lung-specific issues such as asthma. This potential ability to help in anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic lung properties is also linked to exercise endurance and athletic performance.

Adaptogens have gained a growing interest, and there is likely to be more research developed over the next few years. However, be wary of supplemental claims since the research is generally performed by the supplement companies themselves.

Remember when it comes to new supplements:

Start slow and low. Gradually increase your dosage over time.
Be aware of any changes to your body or mind, good or bad.
Source well. Speak to your Apeiron Life Client Advocate about our supplementation program.
Speak with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet regime to avoid interactions with your medications or adverse combinations.

References and additional reading:

https://www.drugs.com/npp/cordyceps.html

https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/introducing-fungarium

https://web.archive.org/web/20120222065508/http://www.alohamedicinals.com/cordycepsIJM1003.pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11114006/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11417914/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02836405

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15118196/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12831777/

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02836405

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550830720304171