Cordyceps- Adaptogens, What are They?

Elizabeth Bradley, MS
Aug 24, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Dec 2

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 being researched for its cancer-inhibition properties and potential as an immunotherapy. Generally consumed in powder form, such as in a post-workout recovery smoothie, the promise may lie in its potential to modulate immune response.

Origins:

There are hundreds of strains of Cordyceps, but most originate in Asian countries such as Nepal, China, and Japan.

Supplement form:

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

Claims:

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

What the science says:

Despite its widespread use in traditional Chinese medicine, more consistent evidence is needed to understand the many claims about cordyceps. There are hundreds of varieties with a multitude of claims, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, increased cellular immune response, and energy production via ATP pathways.

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

One area being studied is Cordyceps' potential to support lung-specific conditions, such as asthma or COVID-related complications. This potential ability to help in anti-inflammatory and other therapeutic lung properties is also linked to exercise endurance and athletic performance.

In terms of athletic performance, some studies have shown enhanced aerobic capacity and respiratory function. The dosage used in athletic performance studies was approximately 4 g daily for at least 3 weeks to achieve benefits in oxygenation and performance. The specific strain was CS-4, so be conscious of the varieties when selecting your supplement. Recent research has shown modest but mixed results with difficulty mimicking the original oxygenation claims. The variety of supplements tested and the outcomes do not show a definitive reason to use cordyceps over other rejuvenation and nutrition actions. Items such as caffeine, creatine monohydrate, and improving your sleep patterns will likely have a greater effect.

Adaptogens have gained growing interest, and there is likely to be more research developed over the next few years. However, be wary of supplemental claims, as the research is generally conducted 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 regimen 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