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Organic Cordyceps Militaris Mushroom

Also known as: Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr., Scarlet caterpillar fungus, Caterpillar mushroom, Cordyceps militaris

Overview

Cordyceps militaris is a species of fungus known for its potential health benefits, particularly in enhancing exercise performance, modulating the immune system, and providing anti-inflammatory support. It is a parasitic fungus that naturally grows on insect larvae but is also cultivated through solid-state fermentation or liquid culture for commercial use. Key bioactive compounds include cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), polysaccharides (β-glucans), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and ergothioneine. Research on Cordyceps militaris is moderately mature, with robust preclinical data and a growing number of human clinical trials. It is considered a functional food and adaptogenic mushroom, suggesting it may help the body adapt to stress. Evidence quality is considered grade B, indicating consistent mechanistic evidence and promising but limited human trial data.

Benefits

Cordyceps militaris has shown promise in several areas. For exercise performance, studies have demonstrated improvements in time to exhaustion (TTE) during cycling tests, with increases ranging from 28.1 seconds after one week to 69.8 seconds after three weeks of supplementation at 4g/day. Improvements in VO₂max (maximal oxygen uptake) have also been observed, with an increase of 4.8 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ after three weeks of supplementation. Furthermore, preclinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory effects, including the inhibition of NF-κB translocation and reduction of TNF-α/COX-2 in macrophages. In vitro studies also indicate immunomodulatory properties, such as enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity and increased Th1 cytokine production. The evidence for exercise performance is stronger due to human trials, while anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory benefits are primarily supported by preclinical data.

How it works

Cordyceps militaris exerts its effects through several mechanisms primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds. Cordycepin, an adenosine analog, inhibits RNA synthesis and modulates Akt/p38 MAPK pathways, contributing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans, activate TLR4/NF-κB pathways, playing a role in immune regulation. Cordycepin exhibits rapid absorption with a Tmax of approximately 1 hour but also undergoes rapid renal clearance, with a half-life of around 2 hours. These interactions influence various biological pathways, impacting inflammation, immune response, and energy metabolism.

Side effects

The consumption of Cordyceps militaris is generally considered safe, but some side effects have been reported. Mild gastrointestinal (GI) distress, such as upset stomach or diarrhea, is the most common adverse effect, occurring in approximately 5-10% of individuals taking doses greater than 3g/day. Allergic reactions are rare, affecting less than 1% of users. There is a theoretical risk of interaction with anticoagulant medications due to the adenosine-mediated effects of cordycepin, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Due to insufficient data, Cordyceps militaris is contraindicated during pregnancy. It is important to monitor for any adverse reactions and discontinue use if significant side effects occur.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Cordyceps militaris is around 1g/day for chronic use. Optimal dosages typically range from 3 to 4.5g/day, taken for 3 to 6 weeks to maximize benefits. Doses up to 9g/day have been reported without significant adverse events. It is recommended to use fruiting body extracts standardized to contain greater than 0.3% cordycepin to ensure consistent potency. Timing of dosage is not critical, but consistent daily intake is advised. Individual responses may vary, so it is best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase as tolerated.

FAQs

Does it work acutely?

Yes, studies show that even one week of Cordyceps militaris use can improve time to exhaustion, suggesting it can have relatively quick effects on exercise performance.

Is it best for athletes?

The majority of evidence supports the use of Cordyceps militaris for endurance athletes, showing improvements in VO₂max and time to exhaustion during exercise.

What is the difference between organic and conventional?

There are no comparative studies, but choosing organic ensures that the Cordyceps militaris is cultivated without pesticides, offering a potentially safer product.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8622900/ – This review discusses the diverse bioactive compounds in Cordyceps species, including cordycepin and polysaccharides, and their potential health benefits. It highlights the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of these compounds, suggesting their therapeutic potential for various health conditions. The review emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms and clinical applications of Cordyceps.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5236007/ – This study investigates the effects of a Cordyceps militaris extract blend on exercise performance. The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=28) found that 4g/day supplementation for 3 weeks significantly increased VO₂max by 4.8 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ and time to exhaustion by 69.8 seconds. The study suggests that Cordyceps militaris can improve aerobic capacity and endurance, although it acknowledges limitations such as a small sample size and industry funding.
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/19/5886 – This systematic review analyzes 127 preclinical studies on cordycepin, a key bioactive compound in Cordyceps. The review highlights the well-characterized anti-inflammatory and antiviral mechanisms of cordycepin. It also points out the limited availability of human pharmacokinetic data, indicating a need for more research on how cordycepin is absorbed and metabolized in humans.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.602364/full – This mechanistic review focuses on the immunomodulatory pathways of Cordyceps, with a detailed analysis of NF-κB inhibition. The review provides insights into how Cordyceps can modulate immune responses through various mechanisms. However, it notes that the findings are primarily based on in vitro and animal models, suggesting the need for more human studies to confirm these effects.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/11/4610 – This study investigates the impact of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on immune function and antioxidant capacity in healthy adults. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that Cordyceps militaris significantly enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity and increased antioxidant enzyme levels. The results suggest that Cordyceps militaris can support immune health and reduce oxidative stress in healthy individuals.