Basic Information: Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom or fungi specifically. The historical type used for medicine was Cordyceps Sinensis, which parasitizes caterpillars in East Asia. This made it a more expensive medicine for wealthier clients. True Cordyceps Sinensis is even more expensive now, due to overharvesting, pollution, and habitat loss. This true, ‘wild’ form isn’t economically feasible to sell to the average population and be affordable. In this regard, it is notorious for costing as much as $20,000-40,000 per kilogram. Cordyceps Sinensis can be grown in vats, but there are issues with this quality or compound-wise. Most cordyceps supplements now are Cordyceps Militaris, which is typically grown on either oat or wood mediums. It essentially has all the same function and compounds as Cordyceps Sinensis.
Enhances Endurance & Stamina
Enhancing endurance and stamina is arguably cordyceps’ most recognized benefit. Studies have shown that cordyceps improves energy levels and endurance, extending periods of activity and improving physical performance in various settings like the gym or running.
One of cordyceps’ most defining moments, was when a team of long-distance runners in China broke several world records, with the coach attributing this (in part) to a tonic she gave them during training, which included cordyceps. This might not entirely be true, but adds more credence to cordyceps given its millennia of use for improving vitality and stamina.
Increases Dopamine
Cordyceps increases dopamine production. This makes it a great supplement to combine with other supplements for focus, motivation, and energy, namely nootropics. By increasing dopamine, cordyceps increases motivation, focus, clarity, and reduces procrastination and anhedonia.
Upregulates Dopamine Receptors
Cordyceps has also been shown to upregulate Dopamine Receptors in some studies. Theoretically, it might also do this through its other mechanisms. More receptors for dopamine to bind to means more dopamine effects.
Increases ATP
Cordyceps increases ATP production and ATP levels. This means more physical energy, and thus enhanced performance in a variety of aspects, especially fitness and sports or physical work.
Improves Mitochondria
Mitochondrial Biogenesis is increased by cordyceps supplementation, and cordyceps improves other aspects of mitochondrial function. Increasing ATP and its antioxidant function interplay with this.
Antioxidant
Cordyceps contains antioxidants, as well as improving endogenous antioxidant levels. Studies have shown cordyceps reduces various biomarkers of oxidative stress, as well as improving antioxidant status.
Oxygenation
Cells receive more oxygen with cordyceps supplementation. This means cells can function in basically every way, and health relating to circulation and breathing is improved. It also of course helps with endurance and athleticism in this way. If you find yourself out of breathe often or having a ‘weak’ constitution unsuited to running and sports, you might find great improvement with cordyceps.
Lung Function
Cordyceps has been shown to improve lung function as well as decrease lung inflammation and scarring or fibrosis. Cordyceps has also been shown to expand airways, believed to be a result of its anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle relaxation properties. It has been used for respiratory issues and coughs in traditional medicine for centuries.
Circulation
Circulation and blood flow is also improved by cordyceps. Cordyceps has vasodilatory action, meaning it expands blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow. Cordyceps also improves heart function, such as by increasing ATP, which contributes to this effect, and its prized role in improving athletic performance and fitness.
Anti-Inflammatory
Cordyceps has anti-inflammatory properties, and so can offer a variety of benefits through this, such as recovery and aches.
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