Bulk Nutrition - Cordyceps and Health by David Tolson

Cordyceps and Health

By David Tolson

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Cordyceps sinensis is an herb that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cordyceps is a fungus that grows on caterpillar larvae. It has a variety of active ingredients, including some unique polysaccharides, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, nonhormonal sterols, trace elements, flavones, 2'-deoxyadenosine, and cordycepin [2-3]. Cordyceps is an adaptogen that may be useful in supporting endurance and general health. This article will examine some of the more well known activities of cordyceps.

Like other adaptogens, cordyceps supports a decrease in fatigue and an increase physical endurance. When administered to mice, cordyceps increases swimming endurance capacity from 75 minutes to 90 minutes, and when given to rats, cordyceps prevents the weight changes of various glands during a period of chronic stress as well as preventing other biochemical stress markers [4]. In double-blind, placebo controlled trials in humans, cordyceps has significantly improved aerobic capacity in healthy elderly volunteers in cycling ergometer tests and significantly increased maximal oxygen intake and total ventilation capacity during incremental work-rate cycling [2, 5]. In another 6 week trial, cordyceps decreased basal glucose, blood lactic acid, and respiratory exchange ratio during prolonged submaximal exercise in healthy volunteers, indicating improved glucose metabolism and increased lipid oxidation during exercise [2, 5]. Cordyceps also facilitates the adaption to hypoxic (low-oxygen) environments in mice [2].

There is a wide body of evidence showing that cordyceps acts as an antioxidant [7]. Administration of cordyceps to humans has been reported to increase superoxide dismutase activity by 54% [2].

It should be noted that cordyceps should be used with caution by those with low blood sugar.

1 gram daily is an effective dose, although 1-3 grams daily is commonly used.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this article, please email dvdtlsn@bulknutrition.com.

No part of this article may be reproduced in any form without the permission of David Tolson or Mike McCandless.

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RE: CORDYCEPS	stat1951	08/09/05 - 07:59 PM

References

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