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Cordyceps Militaris Cordyceps

Cordyceps Militaris

Common Names: Cordyceps, Caterpillar fungus, Dong Chong Xia Cao

4.3

(4) Ratings

2 Likes

Medicinal

About

Cordyceps militaris is a fascinating mushroom species with a rich history in traditional medicine. It is known for its unique growth pattern, where it parasitizes insects and develops elongated fruiting bodies. Cordyceps militaris is highly valued for its potential nootropic properties, believed to support cognitive function and mental performance. It is often associated with increased focus, mental clarity, and improved memory. This mushroom is also appreciated for its potential adaptogenic properties, which may help the body cope with stress and promote overall well-being. As with any natural supplement, it is important to consult with experts and ensure the quality and safety of the product before incorporating it into your routine.

Physical Characteristics

Caps:

Small and elongated, club-shaped

Gills:

N/A

Choosing the Right Products

• If it says C. Sinensis, it should be avoided!:

Cordyceps sinensis is only found in the Tibet as it cannot be cultivated reliably. As such, it commands an impressive price. Anything found online with a reasonable price marked C. Sinensis is almost guaranteed to be fake and should be avoided.

Cognitive Effects

Energy

Cordyceps is believed to enhance energy levels by improving cellular energy production and increasing oxygen utilization. It may help combat fatigue and improve stamina, making it popular among athletes and individuals seeking a natural energy boost.

Calm

Studies have shown that Cordyceps may have positive effects on mood and emotional well-being. It is believed to support a healthy stress response and may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Psychoactive Effects

Euphoric

Induces feelings of happiness or excitement

Perceptual

Changes in time perception, spatial perception, and perception of one's own body

Aroused

Cordyceps affects the body's production of the hormone testosterone according to some studies, which might explain its reputation for increasing sexual desire and physical endurance.

Helps With

Fatigue

Helps in reducing feelings of tiredness and lethargy

High Cholesterol

Aids in lowering levels of bad cholesterol in the body

Stress

Cordyceps has adaptogenic properties, meaning it may help the body adapt to and resist the effects of stress. It is believed to support the adrenal glands, which play a role in regulating stress responses, and promote a sense of calm and overall well-being.

Heart Health

Cordyceps is believed to support respiratory health and may help alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

Inflammation

Cordyceps has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body. It is believed to support the immune system and promote overall health and well-being.

Injury Recovery

Cordyceps is believed to support the immune system and promote overall health and well-being.

Libido

Cordyceps is believed to support the immune system and promote overall health and well-being.

Diabetes

Cordyceps have been found to have anti-diabetic activity due to their polysaccharides and terpenoids.

Oxidative Stress

Cordyceps may help reduce oxidative stress and protect against free radical damage. It is believed to support the immune system and promote overall health and well-being.

Arthritis

Cordyceps may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of arthritis. It is believed to support the immune system and promote overall health and well-being.

Fertility

Used for centuries to improve fertility in both men and women. It has been associated with increasing levels of progesterone in women

Endurance

The benefits of Cordyceps militaris on endurance are believed to stem from its ability to increase the body’s production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles during physical activity. This increased ATP production helps improve stamina and delay fatigue, allowing for enhanced performance during prolonged physical exertion.

Potential Side Effects

Upset stomach

Overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort

Dry mouth

Can cause a sensation of dryness in the mouth

Look Alike Species

	Specie:	Differences:
	Cordyceps ophioglossoides Edibility: inedible	Cordyceps ophioglossoides has a more elongated, slender fruiting body compared to the stout, club-like shape of Cordyceps militaris.

Specie:

Cordyceps ophioglossoides

Edibility:

inedible

Differences:Cordyceps ophioglossoides has a more elongated, slender fruiting body compared to the stout, club-like shape of Cordyceps militaris.

Nutrition Facts (Dried)

Serving Size 100 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories350

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 8 g10%

Saturated Fat 0.8 g4%

Trans Fat 0 g

Cholesterol 0 mg0%

Sodium 200 mg9%

Total Carbohydrate 45 g16%

Dietary Fiber 7 g25%

Total Sugars 10 g

Protein 25 g50%

Vitamin A 20 µg 2%•Thiamin B₁ 0.4 mg 33%

Riboflavin B₂ 1.7 mg 131%•Niacin B₃ 6.3 mg 39%

Vitamin B₆ 0.3 mg 18%•Folate B₉ 0 µg 0%

Vitamin B₁₂ 0 mg 0%•Vitamin C 0 mg 0%

Vitamin D 0.22 µg 1%•Vitamin E 0 mg 0%

Vitamin K 0 µg 0%•Calcium 150 mg 12%

Copper 0 mg 0%•Iron 9 mg 50%

Magnesium 0 mg 0%•Manganese 0 mg 0%

Phosphorus 0 mg 0%•Potassium 1110 mg 24%

Selenium 0 µg 0%•Zinc 7.6 mg 69%

Vit A 20 µg 2%•B₁ 0.4 mg 33%

B₂ 1.7 mg 131%•B₃ 6.3 mg 39%

B₆ 0.3 mg 18%•B₉ 0 µg 0%

B₁₂ 0 mg 0%•Vit C 0 mg 0%

Vit D 0.22 µg 1%•Vit E 0 mg 0%

Vit K 0 µg 0%•Calcium 150 mg 12%

Copper 0 mg 0%•Iron 9 mg 50%

Mg 0 mg 0%•Mn 0 mg 0%

Phosph. 0 mg 0%•Pot. 1110 mg 24%

Selenium 0 µg 0%•Zinc 7.6 mg 69%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Mushroom Ratings

4.3

Based on 4 Reviews

★

Share your thoughts

If you've consumed this mushroom, share your thoughts with our community

Amazing Mushroom

07/26/2024

Josh Shearer

I recently started taking Cordyceps mushroom supplements, and the results have been nothing short of extraordinary. As someone who values both mental clarity and physical stamina, I was eager to see what this revered fungus could offer. The effects have been vivid and life-changing. From the first week, I noticed a remarkable boost in my energy levels. Gone were the mid-afternoon slumps; instead, I felt a sustained, vibrant energy throughout the day. My workouts have improved dramatically—I'm running faster, lifting heavier, and recovering quicker than ever before. Cordyceps truly seems to enhance oxygen utilization, giving me an almost supernatural endurance. Mentally, Cordyceps has been a game-changer. I've experienced sharper focus and enhanced clarity, making my workdays more productive and less stressful. Tasks that used to feel daunting now seem manageable, and I approach challenges with a newfound confidence and calm. Beyond the physical and mental benefits, I've also noticed improvements in my overall well-being. My immune system feels stronger; I haven't caught a single cold since I began taking Cordyceps. Additionally, my sleep quality has improved, leaving me feeling refreshed and ready to tackle each day with enthusiasm. The supplement itself is easy to incorporate into my routine. I take a capsule in the morning with my breakfast, and the effects last all day. There are no unpleasant side effects, just a consistent, reliable enhancement to my daily life. In summary, Cordyceps mushroom has exceeded all my expectations. It has elevated my physical performance, sharpened my mental acuity, and bolstered my immune system. I wholeheartedly recommend Cordyceps to anyone looking to unlock their full potential and experience the incredible benefits of this natural powerhouse.

1 person found this helpful

Love Corcydeps, But Brand Matters

07/26/2024

Josh Shearer

Energy

Not all cordyceps supplements are made equal

Stamina Increaser

07/26/2024

Josh Shearer

Energy

What a great natural boost

Wow!

07/10/2024

Josh Shearer

Cordyceps is the best!

Related Mushrooms

Caterpillar Fungus

Cordyceps Sinensis

Energy

Calm

Euphoric

Perceptual

Aroused

References

Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production—A Review

Medicinal mushrooms, e.g., Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers.), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst.), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus (Ach. ex Pers.) Pilát), Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones and Spatafora), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler), and Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd), are considered new-generation foods and are of growing interest to consumers. They are characterised by a high content of biologically active compounds, including (1,3)(1,6)-β-d-glucans, which are classified as dietary fibre, triterpenes, phenolic compounds, and sterols.

2023

Protective effect of Cordyceps sinensis against diabetic kidney disease through promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis of renal proximal tubular cells

This study demonstrates the nephroprotective effects of Cordyceps sinensis, which functions via promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis of renal proximal tubular cells, likely targeting VEGFA and PTEN. Furthermore, the AKT and ERK signaling pathway may be critical.

2023

Apoptotic effect of cordycepin on A549 human lung cancer cell line

Cordycepin, an active ingredient in the insect fungus Cordyceps militaris, is in a category of compounds that exhibit significant therapeutic activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cordycepin on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle in A549 human lung cancer cells. MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of cordycepin on A549 cell growth. Apoptotic effect was observed using cell morphology, DAPI staining, and DNA fragmentation studies.

2022

Selective extraction of cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris – optimisation, kinetics and equilibrium studies

Cordycepin was separated successfully from Cordyceps militaris using extraction with a mixture of ethanol and water. Optimum temperature, composition of ethanol in water, solvent/solid ratio and pH of solvent were determined by a central composite design (CCD) with respect to extraction yield. The highest yield for cordycepin (96%) was predicted by the regression model and validated by comparison with the experimental results, showing good agreement.

2022

Structure and hypoglycemic activity of a novel exopolysaccharide of Cordyceps militaris

A novel neutral exopolysaccharide (EPS-III) was isolated from culture broth of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris). The EPS-III was a homogeneous polysaccharide with Mw of 1.56 x 10(3) kDa. The yield of EPS-III from culture broth was 123.2 +/- 3.1 mg/L and the sugar content was 93.32 +/- 0.87%. The backbone of EPS-III was mainly consisted of –>4)-alpha-D-Galp-(1–>, while –>3, 6)-alpha-D-Manp-(1–>, –>4)-alpha-D-Manp-(1–>, –>3)-beta-D-Galp-(1–> and –>3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1–> were distributed in the backbone or in the branch chains. The EPS-III had helix structure when dissolved in weak alkaline solution. It also had branched and intertwined form on the surface. The inhibition of alpha-glucosidase significantly increased as the increase of purity of exopolysaccharides.

2021

Isolation and Assessment of a Highly-Active Anti-Inflammatory Exopolysaccharide from Mycelial Fermentation of a Medicinal Fungus Cs-HK1

The purpose of this work was to fractionate the complex exopolysaccharide (EPS) from a medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis Cs-HK1 based on the molecular weight (MW) range and to assess the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of different EPS fractions in THP-1 cell culture. The lower MW fraction (EPS-LM-1) showed a much higher anti-inflammatory activity. EPS-LM-1 was identified as a heteropolysaccharide consisting of mannose, glucose, and galactose residues with an average MW of 360 kDa. EPS-LM-1 significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses with the effective concentrations for 50% inhibition below 5 microg/mL on a few major proinflammatory markers.

2021

Biomass and Cordycepin Production by the Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps militaris—A Review of Various Aspects and Recent Trends towards the Exploitation of a Valuable Fungus

This review presents the main factors that influence the generation of biomass and metabolites by C. militaris. It outlines physiological and genetic factors that increase or reduce the manifestation of strain degeneration in C. militaris.

2021

Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link Fruiting Body Reduces the Growth of a Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line by Increasing Cellular Levels of p53 and p21

The fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link, a well-known traditional medicinal mushroom, has been used in Korea for a long time to maintain health and longevity. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effects of the fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris on the growth of the non-small cell lung cancer cell line, NCI-H460

2021

Impact of different fermentation characteristics on the production of mycelial biomass, extra-cellular polysaccharides, intra-cellular polysaccharides, and on the antioxidant activities of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr. (strains AG-1, PSJ-1)

The mycelial biomass, antioxidant activity and production of extra- and intra-cellular polysaccharides production [EPS, IPS] of Cordyceps militaris strains AG-1, PSJ-1 were evaluated under different submerged liquid culture (SLC) conditions. At 24 0 C mycelial biomass and polysaccharide production of AG-1, PSJ-1 was optimal using PVC media and static culture conditions.

2020

Immunological Investigation of Polysaccharides from Fermented Cordyceps Cs-4 in Healthy and Immunosuppressed Mice

Using fermented cordyceps powder Cs-4 as a substitute for natural cordyceps was benefit for life sciences. Therefore, it is of significance to investigate its main pharmacologically-active ingredients. In this work, fermented cordyceps polysaccharides with different molecular weights were isolated and purified. Various factors (i.e. extraction time, extraction power, and pH value) were investigated to obtain the response surface methodology values to most efficiently extract fermented cordyceps polysaccharides (FCP).

2019

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