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Cordyceps: The Creepy-Crawly Fungus with Legendary Strength- Part Three
- Jodi McKee
- Dec 14, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: May 2
Latin- Cordyceps militaris, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn. Cordyceps sinensis)
At first glance, Cordyceps might not seem like your average wellness supplement. After all, it’s a parasitic fungus that infects insects and grows right out of their heads. But don’t let the zombie-worm backstory deter you — this potent medicinal mushroom has been used for centuries to boost vitality, stamina, immunity, and resilience, and modern science is finally catching up.
There are over 750 known species of Cordyceps, but two in particular have earned the most attention:
Ophiocordyceps sinensis – the original wild caterpillar fungus used in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Cordyceps militaris – the more accessible, cultivated species with impressive therapeutic action and better sustainability
Let’s dive into the folklore, function, and modern findings behind one of the most fascinating fungi on earth.
A Mythical Origin: Animal in Winter, Plant in Summer?
Cordyceps has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) since at least the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). Historical texts describe the fungus as a strange being that transforms from an animal to a plant — a belief born from its lifecycle: Cordyceps infects insect larvae (often moths), consumes the host, and then emerges from the body like a sprouting shoot.
In Tibet, Ophiocordyceps sinensis was revered as a rare, high-altitude remedy, harvested in spring when it was believed to complete its magical metamorphosis from “winter worm to summer grass.” In fact, wild Cordyceps was once so prized it was reserved for royalty and considered a sacred tonic of strength, fertility, and longevity.
Cordycepin: The Star Compound
Cordyceps is rich in bioactive compounds, but one of the most studied is cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine), especially in Cordyceps militaris. It’s known for its wide-reaching effects, including:
Anti-inflammatory activity
Cholesterol-lowering effects
Anti-tumor and anticancer potential
Antioxidant protection
RNA synthesis inhibition, which may disrupt the growth of specific cancer cells
Cordycepin interferes with key cellular processes, making it a hot topic in pharmacological research, particularly in the areas of immune modulation, cancer therapy, and metabolic health.
Energy, Endurance & the 1993 Olympics Buzz
Cordyceps earned international fame in 1993 when Chinese Olympic runners shattered world records in long-distance events. Their coach attributed their performance to Ophiocordyceps sinensis supplementation. While this sparked curiosity, it also raised eyebrows, especially since wild Cordyceps is rare, expensive, and inconsistently studied.
Today, more controlled studies are exploring this claim with cultivated Cordyceps militaris. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that athletes supplementing with 4 grams/day of a C. militaris blend for three weeks had improved tolerance to high-intensity exercise, especially in respiratory efficiency and time to exhaustion.
The bottom line is that the boost may not be instant, but with consistent use, Cordyceps may support better oxygen use, greater endurance, and less fatigue.
Immunity & Recovery Support
Cordyceps isn’t just for athletes — it’s widely used to support immune function, especially during recovery from illness or stress. Thanks to its immunomodulating properties, Cordyceps may help balance the immune response, stimulating it when weak and modulating it when overactive.
This makes it a popular adjunct in:
Post-viral fatigue and long recovery
Autoimmune conditions (with caution and guidance)
Supportive cancer therapy
In particular, researchers are exploring Cordyceps’ role in enhancing NK cell (natural killer) activity, improving macrophage response, and protecting immune tissue under stress.
Kidney Health in Traditional & Modern Medicine
In TCM, Ophiocordyceps sinensis is considered a kidney tonic that supports energy (qi), fertility, and recovery from exhaustion or chronic illness. And modern research is taking note.
A review of 22 studies involving 1,746 participants with chronic kidney disease found that Cordyceps mycelial fermentation extracts improved:
Serum creatinine levels
Creatinine clearance rates
Proteinuria reduction
Quality of life and symptom burden
While these studies used a variety of preparations and dosages, they consistently showed potential as a useful adjunct to conventional treatment for CKD. More rigorous, large-scale trials are needed, but the early data is promising.
Dosage & Preparation: Ancient Practice Meets Modern Form
Cordyceps is traditionally simmered as a tonic tea or soup, often alongside other immune-supporting herbs. It’s available in various convenient formats today, but standardization and quality can vary greatly.
Traditional Uses:
Boiled whole (decoction)
Simmered in broth or soup
Steeped in rice wine (TCM-style tincture)
Modern Preparations:
Powdered mycelium (capsules or loose powder)
Standardized extracts (Cordycepin or polysaccharide-rich)
Dual-extracted tinctures (hot water + alcohol)
Functional coffee or tea blends
General Dosage Guidelines:
1–3 grams daily (powder or extract), depending on concentration and need
4 grams/day has been studied for endurance benefits
Traditional whole Cordyceps (O. sinensis) may require much lower doses due to rarity and cost
Tip: Look for fruiting body content, or choose C. militaris extracts grown on whole grain or rice, as they offer more sustainable and potent options.
Herbal Actions
Cordyceps is known for a wide range of actions across systems:
Adaptogen – Helps the body adapt to physical and emotional stress
Immunomodulant – Supports and regulates immune activity
Anti-inflammatory – Reduces systemic inflammation
Antioxidant – Protects cells from oxidative damage
Hypoglycemic – May help regulate blood sugar levels
Hypocholesterolemic – May reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
Aphrodisiac – Traditionally used to enhance libido and stamina
Hepatoprotective – Supports liver function
Kidney Tonic – Nourishes kidney essence in TCM
Safety & Considerations
Cordyceps is generally well tolerated, but high doses or long-term use should be supervised if you're:
Taking immune-suppressive or immunostimulant medication
Managing autoimmune conditions
Pregnant or breastfeeding (safety data is limited)
Dealing with bleeding disorders (Cordyceps may affect clotting slightly)
As always, source matters — choose lab-tested, well-sourced products to ensure potency and purity.
Final Thoughts: Mysterious, Mighty & Worth Exploring
Cordyceps is one of those herbs that feels both ancient and futuristic — a bridge between traditional wisdom and cutting-edge science. With its deep roots in Chinese medicine and its growing evidence base for immune modulation, endurance, and recovery, this fungus is more than a trend.
It’s a powerful reminder that nature’s medicine chest includes even the weirdest little worm-eating mushrooms — and that sometimes, the strangest organisms bring the strongest medicine.
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Research
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