Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis, Sphaeria sinensis) is one of my
preferred dietary supplements for a natural energy boost.
A fungus that
kills and then grows on the bodies of caterpillars in mountainous
regions of China, cordyceps is also known as vegetable caterpillar and
Chinese caterpillar fungus.
It is traditionally used to combat fatigue
and muscle weakness, improve mental energy, increase sexual vigor, and
promote optimal aging.
The effects on fatigue may be due to effects on
the cellular production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the compound
that stores and transfers metabolic energy.
Many other health benefits have been attributed to cordyceps, including
some protection against the effects of whole-body radiation therapy on
bone marrow and the intestinal tract.
Research in the laboratory has
also shown that cordyceps stimulates many different immune cells, but it
isn’t known whether the same effect occurs in the human immune system.
And evidence from studies in kidney transplant patients suggests that
cordyceps can help improve their kidney function.
Studies in mice and
rats have found that cordyceps can lower blood sugar, but this has not
been confirmed in humans. Still, if you’re diabetic, you might consider
trying it.
