Despite the need for further research, these mushrooms continue to attract the attention of many in the health and wellness industry due to their fascinating properties and potential health benefits, says master herbalist Jenelle Kim and doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Some reported benefits include:
Increased physical performance
According to research carried out in the Journal of dietary supplementsSupplementation with Cordyceps militaris may have positive effects on physical performance in individuals participating in high-intensity exercise.
Researchers found that a one-week supplementation period had minimal effects on exercise performance. However, a three-week supplementation period with Cordyceps militaris resulted in “significant improvements” in peak oxygen consumption (a measure of the body’s ability to absorb and use oxygen during intense exercise), threshold ventilatory performance, time to exhaustion, and relative peak power output (calculated as the maximum power obtained during the test divided by body weight). Researchers believe greater benefits may be seen after supplementing for a longer period of time. However, further studies are needed to establish the dosage to achieve optimal benefits.
Improved respiratory health
“Some studies suggest that cordyceps may support respiratory function and may be beneficial for conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)“, explains Dr. Kim.
A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis in Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine examined the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on individuals with stage two (moderate) to three (severe) COPD, as defined by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).
Researchers found that Cordyceps sinensis appeared to have positive effects on respiratory parameters, indicating that it may improve exercise tolerance and quality of life in some people with COPD. However, solid conclusions on the effectiveness and safety of the fungus are lacking. Further research is needed to fully validate the respiratory benefits of Cordyceps sinensis.
Improved immune system response
Research indicates that cordyceps may stimulate certain immune cells, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (blood cells containing a single round nucleus, including immune cells like T cells and B cells), thereby strengthening the body’s immune defenses. the organism. Some evidence shows that cordyceps can both strengthen the immune system and suppress it due to its adaptogenic nature, which may prove useful in circumstances such as following an organ transplant or in people with medical conditions. autoimmune. However, human studies are limited and more research is needed to support these findings.
Reduced inflammation
“Some evidence suggests that cordyceps may have anti-inflammatory properties that could be useful in the management of certain inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Or arthritis“, explains Dr. Kim.
Limited research suggests that cordyceps may help prevent the production of inflammatory cells, leading to a potentially positive effect on acute and chronic inflammation. However, further research is needed to confirm these results in humans.
