CategoriesCordyceps Militaris UncategorizedCordyceps are the most expensive mushrooms available in the world today. They are available as wild varieties and are therefore difficult to find. The world over, cordyceps are recognized as super foods, and are commonly utilized as pre-workout supplements. They are found only in high altitude regions, mostly in high ranges of China and Nepal.
CategoriesCordyceps Militaris UncategorizedMedicinal mushroom Cordyceps Militaris is known to be highly nutritious. This is because it contains the following nutrients in rich doses:
CategoriesCordyceps Militaris UncategorizedHow Cordyceps Militaris enhances vitality and energy levels
Cordyceps Militaris is popularly known to bring down fatigue levels in the human body. This is quite helpful these days, considering that modern lifestyles are and will continue to be increasingly tiresome. Instead of heavy pharmaceutical drugs, what most of us really need are highly effective remedies to counteract fatigue, and one of them is the mushroom Cordyceps Militaris.
All of us need a constant supply of energy to function throughout the day. Whenever we feel lethargic, we look to consume proteins, starches and fats in a bid to rejuvenate ourselves. All the above molecules break down to release ATP at the cellular level. As per recent research, it has been proven that C Militaris enhances oxygen and also ATP levels in the blood. In fact, oxygen utilization is majorly responsible for the availability of a high amount of usable energy.
[1] Several high-altitude climbers make use of Cordyceps Militaris for easy breathing, as the mushroom increases availability of oxygen at heights. The consumption of this mushroom, therefore, has two benefits- high oxygen levels and an energy boost. Clinical studies, when carried out amongst fatigued elderly patients, showed that the patients displayed substantial improvement in cognitive and memory capacity, fatigue levels, ability to withstand cold, as well as sex drive.
[2] The following was visible after consumption of Cordyceps Militaris for 30 days:
[3] Yet another study with healthy elderly participants (average age 65) who consumed Cordyceps Militaris for 6 weeks while also exercising on stationary bicycles was also carried out. It was revealed that this group managed to obtain substantial increases in oxygen capacity and energy.
[4] Cordyceps Militaris came to be known as a widely accepted substance globally for athletes after it was used by the Chinese women’s track and field team to break records in 1993 and 1994.
Many effects of this wonder mushroom are due to the chemical adenosine. This ingredient is recognized as a regulator of smooth growth of nerve cells, muscles and overall vascular tone.
References
[1] Holliday, J. et al. On the Trial of The Yak Ancient Cordycep Militaris in the Modern World. 2004
[2] Talbott, SM. A guide to understanding dietary supplements. New York: Haworth Press, 2003
[3] Holliday, J. et al. On the Trial of The Yak Ancient Cordycep Militaris in the Modern World. 2004
[4] Connor, S. Chinese mushroom remedy found to boost fitness. New Zealand Herald, 2004
CategoriesCordyceps Militaris Uncategorized
Improvement in stamina and endurance
Cordyceps Militaris is recognized as fungal biomass which can be easily cultured from oats. Though the strain is similar to Cordyceps Sinensis, it has greater quantities of the active ingredients than this, thereby making it a suitable substitute. [1] In a 2016 study it was showed that the new Militaris strain helped significantly improve times to exhaustion, lung threshold and maximum power output amongst cyclists.
For the purpose of the above study, 28 trained and fit college students were chosen and sent to the University of North Carolina in the US, where they had a relatively long supplementation period. Cyclists were at an average age of 22 years and had an average weight of 70 kg. Athletes were placed either in a supplementation or placebo group on a random basis. Here the supplementation group was on Cordyceps Militaris for three weeks and were tracked for lung threshold at baseline, time to exhaustion and VO2 (maximum consumption of oxygen) in week 1 and week 3.
Observations
[1] In a week of cycling, time to exhaustion improved greatly and maximum power went up by 17%.
[2] As per another study on mice in 2004, it was seen that consumption of Cordyceps Militaris over a period of 6 weeks can enhance swimming capabilities.
[3] In the media, an article by The New Zealand Herald stated the impact of clinical trial on the effect of Cordyceps Militaris. This experiment showed the increase in aerobic fitness for 131 volunteers in the trial, after participants consumed extracts of the medicinal mushroom.
As per the above, Cordyceps Militaris extract is quite effective in enhancement of exercise metabolism, fatigue reduction, endurance exercise performance and the capability for aerobic exercises amongst healthy humans.
[4] All the above results were handed over to the American Physiological Society during April 2004.
[5] The release of lactic acid in the muscles after a workout can bring about soreness. It has been observed that Cordyceps Militaris brings down the build-up of lactic acid in tendons and muscles.
References
[1] https://firstendurance.com/cordyceps-endurance-performance/
[2] Mizuno, T. Medicinal effects and utilization of Cordycep Militaris (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes) and Isaria Fr. (Mitosporic Fungi) Chinese Caterpillar Fungi, “Tochukaso” (Review). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 1999, 1(3), 251–261.
[3] Connor, S. Chinese mushroom remedy found to boost fitness. New Zealand Herald, 2004
[4] American Physiological Society, 2004
[5] Mindell, E. Dr Earl Mindell’s peak performance bible. USA: Simon & Schuster Incorporation, 2001
CategoriesCordyceps Militaris UncategorizedHow does Cordyceps Militaris generate anti-aging properties?
Cordyceps Militaris has antioxidants that contain anti-aging properties, making them really popular among the elderly. In fact, the use of this medicinal mushroom to slow down the aging process is centuries old.
Oxygen-free radicals tend to get formed during the aging process, which results in damage to cells. As per research, it has been found out that Cordyceps Militaris can inhibit lipid and peroxide formation, and also lower the presence of oxidized enzymes in one’s brain. Due to its ability to scavenge on oxygen-free radicals, this mushroom has become such a successful name in the anti-aging community. In an interview to the Time magazine, Dr Andrew Well, MD, recommended Cordyceps Militaris as an extract to increase longevity due to natural antioxidants in the mushroom.
Aging at a cellular level
Just like physical changes on the outside, the human body also undergoes various changes on the inside as a result of aging. While physical aspects such as low muscular strength, hair greying, memory loss and reduced sense functions such as diminished hearing and vision are quite obvious, there are other phenomena which originate at the cellular level, and cannot be predicted accurately. For instance, some elders demonstrate progressive dementia in their 60s while you may be able to see others active and full of life even at 80. Over the course of years, every man or woman has wanted to escape the debilities of disease and old age, and so several advancements are constantly visible in this field.
One can categorise skin aging into the following two types:
You might be wondering here, “All the above is fine, but where does Cordyceps Militaris come in?” Well, it has been found that the extract of Cordyceps Militaris is known to reduce oxidative stress, one of the key factors that results in aging. Medical professionals state that aging takes place due to one of three key hypotheses:
Experiment to further highlight anti-aging properties of Cordyceps Militaris
[1] To obtain convincing lab results on anti-aging properties, an experiment was conducted to look at the effects of polysaccharides obtained from cultivated fruiting bodies of Cordyceps Militaris on antioxidation and mitochondrial injuries. These fruiting bodies were cultured in an artificial environment, and the Spectrophotometric method was utilized to study mitochondrial enlargement, super oxide ionic activities and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TARS). D-galactose was injected into the back of mice necks for 7 weeks, in order to see the age model in action.
Results of the experiment demonstrated that Cordyceps Militaris could reduce mitochondrial injuries and swelling from Ferric ions. Additionally, the activities of anti-hydroxyl ions in mice livers went up due to the mushroom. It was clearly visible that Cordyceps Militaris could protect mitochondria by scavenging on ROS, reduce the swelling and also increase antioxidase activities. These were clear indications of anti-aging properties for pharmaceutical companies.
References
[1]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/47719383_Protective_Effects_on_Mitochondria_an d_AntiAging_Activity_of_Polysaccharides_from_Cultivated_Fruiting_Bodies_of_Cordyceps_militaris
CategoriesCordyceps Militaris UncategorizedThe link between Cordyceps Militaris and Cardiovascular diseases
The heart is easily the most vital organ in any living organism. Throughout life, it needs to beat regularly for constant supply of blood to the body, but when this regular rhythm is lost, it really can be petrifying. Signifying this state, cardiac arrhythmia is that condition of improper electrical impulses that are unable to manage this organ’s blood pumping sequence.
In such a condition, the heart either beats too slow or too fast, on a regular or irregular basis. As a result, it may not be able to send adequate blood to the brain, itself and other organs. The risk of arrhythmia is known to rise with age, and this condition is most prevalent amongst individuals in their 50s. It is here the remarkable medicinal mushroom Cordyceps Militaris acts as a source of relief for patients.
[1] As per research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, administration of Cordyceps Militaris can bring down high blood pressure and also rectify cardiac arrhythmia by increasing its latent period. In this manner, the duration of cardiac arrhythmia attacks can be reduced. [2] Similarly, scientist L Ganxhon has laid a claim that Cordycep Militaris also acts positively during protection attacks of hypoxia and ischemia
How Cordyceps Militaris is able to control cardiac arrythmia
[3] As per A. Pelleg, the reason Cordyceps Militaris is able to control arrhythmia is the existence of deoxyadenosine, adenosine and other adenosine-type nucleotides and nucleosides, all of which have a remarkable effect on cerebral and coronary circulation.
[4] A number of studies of chronic heart patients, published in the Journal of Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine 5 prove that administration of Cordyceps Militaris over long term, in conjunction with conventional treatments significantly improve cardiac functions and mental health.
[5] Apart from the above, different studies performed by D.G. Chen have proved that the administration of this wonder mushroom increases blood flow in coronary vessels to the heart, thereby decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease as well as myocardial infarction, as well as better brain functioning (enhanced cognitive ability and memory, less chances of ischemic strokes)
[6] D. G. Chen’s publications on Cordyceps Militaris effects also indicate relaxation of the aorta and the femoral artery during treatment with the extract of this mushroom, showing potential in the treatment of limb ischemia, recognized as one of the top causes of male disability today.
During the year 1995, Chen made us of the Cordyceps Militaris extract on 34 patients suffering from chronic heart failure, where he used echocardiography to compare their cardiac outputs with another group of 30 patients who had been administered regular treatment. Cordyceps Militaris clearly increased cardiac output by 60%, as compared to 25% in the control group.
References
[1] Zhu, JS, Halpern, GM, Jones, K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordycep Militaris. Part II. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 1998, 4(4), 429–457
[2] Ganxhon, L et al. The essentials of traditional Chinese herbal medicine (5th edition). USA: Foreign Language Press, 2003
[3] Pelleg, A. et al. The pharmacology of adenosine. Pharmacotherapy 10: 157-174, 1990; Toda, N. et al. Response to adenine nucleotides and related compounds of isolated dog cereberal, coronary and mesenteric arteries. Blood Vessels 19: 226-236 1982; Berne, R.M. The role of Adenosine in the regulation of coronary blood flow. Circ. Res. 47: 807-813, 1980
[4] Chen D.G. Effects of JinShuiBao Capsule on the Quality of Life of Patients with Heart Failure. Journal of Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine 5 (1995): 40-43
[5] (Chen D.G. Effects of JinShuiBao Capsule on the Quality of Life of Patients with Heart Failure. Journal of Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine 5 (1995): 40- 43)
[6] (Chen D.G. Effects of JinShuiBao Capsule on the Quality of Life of Patients with Heart Failure. Journal of Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine 5 (1995): 40- 43)
CategoriesCordyceps Militaris UncategorizedThe role of Cordyceps Militaris in managing kidney functions
Kidneys are the essential filtering organs of the human body. Functions performed by them include the following:
When kidney dysfunctions occur, it affects other organs as well. Symptoms of degenerating kidney health include back and joint pain, impotence, high levels of blood sugar and fatigue. [1] Through recent studies, it has been seen that Cordyceps Militaris is able to uplift kidney potential with an increase in the levels of 17-ketosteroid levels and 17-hdroxy-corticosteroid.
[2] Administration of 3-5g of Cordyceps Militaris to the patients suffering from renal failure can significantly enhance kidney and immune functions. This has been observed in a study of 51 patients affected by chronic renal failure.
[3] Chronic renal failure may also result in anemia, proteinuria and hypertension. After one month of giving such patients the wonder mushroom, there was a substantial decrease in urinary protein and a 15% fall in high blood pressure.
Search on the Internet and you will find a number of other studies that describe how renal functions were restored with the help of Cordyceps Militaris . However, make sure you consult your physician before administering the same.
References
[1] Zhu, J. et al. The Scientific Rediscovery of an Ancient Chinese Herbal Medicine: Cordycep Militaris The Journal Of Alternative And Complementary Medicine [part 1] Volume 4, Number 3, 1998, pp. 289—303 [part 2] Volume 4, Number 4, 1998, pp. 429 – 457
[2] Guan, Y.J., et al. (1992). Effect of Cordycep Militaris on T- lymphocyte subsets in chronic renal railure. Chinese Journal of Integrated Medicine 12: 323, 338-339
[3] Jiang, JC, Gao, YF. Summary of treatment of 37 chronic renal disfunction patients with JinShuiBao. J Administration Traditional Chinese Med 1995: 5(suppl):23-24
CategoriesCordyceps Militaris Uncategorized
Benefits of Cordyceps Militaris for liver and pancreas
The liver is clearly the largest organ in the human body. It is absolutely vital for filtration of blood and other fluids in the body. Additionally, it also aids in maintaining proper blood sugar levels, turning food molecules into energy upon breakdown, creation of vital enzymes and proteins, and many others.
[1] As per a clinical study carried out on 33 patients affected with Hepatitis B, the consumption of Cordyceps supplement demonstrated an improvement of 71.9% during the thymol turbidity test, as well an improvement of 78.6% in the SGPT test. Both of the above are enzyme tests that measure liver functions.
[2] Similar to the above, a study in China with 70 patients affected by Hepatitis B, when treated with Cordyceps or with another popular herbal medicine (the main ingredient here being Ganoderma applanatum) displayed better clinical response than alternative treatment.
Regulation of pancreas happens as Cordyceps Militaris stimulates the growth of antioxidants, beta cells, lipoproteins and pancreatic glutathione. All the above elements assist in the fight against diabetes. In comparison to drugs such as glibenclamides, Cordyceps Militaris is a lot more powerful.
References
[1] Zhou LT. et al. Short-term curative effect of cultured Cordycep Militaris (Berk.) Sacc. Mycelia in chronic hepatitis B. China J Chinese Materia Medica 1990;15(1):53-55
[2] Yang, YZ. et al. Short-term observation of treating chronic hepatitis B and post hepatic cirrhosis with XinGanBao. Res Chinese Materia Medica 1994; (1):19-20.
CategoriesCordyceps Militaris UncategorizedRegulation of cholesterol by Cordyceps Militaris
Cholesterol is defined as a wax-based fat generated in either the intestines or the liver and is present in all animals. It is actually an essential component for life, being used to create lining around body cells so that nutrients can pass in and out of them. High cholesterol can be attained with excess red meat, food prepared in generous quantities of oil, but then it is not always harmful. The problem occurs as several symptoms of excess cholesterol are visible only when bulk of the damage has already taken place.
The essential reason that causes problems after high cholesterol is that blood is unable to flow freely to different parts of the body owing to blockages. Though symptoms vary based upon the type of high cholesterol, you are likely to see one or more of the following:
The best way to keep this problem in check is to visit the doctor for a blood test on a regular basis. Another way is to consume the mushroom Cordyceps Militaris based upon your doctor’s recommendation. It is a recognized food which, amongst various benefits, aids in lowering cholesterol levels.
Experiments to verify lipid-lowering effects
One of the major components of the mushroom Cordyceps Militaris is cordycepin, its chemical formula being 3′-Deoxyadenosine. This bioactive component has been recognized to have a number of biological effects, such as preventing growth of tumours, activities for vasorelaxation and controlling immune responses. In order to understand its fat-lowering effects, hyperlipidemic rats and hamsters were administered high-lipid diet and another diet with cordycepin from Cordyceps Militaris , for a period of four weeks. The quantities of lipids in rats and hamsters were measured with the help of enzymes, both before giving cordycepin (12.5, 25 and 50 mg x kg(-1)).
In the results, it was measured that levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), serum, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) increased markedly in the two animal populations on the high fat diet. On the other hand, cordycepin brought down levels of TG, LDL-C, serum TC, LDL- C/HDL-C and VLDL-C, as well as TC/HDL-C ratios. As a corollary, an increase in hepatic lipase (HL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity due to cordycepin was understood as responsible for lipid profile regulation.
[1] Other clinical studies that involved 273 patients (across 9 hospitals) having high levels of cholesterol showed that Cordyceps Militaris is responsible for bringing down total cholesterol by 10–21% and triglycerides by 9–26%. Additionally, it also helped increase HDL (good’ cholesterol) by 27–30%.
References
[1] (Zhu, JS, Halpern, GM, Jones, K. The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordycep Militaris. Part I. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 1998, 4(3), 289–303.)
CategoriesCordyceps Militaris UncategorizedHow Cordyceps Militaris helps in controlling diabetes
Today diabetes is a known disease for about 25.8 million women, men and children in the world. Of this number, 7 million have still not been diagnosed, and about 80 million persons show symptoms of prediabetes. The disease is more common in males than in females, and increases at a drastic pace with age. Statistics claim that more than 25% of individuals aged more than 65 years are affected by diabetes. Not only is it very common, but treatment is also on the expensive side.
Factors that cause risk
If one considers avoiding diabetes as a whole, it is probably next to impossible. That being said, a fair number of changes can be made to regular lifestyles in order to reduce the chances of contraction. These include:
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have been proven to be hereditary. Type 1 seems to get active upon viral infection. Type 2 is strongly related with genes, and people with Type 2 relatives are quite likely to contract the same.
Now as mentioned above, diet is one of the ways to control diabetes. Consumption of the fungus Cordyceps Militaris can be a saving agent, as clinical trials on both humans and animals have shown its potential of regulating blood sugar. [1] In a particular study, one group that received 3 grams of the fungus per day showed better regulation of blood sugar as compared to another group that was given conventional treatment. 95% of the first group showed improvement in blood sugar, as compared to just 54% in the latter.
A fair number of animal trials have shown that Cordyceps Militaris enhances insulin sensitivity, improves metabolism of blood glucose, and also increases the liver’s output of the glucose-regulating enzymes hexokinase and glucokinase. [2] Cs-4 from Cordyceps Militaris enhances glucose metabolism and brings up insulin sensitivity amongst normal rats.
References
[1] Guo QC, Zhang C. (1995) Clinical Observations of Adjunctive Treatment of 20 Diabetic Patients with JinSHuiBao Capsule. J Administration Traditional Chinese Medicine 1995:5(suppl):22
[2] (Zhao CS. et al. J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Aug;8(4):403-5; Kiho T. et al. Hypoglycemic activity of a polysaccharide (CS-F30) from the cultural mycelium of Cordycep Militaris sinensis and its effect on glucose metabolism in mouse liver. Phytother Res 2000 Dec;14(8):647-9; Tai-Hao, H. et al. Biological activity of Cordycep Militaris (Fr.) Link Species (Ascomycetes) Derived from a Natural Source and from Fermented Mycelia on Diabetes in STZ-Induced Rats. Inter J of Med Mush 4; 111-125
