“From a TCM perspective, Cordyceps is a tonic that you can use to boost kidney function, enhance yang (active energy), improve lung health, manage chronic cough and breathlessness. From a modern pharmacological and nutritional science perspective, it is potentially anti-aging and anti-tumor, effective in managing type 2 diabetes, improving heart health, and helping to reduce inflammation,” explains Senior TCM physician Brandon Yew from Real Health Medical Clinic in Singapore.
Before we deep dive into Cordyceps’ benefits, it’s important to note that you should not regard this TCM herb as a cure-all for different health problems, but as a supplement that can help to improve your overall well-being.
1. Improves physical endurance
One of the most known Cordyceps benefits is its ability to increase a person’s tolerance to high-intensity exercises. Cordyceps boost exercise performance in two ways. First, by enhancing blood flow to the muscles and by increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). You need this molecule to deliver energy to different parts of the body.
2. Increases resistance to infections and diseases
Studies show that Cordyceps use can help to regulate both your innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity refers to your body’s first line of defense against harmful foreign invaders. It is a rapid immune response that occurs with minutes or hours upon encountering an antigen. It has no immunologic memory. This means that it is incapable of memorizing a pathogen should your body be exposed to it in the future.
In contrast, adaptive immunity can be described as the body’s defense mechanism activated after exposure to bacteria, viruses, chemicals, toxins, and pollen. Adaptive immunity uses immunologic memory to learn about a threat and, consequently, develop an immune response. Although, the response of adaptive immunity to threats and infections is much slower than innate immunity.
3. Potentially reduces the risk of tumor growth
Cordyceps demonstrates anti-tumor activity through the propagation of T-cells, which can aid in the killing of cancer cells. Cordyceps also contains cordycepin, which has anticancer potential. According to an in vitro study – a study performed using components of an organism that has been isolated from its natural surroundings – Cordyceps use could inhibit the growth of lung, gastric, liver, and ovarian cancer cells.
At the same time, a separate in vivo study – a study performed inside a living organism – found that Cordyceps use was able to stop the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer, breast cancer, Lewis lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer.
4. Improves brain function
Interestingly, increased production of ATP through Cordyceps use may strengthen the brain by encouraging a better oxygen uptake. This, in turn, promotes increased blood flow to brain cells and fights mental fatigue.
Cordyceps’ benefits for the brain also include improving specific cognitive performance markers, such as learning capacity and memory. Alternatively, Cordyceps may also offer protection against brain damage and potentially reduces the risk of cognitive decline due to aging.
5. Supports the kidney and lung systems
TCM practitioners use Cordyceps to tonify or increase the available yang (active energy) throughout the body and enhance the function of the kidneys and lungs. It can potentially support measures taken to prevent chronic kidney failure and improve sexual function caused by a lack of kidney yang energy.
It also facilitates phlegm removal and can alleviate chronic cough ailments and breathlessness caused by weakened lung function.
6. Manage certain health disorders
Cordyceps can help manage several debilitating health problems. For example, coughs, depression, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, high cholesterol, and upper respiratory tract infections. This attributes to the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and libido-enhancing effect of Cordyceps.
7. Helps suppress inflammation
Cordyceps use can also help to reduce inflammation in the body. This is evident from the findings of multiple studies, which discovered that extracts of different Cordyceps species could suppress the proteins that may trigger inflammation.
