Cordyceps Sinensis

Origins and habitat

Cordyceps sinensis is one of the best known functional mushrooms and one of the most famous ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. Known for its peculiar life cycle, closely linked to the ecosystems of high mountains, it is native to the Himalayan regions, such as Tibet and Nepal. It was discovered about 1,500 years ago by yak herders in those areas, who noticed an increase in energy and vitality in their animals after consuming it. This strange organism, in nature, therefore grows at high altitudes, between 3,000 and 5,000 meters, where thanks to the production of its numerous metabolites it grows in extreme conditions (low temperatures, low oxygen, high UV radiation).

Properties and applications

Cordyceps sinensis has been celebrated and used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its wide range of benefits . Its reputation as a great ally as natural tonic and immune defense , is based on past and present traditions, but also on growing scientific evidence.

• Energy, vitality and performance

In TCM, Cordyceps is considered a universal remedy for improving overall health, promoting stamina and recovery. It is used to increase energy levels, promote healing and relieve fatigue . This effect is attributed to its adaptogenic properties , which help the body manage physical and mental stress.

• Libido

In traditional medicine, Cordyceps sinensis has been considered a powerful aphrodisiac and tonic for sexual well-being for both men and women for centuries. In some communities, the mushroom is used to prepare drinks believed to combat sexual dysfunction, increase libido and enhance performance, so much so that it is considered a natural alternative to modern treatments.

• Respiratory function and immune system

Cordyceps has been used in TCM for centuries to relieve respiratory ailments and fight respiratory infections. It is also associated with the ability to support the immune system.

• Antioxidant and Anti-aging

Some in vitro studies have highlighted its antioxidant properties, which would give Cordyceps the possibility of slowing down the aging process, counteracting oxidative stress and inflammation at the cellular level.

 

The main bioactive molecules

• Adenosine: Adenosine is a nucleoside that plays a key role in numerous cellular processes within the body. It is particularly abundant in cultivated Cordyceps .

• Cordycepin: Cordycepin is a derivative of adenosine, found in nature only in some species of Cordyceps .

• Polysaccharides: Mushroom polysaccharides represent their primary active component, contributing to the bioactive action of the mycelium, fruiting body and the entire mushroom.

• β-glucans : β- glucans are a type of polysaccharide, they are abundant in the cell walls of fungi and their bioactivity has been tested under different conditions.

• Sterols: Sterols are components of the mushroom that perform important physiological functions and a variety of biological activities.

• Proteins: The numerous amino acids, peptides, enzymes present in Cordyceps play a variety of fundamental roles and encompass a vast spectrum of biological activities.

Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris and CS-4: Let's get things straight

Cordyceps is an extraordinary mushroom, which has been a protagonist of oriental tradition for centuries for its tonic and revitalizing effects. There are several species and among the best known are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris , both appreciated for their health benefits, but with some differences that are worth knowing.

Cordyceps sinensis is the original species, the most prized and rare variety that grows spontaneously at high altitudes in Asia. Its unique life cycle and cultivation difficulties make it an exclusive and expensive ingredient, highly sought after for its tradition and properties.

To meet the growing demand, more recently, Cordyceps militaris , a variant that is easier to grow but has a similar profile of active compounds to Cordyceps sinensis , has become very popular . In the European Union, Cordyceps militaris is classified as a novel food .

Then there is CS-4 , an artificial strain developed in the laboratory to reproduce the properties of Cordyceps sinensis in a more accessible and massive way . It is therefore not the mushroom in its natural form, but a fermented form , obtained through controlled cultures.

Curiosity

Dong chong xia cao: Chinese translation of its original Tibetan name, it literally means “winter-worm summer-grass” ( winter-worm summer-grass ): in its natural habitat, in fact, Cordyceps begins its development during the winter in symbiosis with the larvae of some insects while, with the return of spring, the fruiting body of the mushroom emerges as a small stem from the ground. (Das)

World Record Mushroom : Cordyceps has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to increase energy and stamina. Its fame in this regard rose internationally in 1993, when Chinese female athletes dominated the World Athletics Championships and later the Chinese National Games, winning numerous medals and breaking three world records. Their extraordinary success was attributed, among other factors, to the regular consumption of Cordyceps , which the athletes themselves indicated was an integral part of their training regimen.

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