Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
also known as Caterpillar fungus, Dong chong xia cao
A TCM fungus historically wild-harvested from the Tibetan plateau, now cultivated, used for exercise performance, energy, and adaptogenic support.
- May support exercise performance and oxygen utilization
- Adaptogenic energy support
- Used in TCM for centuries
- Studied in Chinese Olympic athletes
- Anti-fatigue action in clinical studies
Active in Cordycepin, Adenosine, Polysaccharides, Beta-glucans.
Use caution with blood thinners
Use caution with autoimmune disorders
Use caution with immunosuppressants
May lower blood sugar — caution with diabetes
Most modern products use cultivated C. militaris (not wild C. sinensis)
Research
- Biotransformation-derived metabolites from Astragalus membranaceus and Cordyceps militaris alleviate hyperuricemia via multi-target regulation.
- Efficient production of cordycepin in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Cordycepin-mediated protection against bisphenol A-induced male reproductive toxicity via PI3K/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling.
Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro
You might also explore