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May 13, 2005
Cordyceps Sinensis - an interesting fungus
In researching herbs to help a friend fight chronic fatigues I came across Cordyceps sinensis, a bizarre but apparently effective fungus from the far east. It is one of the most rare and treasured herbs andt has been used for about 2000 years in China.
Interestingly, it begins as a parasitic fungus, growing and eventually taking over the body of its host (a worm). It can be found in isolated places in southwestern China, especially in the provinces of Tibet, Sichuan, Qinghai, Guise and Yunnan, in locations over 3,500 metres.
Cordyceps is primarily collected wild, as the grown cordyceps is of lower quality, but the wild cordyceps is usually very expensive and costs up to $1000 for 100 grams.
Although cordyceps became famous because of its alleged powerful aphrodisiac effects, in the ancient China, it was highly recommended as one of the most effective medicines for all illness. Presently, it is know for the following actions/properties/uses: Anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor, immunomodulatorm, cardiovascular, respiratory, diabetes, physical performance enhancement, sleep patterns, immune booster, respiratory conditions, diabetes, hepatits B, energy and stamina, Lupus, stress and anxiety, etc...
In general, it is reported that cordyceps helps the body build strength, improve the organic functioning, strengthen the immune system and bring longevity.
I don't believe in miracle cures and doubt that this herb can live up to its reputation, but, there is some scientific evidence that cordyceps improves the immune system and helps overcome chronic fatigue (below).
Source: HealthyHerbs
Abstract: Antifatigue and antistress effect of the hot-water fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis.
This study was conducted to investigate the chemical component of the hot water (HW) fraction of mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis and its antifatigue and antistress effect against a stimulus in vivo using rats and mice. The growth of mycelia reached a maximum level of 31.6 g/l after 120 h of incubation. The main chemical composition of the HW fraction of mycelia of C. sinensis was found to be carbohydrate (78.9%) with 5% moisture. The swimming endurance capacity of mice orally administered with the HW fraction (150 and 300 mg/kg/d, respectively) was significantly prolonged from 75 to 90 min with a lessening of fatigue. When the HW fraction (150 mg/kg/d) was given to rats for 8 d including a 48 h stress period, the weight changes of the adrenal gland, spleen, thymus, and thyroid, which is an index of stress, were suppressed. The HW fraction also significantly inhibited the increase in total cholesterol and the decrease in alkaline phosphatase levels as biochemical parameters of immobilization stress in rats.
Biol Pharm Bull. 2003 May;26(5):691-4.
Posted by Blogorithm at May 13, 2005 03:03 PM
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