Cordyceps was first recorded in 620 BCE in the Tang Dynasty as a mythical or magical creature that could transform from an animal to a plant throughout the different seasons. This seemingly magical transformation was later explained by the unusual life cycle of the mushroom. It mysteriously grows in the winter as a parasite feeding off caterpillars and in the summer as a plant through its emerging fruiting body. Cordyceps is therefore commonly referred to as “Chinese caterpillar fungus” or “winter-worm and summer-grass,” which is a literal translation from its Chinese name, “Dong Chong Xia Cao.”
Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that usually infects its insect host, the Himalayan Bat Moth, orHepialis armoricanus Oberthur, at the larval stage. By invading the digestive tract and germinating within the insect host, the fungus gains its nutrients from feeding on non-vital organs within the host’s body. While the insect host stays buried underground throughout the entire winter, the Cordyceps mycelia slowly takes over the host’s body, mummifying the insect host. In the spring, the fungus’ fruiting body emerges out of the head of the insect host and disperses its mature spores, which infect other larva, allowing the life cycle to regenerate.
Purported Health Benefits of Cordyceps
- Protects kidney function: used by Traditional Chinese Medicine to protect the kidneys during transplants, treat renal failure, and restore kidney damage induced by excessive toxicity
- Supports liver function: studies show that it helps improve and restore liver function in cases of liver damage, such as chronic hepatitis B and C
- Boosts immune system: used in ancient China and shown in recent studies to combat common colds, viral infections, and autoimmune disorders
- Enhances energy levels, targets fatigue and exhaustion, and boosts exercise capacity: popularized by Chinese female athletes who broke 9 world records during the Chinese Women’s Track and Field event at the National Games in Germany
- Boosts respiratory function: studies show that it can alleviate respiratory ailments, such as asthma, tuberculosis, and chronic bronchitis, by protecting lungs
- Stimulates blood circulation and protects heart
- Exhibits natural antibiotic properties: combats infections
- Helps manage atherosclerosis and regulate cholesterol levels
- Increases libido: used in ancient China to treat sexual dysfunction
- Promotes anti-aging with its antioxidant properties
- Showcases antitumor properties: studies show that it may have cancer fighting effects
