Recent studies have shown that Cordyceps mushrooms exhibit a number of health-enhancing properties, which has caused demand for it to skyrocket.

Mushrooms are commonly obtained by either collecting them in their natural habitats or raising them using artificial cultures. But Cordyceps fungi are unique as they exhibit traits similar to parasites. The Cordyceps spores develop inside the bodies of dead caterpillars, eventually overtaking the larva before blossoming. This has made Cordyceps difficult to collect, commanding it a premium price in the market.

In a 2016 study, Taiwanese researchers looked into Cordyceps fungi to learn how to mass-produce them. As part of this, they looked into the composition of these four major species – C. sinensis, C. militaris, C. cicadae and C. sobolifera – which are available in Taiwan.

All four Cordyceps species are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in different countries such as China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan to cure a number of ailments. C. sinensis has been noted in TCM to treat chronic back pain, sensitivity to cold, chronic cough and blood in phleghm. Meanwhile, C. cicadae has been reported in TCM as a treatment for convulsions, palpitation and malaria.

But what exactly makes these Cordyceps species good for you? Read on to find out.

Cordyceps can help alleviate kidney and immune system problems

The researchers found that C. sinensis contained a compound called H1-A. A 1999 study found that this compound suppressed active human mesangial cells, which play a role in Berger’s disease.

Also called immunoglobin A nephropathy, Berger’s disease occurs when the antibody immunoglobin A accumulates in your kidneys. This results in inflammation that can negatively impact the function of your kidneys.

A subsequent study also suggested that pure H1-A could also help treat patients with lupus erythematosus. People affected with this autoimmune disorder have their healthy tissues attacked by their own immune systems.

Cordyceps compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Back in 2010, scientists managed to isolate 10 pure compounds from C. militaris. They analyzed the 10 compounds and their effects on the free radical nitric oxide and the inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-12.

One of the compounds had a potent effect on these inflammatory triggers. Furthermore, some of the pure chemicals extracted from C. militaris also inhibited the growth of certain types of cancer cells.

The researchers acknowledged the potential of C. militaris as a potential treatment against inflammation and cancer.

Cordyceps possess properties that protect the kidneys

Cordyceps fungi have been also found to exhibit renal-protective properties. A 2014 study looked at C. sobolifera and its effect on dysfunctional renal tubule cells in rats. The study’s results reported that C. sobolifera powder suppressed cell death and protected against the loss of nephrons.

The researchers in the2016 Taiwan study noted that the effects of C. sobolifera were also observed in C. cicadae. Ultimately, they indicated that renal-protective properties can be found in three Cordyceps species – C. sinensis, C. sobolifera and C. cicadae.

Cordyceps is definitely not in last place when it comes to providing you with health benefits. All of the above benefits point to it as a powerful health food that shouldn’t be overlooked, no matter how hard to obtain it may be.

Superfood.news has more about the benefits of Cordyceps and other mushrooms.

Sources:

ScienceDirect.com

TranslationalRes.com

EuropePMC.org

ResearchGate.net 1

ResearchGate.net 2