Much of
what is know about Cordyceps sinensis we owe to the research of Dr.
Georges Halpern, a physician and professor emeritus with the
University of Hong Kong, and author of several books about Cordyceps.
His interest and commitment have resulted in making available to the
Western world the many research studies conducted by Chinese
scientists published in various Chinese scientific journals. These
investigations with Cordyceps sinensis have been summarized in the
following scientific articles:
- Zhu, J.S.,
Halpern, G.M., and Jones, K. (1998): The Scientific
Rediscovery of an Ancient Chinese Herbal Medicine:
Cordyceps sinensis. Part I. Journal of Alternative and
complementary Medicine 4(3), pp 289-303.
- Zhu, J.S.,
Halpern, G.M., and Jones, K. (1998): The Scientific
Rediscovery of a Precious Ancient Chinese Herbal Regimen:
Cordyceps sinensis. Part II. Journal of Alternative and
complementary Medicine 4(4), pp 429-457.
- Mizuno T.
(1999): Medicinal effects and utilization of Cordyceps
(Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes) and Isaria Fr. (Mitosporic Fungi)
Chinese Caterpillar Fungi, “Tochukaso” (Review).
International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 1 (3), pp
251-261.
-
Xiao Y., Huang X.Z., Chen G.,Wang M.B., Zhu J.S.,
Cooper C.B.: Increased Aerobic Capacity in Healthy Elderly
Humans given fermented Cordyceps Cs-4: a Placebo
controlled Trial. Ann. Meeting American College of Sports
Medicine, Seattle, WA, June 3-5, 1999.
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Cordyceps
supports the Respiratory Function
Several scientific studies have demonstrated the benefits of
Cordyceps sinensis in supporting the respiratory system (Reference
2, Chapter “Effects on the Respiratory System”, pages 429-432).
In a double blind, placebo controlled study with 30 elderly
volunteers Cordyceps significantly improved the maximum amount of
oxygen these people were able to assimilate (Reference 4).
Cordyceps supports the Cardiovascular system
Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of Cordyceps
sinensis on the cardiovascular system (Reference 2, Chapter “Effects
on the Cardiovascular System”, pages 436 – 441).
Cordyceps Helps Maintaining healthy Blood Cholesterol
Four excellent studies have demonstrated that Cordyceps sinensis
helped lowering total cholesterol by 10 to 21% and triglycerides by
9 to 26%. At the same time it helped to increase HDL-cholesterol (“good
cholesterol”) by 27 to 30% (Reference 1, Chapter “Effects on
blood lipid metabolism and arteriosclerosis”, pages 299 – 301).
Cordyceps Protects against Free Radical Damage
Several studies have shown that Cordyceps sinensis protects against
the damages caused by free radicals, and as such has significant
antioxidant properties (Reference 1, Chapter “Äntisenescence and
Oxygen-Free Radical Scavenging Activity”)
Cordyceps Reduces Fatigue
Several studies with animals have demonstrated that Cordyceps
sinensis increases the cellular energy production and oxygen supply.
A double blind, placebo controlled investigation showed a marked
reduction in fatigue in elderly patients when they were given three
grams of Cordyceps daily. In another study, Cordyceps sinensis
improved shortness of breath and reduced fatigue in patients
suffering from chronic heart failure (Reference 1, Chapter “Improvement
of physical performance and quality of life”, pages 293 – 295).
Cordyceps helps relaxing smooth muscle tisue
Several studies have shown that Cordyceps sinensis helps relaxing
smooth muscle tissues in the body. Thus, blood flow in the vessels
and oxygen uptake in the longs are stimulated, resulting in better
blood flow and increased energy. (Reference 2, Chapter “Effect on
the Cardiovascular System”, pages 436 – 441).
Cordyceps Improves Stamina and Athletic Performance
Several studies with animals have shown that Cordyceps sinensis
increases the cellular energy production and oxygen uptake (
Reference 1, Chapter “Improvement of physical performance and
quality of life”, pages 293 – 295).
A study with mice demonstrated their improve swimming capabilities
after six weeks of Cordyceps supplementation compared with a control
group (Reference 3, page 260).
Cordyceps helps maintaining healthy sexual life
Three separate Chinese double blind and placebo-controlled studies
with over 200 men with “reduced libido and other sexual problems”
showed remarkably similar results. On average, 64% of the Cordyceps-users
reported significant improvement at the conclusion of the
experimental period compared with 24% of the placebo group. In
another double blind, placebo controlled study conducted with 21
elderly women with similar complaints, 90% reported improvements of
their condition following the use of Cordyceps, compared with none
in the control group (Reference 1). |
