What Is Cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a fungus that has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine and other Eastern medical practices. There are several species of cordyceps (more than 750), and they’re found around the world.
Cordyceps infects different types of insects, depending on the species of fungus. Some target a certain type of carpenter ant, but not other types of ants, for example. Others target spiders, moths, and dragonflies.
A type of cordyceps known as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis (also called zombie-ant fungus) spreads when a spore latches onto an ant. This spore then gets inside the ant’s body and spreads throughout. This is where the “zombie” comes in. Once the fungus has taken over the ant’s body, the ant starts acting oddly. Instead of normally following the paths it usually follows, it starts to walk aimlessly. After a few days, the ant dies and a stalk grows out of its head. This stalk releases more fungus spores, and they spread to other ants.
Cordyceps doesn’t infect humans. If you are exposed to it, the fungus can’t stay alive in your body.
Where Cordyceps Fungus Come From
Cordyceps isn't a traditional mushroom. Instead, it grows out of an infected insect. Humans can obtain it through supplements, which provide cordyceps in powder, capsule, and liquid forms. It is one of the fungi in popular mushroom coffee drinks that contain mushroom extracts.
It can be tough to get this fungi in the wild. There are concerns about over-harvesting it, and it's extremely expensive. One type ranges from $20,000 to $40,000 per kilogram, according to some sources. Manufacturers are turning to lab-grown fungi to meet the growing demand.
Types of Cordyceps
There are more than 750 species of cordyceps. In the health industry, two speciestend to take center stage. Both contain the bioactive compounds adenosine and cordycepin. These are what scientists believe offer health benefits.
Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis), formerly called Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis). This was renamed in 2007. You still may hear people refer to it as C. sinensis, though, and other names are "Himalayan Viagra," "yartsa gunbu," and "DongChongXiaCa."
Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris). This form can be more easily cultivated in labs than O. sinensis. It's considered a functional food, and researchers believe it has potential as a medicine.It contains higher amounts of cordycepin than C. sinensis.
There are concerns that the fungi in the wild have been overexploited in recent years. That's why many manufacturers use lab-grown forms of C. militaris in most supplements.
Some other common types of cordyceps include:
- Cordyceps sobolifera
- Cordyceps cicadae
- Cordyceps liangshanesis
- Cordyceps ophioglossoides
Cordyceps Benefits
In traditional Chinese and Eastern medicine, people take cordyceps as a daily treatment for good health. The fungus has been studied for its effects on many health conditions, but there isn’t much conclusive research about whether cordyceps has real health benefits.
Here are some examples of what cordyceps might be able to do, according to some studies:
May delay aging
Some studies show that cordyceps may have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that can help fight off harmful free radicals. Free radicals can damage molecules in DNA, proteins, and other vital cells in your body. Preventing this damage may delay the body’s aging process.
May reduce inflammation
Some studies also show that cordyceps may help reduce inflammation in your body. These anti-inflammatory properties could help ease symptoms of diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions.
May boost immunity
People have been taking cordyceps for generations to boost their immunity. Researchers are finding that this might be true and that certain species, like C. militaris, may be a safe and effective way of helping your immune system stay strong.
May improve kidney health
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as others, might help cordyceps improve kidney health or prevent kidney disease. One study showed that it may help treat renal fibrosis. In one large-scale study, cordyceps lowered creatinine levels in people with chronic kidney disease, and in others, it protected the kidneys from toxic drugs, complications of diabetes, and transplant rejection.
May help stabilize blood sugar levels
Regulating blood sugar levels can be tricky. Although it’s not yet proven, so there are no recommendations of what type of cordyceps and how much of it to take, there are signs that cordyceps may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance for some people.
May improve sexual performance
Researchers haven’t yet found proof that cordyceps can increase or improve sexual performance, but there is some evidence that it might increase the sperm count and help the sperm move more easily.
Cordyceps may also:
- Ease fatigue
- Improve how you use oxygen when you exercise
- Destroy tumor cells
- Reduce bone loss
- Stabilize the heartbeat
- Lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
Researchers are looking at the bioactive compound cordycepin to battle COVID-19 due to its antiviral activity. A few studies done in the lab have explored this, but it's not a confirmed treatment.
Most of these studies have been on lab cultures or in animals. We still need more research with large-scale studies on humans to know for sure if cordyceps has real benefit to human health.
Cordyceps Dangers
Tell your doctor about any supplements you’re taking, even if they’re natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications. As with all medications and supplements, there are always some risks. This is the same with cordyceps, especially since we don’t know enough about it yet to say what is safe and what isn’t.
Side effects
Researchers still don’t know a lot about the health effects of cordyceps so they don’t know about all of the possible side effects. There haven’t been any reports of serious side effects, but it may cause:
Allergic reactions
There isn’t much research into allergic reactions to cordyceps, but there have been some reported cases. If you experience any of the following while taking cordyceps, stop taking it immediately. If you have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, your tongue is swelling, or you are going to pass out, this is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately. Other signs of an allergic reaction could include:
Drug interactions
Talk to your doctor before you start using Cordyceps supplements. Cordyceps could interact with blood thinners and drugs that suppress the immune system. It could also cause problems if you take medications to lower your blood sugar levels.
Also mention this to your pharmacist even if you only take over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Who Should Not Take Cordyceps?
Don't take cordyceps if you have:
- Cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- A bleeding disorder (or are taking blood thinners)
- An autoimmune disorder, as cordyceps may cause more severe symptoms or flare-ups
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children should also avoid taking cordyceps. Researchers don’t know if cordyceps is safe for them.
If you’re going to have surgery, be sure to tell your surgeon if you are taking cordyceps as well. It may increase your bleeding risk.
Cordyceps Dosage
The best dose of cordyceps hasn't been set for any condition. Quality and ingredients in supplements may vary widely. This makes it impossible to recommend a standard dose. Ask your doctor for advice.
How to Choose the Right Cordyceps Supplement
Supplements are not regulated by the FDA the same way that medicines are. They are treated as foods and do not have to prove that they are safe or effective before being sold.
While animal and lab studies are promising about cordyceps benefits, these effects and the product’s safety haven’t yet been proven in humans. That said, if you want to try cordyceps supplements, here are some safety tips for choosing one:
- Ask your health care provider if they have any recommendations.
- Check the ingredient list. Is there one? Avoid products that don’t have ingredient lists.
- Look for known brands. Known company brands or store brands are likely to be safe because they have to maintain their reputations. Avoid online products that urge you to buy fast or now for fear that you’ll miss out on a great deal.
- Some supplement companies get certifications, like from NSF International or United States Pharmacopeia (USP), for example. Check to see if they have such a seal or certification.
- See if the manufacturer belongs to an industry trade association. The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), one of these associations, lists its members here.
- Check the company’s website. Does it look professional? Has it been around for a while? What kinds of claims is it making?
Takeaways
Cordyceps is a popular fungal supplement in Chinese and Eastern medicines that many people are only learning about now because it’s featured in the television show The Last of Us. Unlike what’s shown on the show, cordyceps cannot turn humans into zombies! Many people believe that the fungus fights fatigue, inflammation, and other ailments. But some people shouldn’t take cordyceps, such as those who have type 2 diabetes or bleeding disorders. Before you decide to take cordyceps, be sure to ask your doctor if it's right for you and follow the label instructions for proper use.
Cordyceps FAQs
What does cordyceps do to humans? Nothing has been proved yet, but some studies show that cordyceps might reduce inflammation in the body, fight free radicals that damage cells, lower blood sugar levels, and improve kidney health. Unlike what is shown in the television show The Last of Us, cordyceps can’t take over the human body.
Is it healthy to eat cordyceps? Cordyceps is available in supplement forms. We don't really know whether it has any health benefits yet.
What are cordyceps in The Last of Us? The species of cordyceps in the show The Last of Us is Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, also called zombie-ant fungus.
Who cannot eat cordyceps? People who have cancer, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid cordyceps.
Why do athletes take cordyceps? Some athletes may take cordyceps because they believe it may boost their energy, allowing them to exercise harder and longer.
Can cordyceps infect humans? No, cordyceps cannot infect humans.