Study Shows Cordyceps Boosts Energy and Supports a Healthy Stress Response

Cordyceps mushroom has been shown to improve fatigue and immune function in people with chronic Lyme disease and is recommended by some Lyme-literate doctors. For instance, Joseph Burrascano, MD, recommends a product called CordyMax. Master herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner has also advocated Cordyceps. By supporting immune and adrenal function, Cordyceps may help to increase stamina, energy and wellbeing in people with Lyme.

Anti-fatigue and anti-stress effect of the hot-water fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis

Abstract

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.

Source: By JH Koh, Kim KM, Kim JM, Song JC, Suh HJ. Antifatigue and antistress effect of the hot-water fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Biol Pharm Bull. May 2003;26(5):691-4.

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