Does Cordyceps help with gut health?

This post is broken down into three parts- click to be taken directly to that section.

Tests to Look at Overall Gut Health

Gut Related Biomarkers and General Range Guidelines

Cordyceps Improving Gut Health

As of 26 April 2024, the short answer is, it's inconclusive...for humans. There is laboratory and animal research suggesting that Cordyceps may assist with gut health. However, the effect of any single substance on overall health is likely influenced by a combination of dietary, genetic, and lifestyle factors.

Before we dive into the potential of Cordyceps assisting with gut health, lets look at some tests and metrics commonly associated with gut health (source ChatGPT).  

Tests to Look at Overall Gut Health

• Microbiome analysis
• Tests such as the 16S rRNA sequencing can identify and quantify the types of bacteria present in the gut
• Provides insight into microbial diversity and balance -- key to gut health
• Stool tests
• Evaluates digestive function, absorption, gut microorganisms, and the presence of pathogens
• Some stool tests include:
• Fecal calprotectin: an indicator of inflammation in the gut
• Elastase: an enzyme that helps to determine pancreatic function
• Secretory IgA: an immune marker that provides information about the immune function in the gut.
• pH: can influence the bacterial environment in the gut.
• Breath tests
• Provides insight into the digestive process and gut microbial environment by measuring the production of hydrogen and methane following the ingestion of a specific type of sugar that is difficult to absorb
• Blood tests
• Help detect nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, and markers of gut health
• Some markers to pay attention to:
• C-reactive protein (CRP) - indicates inflammation
• Complete blood count (CBC) - to look for potential gastrointestinal blood loss.
• Nutrient profiles to detect deficiencies in vitamins and minerals that might suggest malabsorption.
• Permeability tests AKA "Leaky Gut" tests
• Look at what is/is not absorbed to determine gut health
• Substances can be looked at in urine after ingestion

Gut Related Biomarkers and General Range Guidelines

It's important to note that the ranges suggested here are merely guidelines. As mentioned before, the human organism is complex. Even if certain biomarkers are outside the range of "normal" or "healthy", it may not be indicative of an issue. Likewise, if certain biomarkers are within the range of "normal", there may be an underlying issue given your specific makeup. There can be several tests to determine gut health. Below are just a few of these tests and some of the standard ranges for these biomarkers.

• Stool tests
• Fecal calprotectin
• A protein found in certain white blood cells
• When inflammation is present in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, calprotectin can be released into the stool
• Common in inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Ranges:
• Normal: <50 µg calprotectin protein / g of stool
• Mild Inflammation: 50-120 µg calprotectin protein / g of stool
• Significant Inflammation: 120+ µg calprotectin protein / g of stool
• Elastase
• An enzyme produced by the pancreas which can be used to assess pancreatic function
• Low levels may be indicative of the pancreas not producing enough digestive enzymes 
• Ranges:
• Normal: >200 µg elastase protein / g of stool
• Low: <200 µg calprotectin protein / g of stool
• Secretory IgA (sIgA)
• An antibody playing a role in the immune function of mucosal membranes (including the gut lining)
• Low levels may be indicative of a weakened mucosal immune response
• High levels may indicate an ongoing immune response to gut pathogens or allergens
• Ranges:
• Normal: 510-2010 mg sIgA / dL of stool
• pH of stool
• Provides insight into the digestive process and microbial environment in the gut
• High pH may suggest bacterial overgrowth, infections, or food moving too quickly through the intestines
• May lead to inefficient nutrient absorption (often occurs with diarrhea)
• Low pH may be indicative of excessive fermentation by bacteria or with the presence of an abnormal bacteria in the gut
• Ranges:
• Low: <6
• High: >7.5
• Normal: 6.5-7.5
• Breath tests
• Provides insight into bacterial overgrowth or carbohydrate malabsorption
• Elevated levels may suggest small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
• Ranges (within 90 minutes of sugar ingestion):
• Hydrogen
• Normal: <20 ppm
• Elevated: 20+ ppm
• Methane
• Normal: <10 ppm
• Elevated: 12+ ppm
• Blood tests
• C-reactive Protein (CRP)
• Higher levels may be indicative of overall or gut inflammation
• Ranges:
• Normal: <3 mg CRP / L blood
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
• Elevated ESR may be indicative of inflammation
• Ranges:
• Normal:
• 0-22 mm/hr for men
• 0-29 mm/hr for women
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Should be in normal ranges
• Low values may suggest potential gastrointestinal blood loss
• Nutrient profiles
• Should be within normal laboratory ranges
• Deviations may be indicative of malabsorption or dietary deficiencies
• Urine Tests
• Intestinal permeability tests
• Measures urinary excretion of administered molecules like lactulose and mannitol
• Ideal ratio is around 0.01 lactulose to 0.03 mannitol
• Higher ratios can suggest increased intestinal permeability

Cordyceps Improving Gut Health

In Cordyceps Chronicles Episode 10, we did a breakdown of a 2022 study that looked at Cordyceps militaris improving the gut health in pigs. Why does this matter?

We broke down the similarities of pig eating habits and gut functionality to humans in the "Pig Study" section of our March 8, 2024 Bffd Blog post. In this section, we discuss how pigs are omnivorous like humans, break down food in a similar fashion to humans, and have an intestinal structure and microbiome that is similar to humans. This study found that Cordyceps militaris physically improved the intestinal structure and absorptive functions of the pig gut. In addition, this research found that ingesting Cordyceps militaris led to a more diverse and abundant gut bacteria population and lowered the colon pH levels in the pig.

Other studies looking at Cordyceps militaris and gut health

A recently published 2024 study continued to explore the effects of Cordyceps and cordycepin on the impact of gut health in pigs. In this research on piglets, Cordyceps militaris extract (CME) and cordycepin (CPN) (the signature compound of Cordyceps) was found to improve the structural integrity of the gut. CME and CPN were found to reduce oxidative stress by lowering gut-related inflammatory proteins, enhance gut microbiota composition by increasing beneficial bacteria and increasing butyrate levels, and improved the gene expression related to immune and inflammatory responses.

Mice/rat studies 

In Cordyceps Chronicles episode 7, we reviewed the effect that Cordyceps militaris extract may have on diabetes, oxidative stress, fat metabolism, and on the gut microbiome. Mice receiving Cordyceps militaris extract and cordycepin had more diverse gut bacteria. In addition, these mice had a greater balance between gut bacteria crucial for breaking down complex molecules and bacteria playing a role in energy extraction. This study also found that Cordyceps militaris improved biomarkers in mice associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.

This 2018 study focused specifically on the signature compound of Cordyceps -- cordycepin. The researchers here found data suggesting that cordycepin reduced fat accumulation around kidneys in obese rats. There was also data suggesting that cordycepin modified the composition of gut microbiota. Specifically, cordycepin appeared to increase the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes bacteria. 

Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes are two dominant bacterial groups in the human gut. Bacteroidetes are associated with a greater capacity to metabolize carbohydrates and fibers. Firmicutes are more efficient at extracting energy from the diet. A higher Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio is often associated with a leaner physique, better metabolic health, and a healthier gut. This ratio shift suggests that cordycepin may foster a microbial environment conducive to weight loss and improved metabolic health.

This 2022 study offers further insight into how polysaccharides derived from Cordyceps militaris can enhance gut health. Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides increased proteins crucial for maintaining the gut barrier, known as tight junction proteins. These proteins are crucial in preventing harmful substances from leaking from the gut into the bloodstream. Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides also increase the presence of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The mice taking Cordyceps militaris had a higher ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes. As mentioned before, a higher Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio is typically indicative of a healthier gut.

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In conclusion, research on Cordyceps militaris, primarily conducted in animal models, shows promising signs for enhancing gut health, though its effects in humans are yet to be fully established. Key takeaways include:

• Microbial Diversity: This fungus contributes to a richer and more varied gut bacteria population, creating a more favorable digestive environment.
• pH Balance: Studies show that Cordyceps militaris can alter gut pH levels to more optimal ranges for digestive health.
• Metabolic Health: Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide and cordycepin modify the gut microbiota to increase the Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio, which is often linked with leaner physique and better metabolic outcomes.
• Enhanced Gut Barrier: Polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris boost proteins that maintain the gut barrier, preventing the leakage of harmful substances into the bloodstream.

Does Cordyceps help with gut health? In mice and pigs -- it sure looks like it. However, this has yet to be fully flushed out in humans. Thank you to all the great researchers out there bringing light to what Cordyceps are capable of. 

All mistakes and missed citations are a fault of mine and mine alone.

Be your Best,

Johnny

References and Further Reading:

An, Y., Li, Y., Wang, X., Chen, Z., Xu, H., Wu, L., Li, S., Wang, C., Luan, W., Wang, X., Liu, M., Tang, X., & Yu, L. (2018). Cordycepin reduces weight through regulating gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. Lipids in Health and Disease, 17(1), Article 276. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-018-0909-6

Huang, R., Zhu, Z., Wu, S., Wang, J., Chen, M., Liu, W., Huang, A., Zhang, J., Wu, Q., & Ding, Y. (2022). Polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris prevent obesity in association with modulating gut microbiota and metabolites in high-fat diet-fed mice. Food Research International, 157, 111197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111197

Liu, X., Dun, M., Jian, T., Sun, Y., Wang, M., Zhang, G., & Ling, J. (2023). Cordyceps militaris extracts and cordycepin ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1134429

Xiong, Shijie, Jiajia Jiang, Fan Wan, Ding Tan, Haibo Zheng, Huiqin Xue, Yiqiong Hang, Yang Lu, and Yong Su. (2024). Cordyceps militaris Extract and Cordycepin Alleviate Oxidative Stress, Modulate Gut Microbiota and Ameliorate Intestinal Damage in LPS-Induced Piglets. Antioxidants 13, no. 4: 441. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13040441

Zheng, H., Cao, H., Zhang, D., Huang, J., Li, J., Wang, S., Lu, J., Li, X., Yang, G., & Shi, X. (2022). Cordyceps militaris Modulates Intestinal Barrier Function and Gut Microbiota in a Pig Model. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2022.810230

Cordyceps Chronicles Episode 7

Cordyceps Chronicles Episode 10

ChatGPT conversation

For those interested in exploring the scientific basis of cordyceps benefits further, reputable sources such as PubMed and Google Scholar offer a wealth of research articles and studies on the topic.

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