What does cordyceps do to your body?
Isn't it wild? These are two harvested and freeze dried cordyceps militaris mushrooms. It almost doesn't look natural... look at how bright and orange it is. It begs the question, what could this fungus possibly do to your body after ingestion?
If you caught last week's blog, you're aware of the digestive challenges mushrooms present, primarily due to chitin in their cell walls. Once the compounds in this orange little delight are absorbed, what happens? What can I expect? What is cordyceps doing to my body? Here's an unfortunate spoiler...despite what the thumbnail image for this article suggests, cordyceps does NOT turn your eyes orange.
The Cordyceps Chronicles
At Bffd, diving into this question is what we love. We love it so much we regularly report on research looking at the potential effects of cordyceps. We call this "The Cordyceps Chronicles". You can stay up to date with what we find by following us on Instagram or by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Let's take a look at some data from these studies.
Before we start it is important to note that we are NOT saying our cordyceps products (or any cordyceps product) cause any of these effects. As we'll get into below, these Cordyceps Chronicles articles cover research using cordyceps in different dosages, different forms, and in different organisms. How cordyceps interacts with the human body, specifically YOUR human body, is a complicated process with many factors contributing to what effects take place. The aim with this blog post is to cover research on the potential of cordyceps, go over some anecdotes from people who have used cordyceps and what they've felt, and to allow the reader to place an educated guess on what effects could be happening upon ingestion of cordyceps.
Cordyceps Chronicles Breakdown
As of March 8, 2024, we have 13 Cordyceps Chronicles episodes broken down as follows:
Review article on several studies/effects related to cordyceps: Episodes 1, 2, 3
Cordyceps study with humans as subjects: Episode 4, 12
Cordyceps study with mice/rats as subjects: Episode 6, 7, 9, 11
Cordyceps study with pigs as subjects: Episode 10
Cordyceps In vitro (outside an organism) study: Episode 5, 8, 13
All episodes are available on our YouTube channel and on our website.
Since we are humans, lets first look at the effects that cordyceps miltaris had with human participants from the articles we reviewed in episodes 4 and 12.
Human Studies
Episode 4 - Cordyceps Militaris Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Findings: In this episode, scientists delve into how cordyceps militaris interacts with the body's internal messaging system. Cytokines -- tiny proteins that act as messengers in the body -- were measured using blood samples from volunteers. The results? Cordyceps militaris may be able to calm these messengers down when they're too active. When cytokines are overly active, it can lead to excessive inflammation and disorders that stem from excessive inflammation. These results suggest that cordyceps militaris may assist in keeping the body's inflammatory response in check.
Episode 12 - Cordyceps Militaris Boosts Immunity
Findings: This was a 4-week single center, randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. The gold standard for clinical trials. The groups receiving two doses of cordyceps militaris daily had a statistically significant increase in their body's natural killer cell activity, an increase in messenger proteins associated with the body's immune response, and an increase in the multiplication rate of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells critical in the immune response compared to the control group after four weeks. The data from this experiment suggest that cordyceps militaris boosts immune system functionality after being taken consistently over time.
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Interesting...so in some cases, cordyceps seems to downregulate cytokines and in other cases, cordyceps seems to upregulate cytokines. This effect was also discussed in Episode 1 where cordycepin (the signature bio-compound of cordyceps) appears to be able to boost or suppress bodily functions depending on what is needed. Wild! It's almost as wild as how vibrant and orange the color of these mushrooms are.
In vitro studies
The studies we just detailed are "In Vivo" studies. "In Vivo" is a Latin derived phrase meaning "within the living".
Any experiment that uses a living organism (humans, insects, mice, plants, pigs, etc.) to conduct research on the effect of a substance is an In Vivo study. "In Vitro", deriving from the Latin phrase, "in glass", are studies involving components isolated from living organisms. This allows researchers to examine effects of certain compounds on a biological component in a more controlled setting.
Think of In Vitro studies as experiments where biological elements, like cells or tissues, are placed in a petri dish or test tube. Then, various substances are introduced so the effects can be noted in a highly controlled environment. These studies assist in understanding how compounds behave at a cellular level. The classic "brain in a vat" would be an example of an "In Vitro" study. Let's look at some of the in vitro tests we've covered in Cordyceps Chronicles and the data it yielded.
Episode 8 - Cordyceps Militaris Extracts Exhibit Antioxidant and Antibacterial Effects
Antioxidant Findings: Phenolic and flavonoid content of aqueous and ethanolic cordyceps militaris extracts were determined. Phenolic and flavonoid compounds are typically plant based compounds known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and heart health promoting effects. The unit to measure phenolic content is GAE/g or Gallic Acid Equivalents per gram*. The unit to measure flavonoid content is QAE/g or Quercetin Acid Equivalents per gram**.
*Gallic Acid is typically the standard used to quantify phenolic or antioxidant properties in samples
**Quercetin is typically the standard used to quantify flavonoid content in samples
Here are some foods known to be high in antioxidants and their phenolic content GAE/g measures (all weights are dry weights):
- Blueberries: 2.4 - 9.2 mg GAE/g
- Blackberries: 1.2 - 5.3 mg GAE/g
- Strawberries: 0.6 - 4.6 mg GAE/g
- Walnuts: 0.2 - 3.5 mg GAE/g
- Pecans: 1.5 - 17.1 mg GAE/g
- Green Tea: 100 - 800 mg GAE/g
- Black Tea: 80 - 560 mg GAE/g
- Cloves: 15 - 30 mg GAE/g
- Cinnamon: 2.6 - 7.0 mg GAE/g
- Cordyceps Militaris Ethanolic Extract: ~29 mg GAE/g
- Cordyceps Militaris Aqueous Extract: ~49 mg GAE/g
This study reported ethanolic cordyceps militaris fruiting body extracts to have around a 29 mg GAE/g measure and aqueous cordyceps militaris fruiting body extracts to have around a 49 mg GAE/g measure.
Here are some foods known to be high in flavonoids and their flavonoid content QAE/g:
- Red Onion: 0.4 - 0.5 mg QAE/g (fresh weight)
- Kale: 0.2 - 2.7 mg QAE/g (fresh weight)
- Apple Peel: 2.0 - 4.5 mg QAE/g (dry weight)
- Cocoa Powder: 2.0 - 7.5 mg QAE/g (dry weight)
- Cordyceps Militaris Ethanolic Extract: ~7.5 mg QAE/g
- Cordyceps Militaris Aqueous Extract: ~10.5 mg QAE/g
This study reported ethanolic cordyceps militaris fruiting body extracts to have around a 7.5 mg QAE/g measure and aqueous cordyceps militaris fruiting body extracts to have around a 10.5 mg QAE/g measure.
Fascinating! Looking at how cordyceps militaris extracts compare to other antioxidant and flavonoid rich foods, cordyceps militaris is coming out drastically ahead (with the exception of certain teas). This suggests cordyceps militaris could have a significant antioxidant effect on the body, contributing to health benefits such as reduced inflammation and enhanced heart health.
Understanding the bioavailability of these antioxidants when consumed is also crucial. We'll look more at this shortly. First, let's look at the antibacterial effects of cordyceps militaris extracts from this study.
Antibacterial Findings: Aqueous and ethanolic cordyceps militaris extracts proved to have antibacterial effects against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other types of bacteria. Two methods to test the antibacterial efficacy of a substance are the agar well diffusion method and timing how long it takes for a substance to completely kill off bacteria.
With the agar well diffusion method, the larger the measurement of the inhibition zone (measured in millimeters), the stronger the antibacterial effect of the measured substance is. This study used doxycycline as a control substance because it is known to have antibacterial properties against MRSA. The results of doxycycline and other substances known to have antibacterial effects against MRSA are reported below. The reported agar well diffusion method results and time to completely kill the MRSA bacteria are:
- Doxycycline (from this study): ~25mm -- 12 hours to kill off MRSA
- Vancomycin (outside this study): 15-20mm -- 24-48 hours to kill off MRSA
- Linezolid (outside this study): 12-18mm -- 24 hours to kill off MRSA
- Daptomycin (outside this study): 18-25mm -- 24 hours to kill off MRSA
- Tea Tree Oil (outside this study): 10-40mm -- Within 3 hours to kill off MRSA
- Manuka Honey (outside this study): 10-20mm -- 24-48 hours to kill off MRSA
- Cordyceps Militaris Ethanolic Extract (from this study): ~19mm -- 6 hours to kill off MRSA
- Cordyceps Militaris Aqueous Extract (from this study): ~20mm -- 12 hours to kill off MRSA
This study reports cordyceps militaris fruiting body aqueous extracts having around a 20mm in the agar well diffusion result and the ethanolic extract having around a 19mm result in the agar well diffusion test. In the reported time to kill MRSA, the aqueous extract killed MRSA in around 12 hours and the ethanolic extract killed MRSA in around 6 hours.
Fascinating insights once again! This study suggests that the antibacterial effects of cordyceps militaris extracts against MRSA might rival, or even surpass, those of well-known MRSA killers. These results place cordyceps extracts in the same league as, if not better than, traditional antibiotics like doxycycline and vancomycin, at least in laboratory settings.
However, a crucial question remains: How can we tell if these effects translate from the petri dish to the person? The bioavailability of cordyceps militaris extracts—how well the body can absorb and use them—plays a significant role in their potential to have effects on the human body.
Last week's blog detailed the bioavailability advantages of taking your cordyceps in tincture form. Tinctures allow compounds to bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream directly. What if the cordyceps you take does pass through your digestive system? Do we have an idea about the absorption rate? Lets look at a study we reviewed researching the bioavailability of cordyceps compounds after simulated digestion.
Episode 5 - Bioavailability of Cordyceps Compounds After Simulated Digestion
Findings: Several compounds found in cordyceps militaris including calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, ergosterol, and cordycepin were tested in cordyceps supplements both before and after simulated digestion. Let's hone in on cordycepin as this is the signature compound found in cordyceps. After simulated digestion in the stomach, there were undetectable amounts of cordycepin in the samples. This suggests that nearly all the cordycepin would either be absorbed into the body or degraded after cordyceps passes through the stomach.
This study was featured in episode 5 of the Cordyceps Chronicles
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Okay, it seems as though your body is able to absorb cordyceps, even if it enters your digestive system. What else can it do? I heard somewhere that your gut is connected to everything...does cordyceps have an impact on gut health?
Pig Study
Episode 10 - Cordyceps Militaris Improves Gut Health
Let's explore how cordyceps militaris might benefit our gut health, stepping into a study that's a bit different from the rest. This time, we're not focusing on humans or petri dish experiments.
We're looking at pigs.
Why use pigs?
When it comes to eating habits and gut health, pigs are a lot like us. They are omnivorous, their stomachs work similarly to ours in breaking down food, and their intestines and microbiome are quite similar to ours. Because of these similarities, studying pigs can give insights into how cordyceps militaris might affect our own gut health.
Findings: Cordyceps militaris was found to physically improve the intestinal structure and absorptive functions of the pig gut. It improved the expression of tight junction proteins, goblet cells, and other proteins/compounds that play a crucial role in the structure and permeability of the intestinal barrier. It was also found that pigs in the cordyceps militaris group had a more diverse and abundant gut bacteria population. The pigs taking cordyceps militaris also had slightly lower pH levels in the colon. A lower (or more acidic) pH level in the colon can inhibit harmful bacteria and can be associated with a healthier gut environment. The bar chart of the tight junction protein results are below.
How interesting. Who would of thought...the pig digestive system is similar to ours! Who would of thought...cordyceps militaris can have such an impact on the gut of pigs.
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Let's recap. In human studies, cordyceps militaris seemed to reduce certain inflammatory markers while boosting immune cells and protein markers linked to the body's immune defense. The in vitro studies revealed that cordyceps contains a significant amount of antioxidant compounds and exhibits strong antibacterial properties. Additionally, a study on simulated digestion indicated that cordycepin, a key compound in cordyceps, may be well absorbed by the body even when taken orally. Finally, the study on pigs showed that cordyceps can potentially boost gut and digestive health.
Our Experiences with Cordyceps
We've covered some cordyceps research, but how does it translate into real-life experiences? We've been working with cordyceps for about two years. In this timeframe, we gathered feedback from those who've tried cordyceps. Here's a glimpse into some common insights.
Energized Without the Edge: The most echoed sentiment? A boost in energy. Many compare it to the boost they get from coffee but without the jitteriness or the afternoon slump. It's a kind of sustained energy that carries them through the day without being wiped out by day's end. People also say they feel better overall after taking cordyceps consistently with their daily regimen.
Mental Clarity and Workout Whispers: Some have described feeling a mental clarity, offering increased focus throughout their day. The impact on exercise seems to be more nuanced. While some have noticed an increase in prolonged endurance performance, others find no significant change in their exercise, particularly with short-burst activities. Interestingly, we had one report of an unexpected side effect: a diminished craving for nicotine.
Nighttime Narratives: There were those who found that cordyceps provided some sleep-inducing effects. We've received the rare feedback that people slept better after taking cordyceps later in the day. A curious contradiction to its energizing reputation.
The Flip Side: Our journey hasn't uncovered tales of adverse reactions, aside from the occasional dry mouth, mild allergies, or digestive discomfort. Most of the disappointment we've received stems from expectations not fully met rather than negative health impacts.
Your Cordyceps Chapter: So, what does cordyceps do to your body? The answer is as individual as you are. If you're curious, consider embarking on your own cordyceps journey. Just remember to keep track of your own experiences so you can share them with us! As always, consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen is a wise step, especially if you have existing health concerns or are on medication.
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Thank you for joining us on this exploration through the fascinating world of cordyceps and its potential impact on our bodies. We hope the insights and stories shared have sparked your curiosity about this powerful fungi.
If you're interested in trying cordyceps for yourself, we're proud to offer high-quality tinctures crafted from cordyceps militaris grown at our Hummelstown, PA facilities. We are committed to producing the highest quality cordyceps through our constantly improving grow-processes using data-backed best practices. To ensure the highest quality cordyceps tinctures, we partner with the concentrate-based extraction company MMM-Labs, who do all Bffd extractions ensuring our customers receive the highest quality product possible.
We also understand the importance of choice. Should you decide to explore cordyceps from other sources, we encourage seeking out tinctures made from domestically sourced cordyceps militaris for their enhanced bioavailability—a topic we covered in last week's blog.
In creating this blog post, I used prior Cordyceps Chronicles Episodes (listed in references), a conversation with ChatGPT, the MidJourney AI Art generator, prior knowledge of cordyceps, and prior conversations I've had with people about cordyceps. Any missed citations, mistakes made in the article, misrepresentations of the truth, are mistakes of me and me alone. The point of this article was to provide an answer/evidence for an answer to the best of my current ability to the question "what does cordyceps do to your body?"
Much love and be your best,
Johnny
References and Further Reading
Conversation with ChatGPT to assist with this article located here
This is where I received the data on antioxidant and antibacterial numbers of the non-cordyceps substances that were not mentioned in this study.
Cordyceps Chronicles Episodes:
Episode 4: Cordyceps Militaris Anti-Inflammatory Effect - YouTube Video
Episode 5: Bioavailability of Cordyceps Compounds After Simulated Digestion - YouTube Video
Episode 8: Cordyceps Militaris Extracts Exhibit Antioxidant and Antibacterial Effect - YouTube Video
Episode 10: Cordyceps Militaris Improves Gut Health - YouTube Video
Episode 12: Cordyceps Militaris Boosts Immunity - YouTube Video
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.
Also, stay up to date with Bffd Cordyceps Research on our YouTube Channel and on our website
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