What is Himalayan Viagra?
Sections of the Blog
Ophiocordyceps sinensis - "Yarsagumba"
Himalayan Viagra Folklore
Ophiocordyceps sinensis versus Cordyceps militaris
Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Sexual Health
Sexual Health Research Data
Enjoy :)
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The species of Cordyceps found in the Himalayan region, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, also known as Yarsagumba, plays a fascinating dual role in its lifecycle. This fungus, which translates to "herb in the summer and insect in the winter," parasitizes the Yarsa caterpillar during the winter, emerging from its host in the summer to release spores after the caterpillar’s demise.
Some other names for Yarsagumba or the Cordyceps mushroom are mentioned in this table.
Himalayan Viagra Folklore
The legendary aphrodisiac properties of what's termed "Himalayan Viagra" or the "Himalayan Aphrodisiac" originate from ancient Himalayan folklore. Local herders observed that livestock grazing on Yarsagumba exhibited increased vigor in pursuing mates. Intrigued, the locals experimented themselves, experiencing enhanced energy, reduced fatigue, and improved libido. This anecdotal evidence contributed to its "Himalayan Viagra" nickname, further supported by research suggesting that Yarsagumba may reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and enhance oxygen utilization—traits that align well with its storied reputation.
An Emperor's physician during the Chinese Qing Dynasty (ruling from 1644 to 1912) used Yarsagumba along with other Traditional Chinese Medicines to develop powerful aphrodisiacs. The famous Tibetan doctor, Zurkhar Nyamnyi Dorje (1439-1475) mentions "Yartsa gunbu" (another name for the Ophiocordyceps sinensis we've been referring to) amoung the drugs that cure the rotsa ailments. Rotsa (or ro tsa) ailments are those concerning sexual virility. Traditional Sikkim folk healers recommended Yartsa gunbu for aphrodisiac use and to treat male and female sexual dysfunction.
Ophiocordyceps sinensis versus Cordyceps militaris
When we refer to "Himalayan Viagra," we are specifically talking about Ophiocordyceps sinensis. However, at Bffd, we cultivate Cordyceps militaris, which is commonly used in supplements. Both species share about 70-80% of their active ingredients, such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, and sterols, which contribute to their therapeutic effects. Notable differences include:
- Cordyceps militaris typically has higher levels of cordycepin and certain vitamins, likely due to its cultivation methods.
- Ophiocordyceps sinensis may contain unique peptides from its growth on caterpillar hosts.
While the following research discussions will focus on Ophiocordyceps sinensis, it's reasonable to extend many of these findings to Cordyceps militaris due to their similar properties. Keep in mind that despite these similarities, they are distinct species.
Ophiocordyceps Sinensis and Sexual Health
Ophiocordyceps sinensis, often called "Himalayan Viagra," is renowned not just for its unique lifecycle but also for its traditional use in boosting sexual health. This medicinal mushroom has been shown to potentially enhance libido, improve sexual performance, and aid in reproductive function restoration in both sexes.
Scientific Insights (from Pharmacognosy Review article):
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Libido and Performance: Research suggests that Ophiocordyceps sinensis can enhance sexual desire and performance. This is thought to be due to its effects on hormone levels and blood flow, which are crucial for healthy sexual functioning.
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Hormonal Influence: The fungus has been found to stimulate steroid production in various cell studies, which may help in balancing hormones that influence sexual health.
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Fertility Improvements: Clinical studies have indicated that supplements of this fungus could improve sperm count and reduce malformations, enhancing male fertility. Similarly, it may affect hormone levels in women, supporting better reproductive health.
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Mechanisms of Action: The fungus is believed to act on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis, which is pivotal in regulating sexual behavior and function. Additionally, compounds like cordycepin in the fungus are noted for their role in hormone regulation and reproductive health.
This mushroom's combination of historical use and modern scientific research supports its potential as a natural treatment for various aspects of sexual dysfunction, making it a significant topic of interest for those exploring natural health remedies.
Himalayan Viagra Data from Research
Other studies report that Cordyceps can assist with blood vessel dilation and blood flow -- also leading to enhanced sexual health. Cordyceps have long been used to treat male impotence (erectile dysfunction) and other types of sexual dysfunction in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Data from The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Article
Several placebo-controlled clinical studies were performed in the early to mid 1990s looking what effect a cultivated Cordyceps sinensis supplement known as Cs-4 may have on decreased libido, impotence, sex hormones, and other sexual functionalities.
Table 9 from this paper (to the right) shows Cs-4 providing a significant subjective improvement of people experiencing hyposexuality (lack of sexual desire) from different double-blind studies. In each study, around 64-66% of those taking the Cs-4 supplement experienced subjective improvements in sexual desire while the placebo groups only saw around a 23-24% improvement.
Other sexual dysfunctions that Cordyceps sinensis appeared to improve are:
- Male
- Impotence - the inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse.
- Prospermia - Also known as premature ejaculation
- Emission - The phase in male ejaculation process during which semen is deposited into the posterior urethra
- Hypolibidinal - Reduced libido or sex drive.
- Female
- Hypolibidinal - Reduced libido or sex drive.
- Menoxenia - Irregular menstrual cycles
- Hypoleukorrhagia - Reduced or scanty menstrual flow
- Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Yarsagumba) vs. Cordyceps militaris
- Ophiocordyceps sinensis is traditionally known as "Himalayan Viagra"
- Cordyceps militaris, which is cultivated at Bffd, shares about 70-80% of its bioactive compounds.
- Aphrodisiac Properties
- Historical observations from Himalayan folklore describe livestock that consumed Yarsagumba exhibiting increased sexual activity
- Locals decided to try it themselves and reported enhanced vitality and libido.
- Scientific Research
- Studies suggest that Ophiocordyceps sinensis can improve sexual function by enhancing libido, increasing sperm count, and improving blood flow, aligning with its traditional uses.
- Cultural and Historical Usage
- Yarsagumba was historically used by local healers in Sikkim, India and is revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Yarsagumba was developed into aphrodisiacs by an emperor's physician during the Qing Dynasty.
This was a fun article to write! Now you know what people are talking about when somebody says "Himalayan Viagra" or the "Himalayan Aphrodisiac". How cool!
All mistakes and missed citations from this article are a fault of mine and mine alone.
Be your best,
Johnny
References and Further Reading
Karki, S., & Schaffner, J. Yarsagumba: The Quest for Himalayan Viagra. Retrieved from https://www.theadventuremedic.com/features/yarsagumba-the-quest-for-himalayan-viagra/
Jiraungkoorskul, K., & Jiraungkoorskul, W. (2016). Review of Naturopathy of Medical Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, in Sexual Dysfunction. Pharmacognosy reviews, 10(19), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.176566
Panda, Ashok. (2010). Tracing Historical Perspective of Cordyceps sinensis - An Aphrodisiac in Sikkim Himalaya. Indian Journal of History of Science, 45.2 (2010) 189-198. 45. 189-198.
Zhu, Jia-Shi & Halpern, Georges & Jones, Kenneth. (1998). The Scientific Rediscovery of an Ancient Chinese Herbal Medicine: Cordyceps sinensis Part I. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). 4. 289-303. 10.1089/acm.1998.4.3-289. (link)
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.
Stay up to date with Bffd Cordyceps Research on our YouTube Channel, Instagram and website.
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