Cordyceps is a well-known product in the Chinese market. The seller suggests using it as a natural supplement that has a positive effect on the human body. What kind of mushroom is cordyceps, and what is it used for?
Miracle mushroom: features
The one-sided fungus Cordyceps chooses a favorable environment as a habitat, often settling on caterpillars of butterflies, flies and ants. Getting on the insect-skinned villi, the spores of cordyceps begin to germinate, taking roots inside the victim’s body. Parasitization occurs until the mycelial hyphae reach maturity. A developed fungus is several times larger than the size of its host, which, as the fungus grows, loses its vitality and eventually dies.
Useful properties of the mushroom
Cordyceps has long been known in Asian countries as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. For centuries, this mushroom has been used to treat:
- oncology;
- diabetes
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- asthma and bronchitis;
- renal failure;
- liver disease.
The useful properties of cordyceps are not limited to this, therefore, the tool is recognized as traditional and successfully used in Chinese medicine even today.
Antioxidant properties of the fungus
Clinical studies have confirmed that cordyceps is one-sided and has a powerful antioxidant property. In the study, polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds were identified from the composition of cordyceps that exhibit absorbing activity against oxidizing agents: linoleic acid, hydrogen peroxide, anion superoxide, etc. Scientists claim that these components protect the human body from free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory effect of cordyceps
The dried cordyceps mushrooms are ground into powder, which is further used for the production of drugs. The use of cordyceps extract clearly demonstrates the inhibitory properties with respect to the generation of superoxide anion and the release of elastase. This property only emphasizes the possibility of using the powder as an anti-inflammatory agent.
The use of the fungus in the fight against bronchial asthma
Cordyceps, whose beneficial properties are clinically proven, has been successfully used in medicine for the treatment of various kinds of respiratory diseases. The peculiarity of the fungus lies in its unique property: oxygen absorption in the body, which helps to improve respiratory processes.
Scientists discovered this property of cordyceps in September 2001, and their discovery was confirmed by the publication of the results of the study in the journal China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica. It was found that when a bronchial provocative test was administered to rats, cordyceps significantly reduced the response and stimulated antigen production: the induced growth of eosinophils. After a series of studies, it was possible to establish that cordyceps fungus powder can be used as an alternative agent for the prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma.
Immunomodulator - Cordyceps
Cordyceps one-sided well improves the functioning of the immune system, increases stamina and helps to renew vitality.
Studies conducted in 2011 showed that the fungus is capable of potential regulation of the body's immune response. Scientists have noticed that the one-sided polysaccharides isolated from the fruit body of Cordyceps are able to elicit an immune response in the body. After examining cells in macrophages, the assumption was confirmed. The first tests were carried out on mice, and as a result, it was possible to find out that the immunostimulatory properties of rodents were activated.
Possible contraindications for use
The effect of cordyceps on the human body has been investigated incompletely to date. Like any other remedy, cordyceps has beneficial properties and contraindications. Following the recommendations and adhering to the dosage, you can undergo a course of safe therapy without complications and side effects.
Scientists do not know the true mechanism of the effect of the fungus on the body. Therefore, it is impossible to confirm or refute the opinion about the safety of cordyceps for pregnant and lactating women. To avoid possible negative reactions, it is not recommended to use one-sided cordyceps in this state.
Also, direct contraindications include autoimmune diseases:
- multiple atherosclerosis;
- lupus erythematosus;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- other diseases of the autoimmune group.
In addition, interacting with immunosuppressants of the cyclophosphamide group, the drug can cause allergic reactions and disorders of the immune system.
Scientists are confident that in the future, the amazing fungus cordyceps, whose properties are not yet fully discovered, will become a panacea for all diseases.