Every Friday, I break down the latest scientific findings on mushrooms and fungi in our weekly newsletter.
Here, I’ve compiled all of the latest research on cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris) – the “caterpillar fungus” that’s captivating researchers worldwide. From athletic performance studies to longevity research, here’s what science has uncovered about cordyceps, starting with our most recent findings.
Get shroomer news, stories, and more in your inbox
Sepsis research📓Cordyceps spphastherapeutic potential for sepsis treatment through its antioxidant/anti-inflammatory pathways and organ-protective effectsacross multiple vital systems (brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, heart). (Newsletter published: 1/3/25)
Dendritic cells debut🎥Ahot water extract from cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)has shown powerful immune-boosting effects by activating key immune cells called dendritic cells. This is thanks to a natural compound in the mushroom, 1,3-β-glucan, which works through a receptor called dectin-1. The extract increased immune signals like TNF-α by over 50 times (from 7.8 to 403.7 pg/mL), helping the body fight infections and stay healthy. (Newsletter published: 1/3/25)
Cordyceps & brown rice🍚Usingbrown rice as a substrate boostedCordyceps militarisyields by 313%, making it a cost-effective and sustainable way to grow this medicinal mushroom. (Newsletter published: 12/20/24)
A clean bill of health✅Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)and cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)extract powders,even at extremely high daily doses for 3 months, showed no harmful effectsin lab tests on rats. The mushrooms, grown under controlled conditions on organic oats, packed impressive levels of beneficial compounds – reishi contained 29% of the immune-boosting beta-glucans, while cordyceps had 37%, plus the energizing compound cordycepin. (Newsletter published: 11/1/24)
Fermented insects🐜Research shows that edible insects fermented withcordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)could help fight diabetes by promoting glucose absorption. The study examined six edible insects including silkworms and crickets, finding that the fermentation process increased protein content while decreasing carbohydrates. (Newsletter published: 11/25/24)
The cordyceps archives🍄Anew literature review of Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)reemphasizes its power in everyday health, potentially boosting athletic performance, heart health, and managing diabetes. From the research, two major highlights emerged: a 2017 study found it improved exercise tolerance; and a 2022 review of 19 studies with 1,805 patients showed it helped normalize heart rate in arrhythmia cases. (Newsletter published: 10/18/24)
Mushroom makeup💄Reishi (Ganoderma lucidim), cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), and lion’s mane (Heracium erinaceus)are beingincorporated into cosmetics for their anti-aging and skin-brightening properties, like reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production. A South Korean study of 28 mushroom species found ergothioneine levels ranging from 0.06 to 5.54 mg/g dry weight, with some species containing up to 10.65 mg/g. Research suggests mushroom extracts can potentially reduce hyperpigmentation, while also providing hydration and supporting overall skin health. (Newsletter published: 10/18/24)
Boost your yogurt🥄Cordyceps mushroom extract couldsupercharge your probiotic yogurt or supplements, a new study suggests. When combined with probiotic bacteria,Cordyceps militarishelped the good bugs stick together better, crowd out bad bacteria, and produce more health-boosting acids. The enhanced probiotic mix even slowed colon cancer cell growth in lab tests. (Newsletter published: 10/11/24)
Coming soon📗A new book,Advances in Cordyceps Research: Prospects and Avenues, set for release later this year,delves into the Cordyceps species, reviewing decades of research. With chapters on health benefits, habitat threats, and marketed products, it already looks like it’ll be an invaluable resource for cultivators and researchers. (Newsletter published: 9/27/24)
Mycelium in space🛰️Samples of lion’s mane, turkey’s tail, and cordyceps weresent to the International Space Station to study how mycelium grows in zero gravity. The mushrooms will return to Earth in the coming weeks, where they will be grown in lab conditions before being compared to a control group of mushrooms that have never left Earth. (Newsletter published: 8/30/24)
3, 2, 1…🚀Cordyceps sinensisshows potential inmodifying how cells self-destruct—a key in cancer treatments. Researchers are tackling challenges like identifying the correct species and inconsistent results, aiming to unlock this fungus’s full potential. (Newsletter published: 8/16/24)
Breathing easy🫁Cordyceps sinesiswas found toeffectively treat chronic bronchitisacross a broad range of patients in a landmark study conducted across several top Chinese medical institutions. This study has been provisionally accepted. (Newsletter published: 8/2/24)
Hot vs. cold🧊Cold water extracts of six medicinal fungi, including chaga and cordyceps, were found to bemore effective against breast and lung cancer cellscompared to heat-assisted extracts. For instance, the cold water extract of chaga had an IC50 of 701 µg/mL against lung cancer cells, highlighting its potential potency. (Newsletter published: 7/26/24)
Shroom mood 🎭Cordyceps militarisand Armillaria mellea are renowned for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Researchers found that a combination of the two speciesalleviated depressive behaviors in rats, paving the way for further studies on how these mushrooms could treat mood disorders. (Newsletter published: 5/30/24)
Cordyceps: the key to quick muscle recovery?🏋️♀️
Fungi are friends for fitness fiends 🚴♂️Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms have beenlong respected as an athletic booster— increasing energy levels, reducing inflammation, and improving overall endurance.A recent studyexplored those potential athletic benefits further and uncovered how cordyceps mushrooms are a phenomenal aid for muscle recovery.
- Faster muscle recovery⌚ Inflammation is a common response to muscle damage. The natural anti-inflammatory properties of cordyceps can help reduce damage, leading to quicker recovery and less soreness.
- New research👩🔬 A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study found that people treated with cordyceps before exercise had significantly faster healing times than the control group.
- How does it work?🤔 Cordyceps sinensis increases the activity and quantity of stem cells. These stem cells are responsible for muscle repair and regeneration.
- Not just speed🏃♀️ Researchers also discovered that cordyceps strengthened the structural integrity of the muscle fibers, thereby helping protect the muscles against future stress or injury.
- Optimization🔥 While this recent study’s findings are preliminary, the evidence is stacking up about cordyceps’ beneficial properties for workout recovery.Future targeted studies could help us find how to optimize cordyceps dosage and timing for the best effect on workout recovery. 👉️Read more about the latest research here. (Newsletter published: 5/14/24)
Mushroom pre-workout💪A recent study found that cordyceps mushrooms promote stem cell activity tospeed up muscle recoveryafter workouts. (Newsletter published: 5/10/24)
Cordyceps for endurance 🚣♀️In a Stetson University study, Cordyceps militaris mushrooms improved theendurance performance of NCAA rowersby significantly reducing how much oxygen their muscles consumed during exercise. (Newsletter published: 4/26/24)
Step aside tremella
Skincare that works🧴 A recent study unveiled the significant antioxidant capacity of a novel mixture derived from reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) extracts. Well-known for their therapeutic properties in ancient and modern texts, these medicinal mushrooms were combined to create a product that had astonishing results against oxidative stress.
- Oxidative what🫣 Oxidative stress is a condition where harmful molecules called free radicals build up in the body, leading to cell damage and contributing to diseases like cancer and heart disease.
- How it was made🧪 Prior to extraction, the mushrooms were cultivated under well-controlled conditions to ensure their consistency and quality.
- The results📊 The mixture contained 94 identified substances, including bioactive compounds like ferulic acid, ganoderic acid A, adenosine, and cordycepin, which significantly reduced cell death in human skin cells subjected to oxidative stress by 21 to 22 percent.
- The future🫀 This could lead to the development of new health supplements or medications for treating conditions associated with oxidative stress, like neurodegenerative diseases or heart problems.
- Skincare🥒 The mixture could even have topical applications in skincare, like anti-aging serums, antioxidant face creams, protective sunscreens, eye treatments, healing night masks. 👉️Read more. (Newsletter published: 3/27/24)
Mushrooms in the bedroom
The afternoon delight😏 Certain mushrooms are potent enhancers of sexual health and performance, backed by centuries of ancient wisdom and contemporary scientific research. Boost your libido, improve your fertility, improve erectile function, balance your hormones, what can’t mushrooms do? Here are four fungi to add to your stack.
- Cordyceps⚡️ Traditional Chinese Medicine treasures it for boosting vitality, with research suggesting its ability to enhance libido, sexual performance, and reproductive health in both genders through hormone modulation and circulatory health improvement.
- Reishi👑 Known as the “Magic Mushroom of the Bedroom,” studies on male rats show its potential to significantly increase sexual desire and testosterone levels, alongside its adaptogenic qualities that may aid in stress reduction and mood regulation.
- Chaga🪨 Esteemed for its role in elevating testosterone and stamina, with studies indicating its mechanism through the NOS pathway to support erectile function, showcasing its promise as a natural alternative for erectile dysfunction treatment.
- Truffles💋 Celebrated in Ancient Roman and Italian cultures for their sensuality and fertility-enhancing allure, attributed to compounds like androstenone that mimic human sex pheromones, potentially elevating sexual desire in women. 👉️Read more.(Newsletter published: 2/14/24)
Putting the “fun” in functional
The Viagras of the mushroom kingdom ⚡️Functional mushrooms have aphrodisiac qualities celebrated for centuries in cultures like China and Japan. From increasing sperm count to improving female fertility, mushrooms are appearing in more sexual health research. The star players? Cordyceps is known for increasing sex drive, and chaga has been associated with higher testosterone levels. One mushroom, however, carries the nickname “Magic Mushroom of the Bedroom,” and that’s Queen Reishi. Read more about mushrooms as aphrodisiacs. (Newsletter published: 9/17/23)
What is cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi comprising over 260 species worldwide. These fascinating organisms are known for their unique life cycle, which involves infecting and consuming insects. Two species of cordyceps are particularly notable:
- Cordyceps sinensis: Also known as “Dong Chong Xia Cao” (meaning “worm in winter, grass in summer”), this rare and expensive species grows on ghost moth larvae in high-altitude regions of the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas.
- Cordyceps militaris: This more common and commercially viable alternative can be cultivated in labs using rice as a base, making it more accessible and affordable.
Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, including respiratory problems, weak constitutions, and physical fatigue. Modern research is exploring its potential health benefits, which may include anti-fatigue, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties.
Read more about cordyceps’ uses, benefits, and histories.
Get shroomer news, stories, and more in your inbox