Cordyceps (Cordyceps Sinensis)
Benefits of Cordyceps
- Energy
- Physical endurance
- From: Throughout Asia
- Form: Extract
- Food source: Fungi
What is Cordyceps?
Cordyceps is the name for a group of fungi found throughout Asia. It might sound strange to think of fungi as a supplement, but Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. And our bodies already host many different fungi as part of our 'gut microbiome', the ecosystem of microorganisms in our digestive system. Cordyceps is traditionally classed as an adaptogen.
What does the research say about Cordyceps?
Cordyceps has been studied for its effects on the body's stress response, physical endurance and energy. Researchers are interested in its relationship with the system linking the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. It also appears in a review of natural compounds studied in relation to fatigue. One preliminary study looked at Cordyceps alongside endurance training, in combination with other adaptogens such as Rhodiola.
We've also surveyed more than 200 people about stress. Discover '6 big signs of stress' and you may enjoy reading 'Foods to help support energy and reduce stress'.
Why it's in Stay Calm®
Cordyceps is known for its ability to enhance resilience to physical and mental stress, support calmness, energy balance, and overall wellbeing by modulating the body’s stress response mechanisms.
Regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis: Cordyceps helps normalise the HPA axis, which is often dysregulated in chronic stress. It reduces excessive cortisol production, preventing the adverse effects of prolonged cortisol on the body and mind. The process by which Cordyceps stimulates hormone production is different from the typical pathway activated by ACTH (a hormone from the pituitary gland). Instead of increasing cAMP (a messenger molecule normally involved in ACTH signalling), Cordyceps activates a protein called PKC (protein kinase C), which is essential for its effect. This was confirmed because a PKC inhibitor completely blocked the stimulation of corticosteroid production.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Rich in bioactive compounds like cordycepin and polysaccharides, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by chronic stress. Protects neural and endocrine tissues from stress-related damage.1
Why it's in Protein & Creatine Superblend
Cordyceps contains cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine) and other bioactive compounds that stimulate ATP production by increasing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and improve the efficiency of oxygen utilisation, particularly during aerobic activity. This action can provide benefit to both athletes and older individuals who struggle with muscle fatigue.
Improved exercise performance: Cordyceps can improve VO2 max, time to exhaustion and increase the lactate threshold. In one study, healthy older adults taking Cordyceps CS-4 extract experienced improved exercise tolerance and respiratory efficiency over 6 weeks.2
Reduction of fatigue and oxidative stress: Cordyceps has powerful antioxidant properties and reduces lipid peroxidation in the muscles. It also supports the activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, and through reducing inflammation, reduces muscle soreness post exercise.3 Muscle maintenance: Cordyceps helps to preserve lean muscle mass and prevent muscle breakdown via AMPK and mTOR modulation.4 Neuromuscular coordination and fatigue resistance: Cordyceps may influence central fatigue through modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters (e.g. dopamine and serotonin) and anti-inflammatory action in the CNS. This could benefit individuals with neuromuscular fatigue or post-viral fatigue syndromes.5
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