What Does Scientific Research Reveal About the Health Advantages of Cordyceps?

On a sunny September 8, 1993, 20-year-old Wang Junxia stepped onto the track at Beijing Workers' Stadium for the 10,000-meter race during the National Games of China. In the preceding months, she had already secured her reputation as Asia's fastest female marathoner, set a national record in the 3000-meter event at the Chinese National Championships, and claimed a world title in the 10,000-meter race.

However, this particular 10,000-meter race in 1993 would not only cement the cross-country star's place in history but also spark global curiosity about a relatively obscure fungus: cordyceps.

Wang surged ahead of the other runners early in the race, not only keeping her lead but also increasing her speed with every lap. Her strides grew longer, and her pace accelerated. She seemed to run with such ease that she hardly sweated. When Wang finished the race in 29 minutes and 31 seconds, she looked as fresh as if she could immediately run another 10,000 meters, as noted by a sports commentator. Shortly after, Wang jogged down the track, waving the Chinese flag, while her competitors struggled to finish, trailing several seconds behind.

At that moment, Wang achieved something no other woman had ever done: she completed 10,000 meters in under 30 minutes, setting a World Record that remained unbroken for 23 years. When questioned about the young runner's success, her coach, Ma Junren, attributed it to Wang's regular intake of a cordyceps-based tonic.

What Are Cordyceps?

Cordyceps are not technically mushrooms but a form of parasitic fungus. Over 400 species exist, thriving in various regions worldwide, particularly in Asia, as well as in Bolivia, Peru, and the United States. These fungi are commonly found in tropical rainforests.

The specific type reportedly consumed by Wang during her training, which was credited for enhancing her athletic performance, belongs to a species formerly called Cordyceps sinensis, now scientifically referred to as Ophicordyceps sinensis or O. sinensis. This species is naturally found in China, Nepal, Tibet, and India.

O. sinensis is an entomopathogenic fungus, meaning it thrives by growing on insects. Specifically, this species develops on the caterpillar of the Thitarodes ghost moth, which inhabits elevations exceeding 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The fungal spores attach to the caterpillar and gradually consume its body. As the larvae begins to die, it burrows into the ground. The fungus then grows, producing a small beige-orange shoot, or fruiting body, that emerges from the soil. Harvesting begins in late May, using pickaxes to carefully unearth clumps of dirt. O. sinensis is highly valuable, but specimens with the caterpillar still attached command significantly higher prices than those without.

These unique fungi have earned several nicknames. In Tibet, they are called "yartsa gunbu," meaning "summer grass, winter worm," reflecting the intact state of the larva and fungus. In Nepal, they are known as keera jhar, or insect herb. Since the fungus must consume its host to grow, it is also referred to as "caterpillar fungus" and, more informally, "zombie fungus."

What's the Health Hype?

Locals were initially drawn to cordyceps because of yaks. Centuries ago, herders in Nepal observed their yaks becoming more energetic and aggressive during mating season after grazing on fresh spring grasses at higher elevations.

Intrigued by the newfound vigor in their cattle, the herdsmen inspected the yaks' diet and noticed the fruiting bodies of O. sinensis emerging through the grass. Adopting the mindset of what's good for the goose is good for the gander, some daring herdsmen tried the fungus themselves. Pleased with the results, they began harvesting it for its reputed aphrodisiac properties.

The first known reference to its medicinal use appears in a 15th-century Tibetan text, which hails O. sinensis as "the most marvelous of all pleasures." Initially employed in traditional Chinese medicine to promote longevity and address erectile dysfunction, it has since been embraced by traditional healers to treat up to 21 different conditions, ranging from cancer and tuberculosis to colds and jaundice.

Cordyceps contain cordycepin, an active compound known for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The fungus is thought to improve oxygen utilization and enhance blood circulation, potentially boosting athletic performance and contributing to Wang's remarkable achievements.

Wang's performance at the National Games significantly boosted the fungus's popularity. However, during the 2003 SARS outbreak, O. sinensis was promoted as a remedy, causing sales and prices to skyrocket. Today, it can fetch up to $20,000 per kilogram, according to Realmushrooms.com, making it the world's most expensive fungus.

Know What's in Your Supplement

A simple Google search reveals numerous "Cordyceps supplements" available as tinctures, powders, pills, and teas. While these may contain cordycepin, the active compound found in O. sinensis, they are likely not derived from wild O. sinensis fungi. This is mainly due to the exorbitant cost of wild O. sinensis.

As demand surged in the 1980s, Chinese scientists and supplement producers developed methods to cultivate cordyceps anamorphs, which are essentially mycelium (the source of cordycepin) that do not form fruiting bodies. These anamorphs, referred to as cordyceps Cs-4, have been shown to be comparable to wild O. sinensis.

"While these are distinct organisms, not even in the same family, they share some active ingredients," explains ethno-mycologist Daniel Winkler of Mushroaming.com via email. In 2007, Cordyceps sinensis and several other cordyceps species were reclassified from the genus Cordyceps to Ophiocordyceps. "If you purchase Ophiocordyceps sinensis in a Western supplement store, these products typically contain Paecilomyces sinensis, a related fungus found within wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis."

"Most medical studies have utilized the Cs-4 strain (cordyceps sinensis strain No. 4)," Winkler notes, adding that the results have been promising. "However, recent DNA analysis has shown that this strain is not identical to Ophiocordyceps sinensis."

In the United States, certain manufacturers have devised methods to cultivate cordyceps on grain, known as cordyceps militaris. From this, they produce cordyceps mushroom extracts marketed for health benefits similar to those of O. sinensis.

Research has shown that the species cordyceps militaris exhibits anti-fatigue effects in mice. Additional studies, also conducted on mice, revealed that extracts of cordyceps sinensis and cordyceps militaris enhanced brain function and increased antioxidative enzyme activity, potentially combating age-related cell damage. Cordyceps sinensis also improved sexual function in castrated rats. However, further studies are needed to determine if these effects apply to humans.

Other studies highlight the challenge of accurately measuring the amount of mycelium or cordycepin in cordyceps militaris. Some supplements containing cordyceps militaris misleadingly promote their products by referencing cordyceps Cs-4 research.

Limited government oversight of supplements further complicates matters, making it hard for consumers to verify if the products they purchase contain the active ingredients or dosages stated on the label. In short, thorough research is essential to ensure a supplement's authenticity and reliability.

It’s worth noting that while Wang Junxia’s 1993 athletic achievements may have been influenced by her use of caterpillar fungus, other factors could have played a role. In 2016, she admitted to being part of a Chinese state-sponsored doping regime during her record-breaking running season.