Cordyceps C
Contradictory data: one study showed benefit, another showed absence of effect
Citable fact
«Cordyceps» — evidence level C. Dosage: In a positive study - 4 g/day of a mushroom blend with C. militaris (1 and 3 weeks). In a negative one - 3 g/day of C. sinensis (CordyMax Cs-4) for 5 weeks. There is no single effective dose. Source: PMID 27408987, permanent link to the source in the list below.
How it works
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris) contains cordycepin and polysaccharides. An effect on oxygen utilization and adenosine receptors is discussed; there is no reproducible mechanism in humans.
Dosage and intake
In a positive study - 4 g/day of a mushroom blend with C. militaris (1 and 3 weeks). In a negative one - 3 g/day of C. sinensis (CordyMax Cs-4) for 5 weeks. There is no single effective dose.
In the studies - daily, for a course of 1 to 5 weeks. There are no data on the time of intake during the day.
Forms
Mycelium extract or fruiting body powder; species and strains differ, and standardization by cordycepin is usually absent. Some products are mycelium grown on grain.
What is confirmed
- In one RCT, 3 weeks of 4 g/day improved VO2max and time to exhaustion
- In the same study, an increase in time to exhaustion was noted after just one week of intake
- Tolerability in the studies was good
Adverse effects and limitations
- In another RCT, 5 weeks of 3 g/day produced no changes in either aerobic capacity or race result
- Species, strains and doses differ, so the studies cannot be compared directly
- There is no standardization by active substances, and the composition of products is inconsistent
- There are practically no data on the effect on strength and body composition
Interactions
- Isolated cases of enhanced antiplatelet action have been described; clinical data are scarce
- Interactions with immunosuppressants and drugs metabolized through cytochrome P450 are possible, but they have not been studied
Who must not use it
- Under 18 years: Not recommended: there are no safety data.
- Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended: there are no safety data for pregnancy and lactation.
- autoimmune diseases
- taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents
- mushroom allergy
Sources
- Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation · Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ · Journal of dietary supplements, 2017 · PMID 27408987
- Cordyceps Sinensis (CordyMax Cs-4) supplementation does not improve endurance exercise performance · Parcell AC, Smith JM, Schulthies SS · International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 2004 · PMID 15118196
See also
Open in the app
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