![]() ![]() The effects of Cordyceps on leukopenia and tumor growth in humans is unknown, so health experts can’t currently draw conclusions. However, it’s important to note that these studies were performed in animals and test tubes, not humans. ![]() These results suggest the fungi may help reduce complications associated with some cancer treatments. Interestingly, Cordyceps reversed the leukopenia. One study tested the effects of Cordyceps on mice that developed leukopenia after radiation and treatments with Taxol, a common chemotherapy drug ( 27). Not to be confused with the cancer leukemia, leukopenia is a condition in which the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) decreases, lowering the body’s defenses and increasing the risk of infection ( 26). Studies in mice have also shown that Cordyceps have anti-tumor effects on lymphoma, melanoma and lung cancer ( 22, 23, 24, 25).Ĭordyceps may also reverse the side effects associated with many forms of cancer therapy. In test-tube studies, Cordyceps have been shown to inhibit the growth of many types of human cancer cells, including lung, colon, skin and liver cancers ( 18, 19, 20, 21). Researchers believe the fungi may exert anti-tumor effects in several ways. SummaryĬordyceps have been shown to improve measures of exercise performance in older and younger adults, but not in well-trained athletes.Ĭordyceps’ potential to slow the growth of tumors has generated significant interest in recent years. However, the current research suggests Cordyceps are not effective at improving exercise performance in trained athletes ( 7, 8). One study also tested the effects of a Cordyceps-containing mushroom blend on exercise performance in younger adults ( 6).Īfter three weeks, participants’ VO2 max had increased by 11%, compared to a placebo. While researchers found no change in VO2 max in either group, participants given CS-4 improved other measures of exercise performance. In a similar study, 20 healthy older adults received either 1 gram of CS-4 or a placebo pill for 12 weeks ( 5). VO2 max is a measurement used to determine fitness level ( 4). Participants received either 3 grams per day of a synthetic strain of Cordyceps called CS-4 or a placebo pill for six weeks.īy the end of the study, VO2 max had increased by 7% in participants who had taken CS-4, while participants given the placebo pill showed no change ( 3). In one study, researchers tested their effects on exercise capacity in 30 healthy older adults using a stationary bike. This may improve the way your body uses oxygen, especially during exercise ( 1, 2). Cordyceps are thought to increase the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. ![]()
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