Evidence supporting the use of: Caterpillar mushroom
For the health condition: Anemia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Caterpillar mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis) has been traditionally used in Tibetan and Chinese medicine to support general vitality, energy, and immune health. Historical texts and folk practices sometimes attribute blood-nourishing and fatigue-reducing properties to Cordyceps, which indirectly relate to symptoms of anemia such as fatigue and weakness. The rationale for its use in anemia is largely based on its supposed ability to "tonify the kidney and lung," replenish "qi," and improve stamina, rather than direct evidence of increasing hemoglobin or red blood cell production.
Modern scientific research on Cordyceps for anemia is limited. Some animal studies have suggested that Cordyceps extracts might stimulate erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) or modulate immune function, but these findings are preliminary and not directly applicable to human anemia. Small human trials, often with methodological limitations, have sometimes reported modest improvements in fatigue or subjective well-being in people with chronic illness, but not specifically in anemia patients. There are no large, high-quality clinical trials confirming Cordyceps' effectiveness in treating or preventing anemia in humans.
In summary, the use of caterpillar mushroom for anemia is grounded more in traditional practice than in robust scientific evidence. Its direct impact on anemia remains unproven, and its use should not replace established medical treatments for anemia.
Other ingredients used for Anemia
alfalfaamino acids
anchovies
apple
ashwagandha
astragalus
beet
black cumin
sesame
blackberry
bovine
bovine liver
bovine spleen
broccoli
brussel sprouts
caterpillar mushroom
catjang cowpea
chlorella
coconut milk
collard
cordyceps
dog rose
dong quai root
fish protein
folate
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fu ling
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
greens blend (proprietary)
hibiscus
Indian tinospora
iron
jujube
kale
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lactoferrin
lemon
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
maca
mackerel
moringa
nettle
oat
orange
oyster mushroom
parsley
plantain
plum fruit
pollen
pomegranate
pomelo
protein
pumpkin
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quail egg
quinoa
redcurrant
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhizome
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sardines
shiitake mushroom
soybean
spinach
spirulina
tomato
triphala
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
watercress
wheat grass
mulberry
yeast
zinc
suma
tangerine
shen-chu
mugwort
nut grass
punarnava
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
peony
lingzhi
morus
root tuber
cistanche
dodder
ganoderma
hyacinth bean
lotus seed
morinda
trichosanthes
dulse leaf
royal jelly
trace minerals
purslane
fulvic acid
aster root
shepherd's purse
wheat germ
biota seed
goji berry
paw paw
amaranth
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
kidney beans
chickpea protein
17beta-[{1-Ketoethyl}-androsta-1, 4-diene-3-one,17a-ol]
17a-di methyl-bol
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Animal Tissue
Ardisia
Angelica
Achyranthes
Auricularia
Abrus
Alchornea
Autumn Olive
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
Astragaloside
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Algal protein
Abalone
Allium tuberosum
Animal protein
Bermuda Grass
Bidens pilosa
Breadnut
Blepharis
Beef Protein
Butea monosperma
Beef
Beef liver
Buffalo
Bok Choy
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bael
Bean
Butternut
berry
Black Gram
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Broad Bean
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Blue-Green Alage
banana
Baobab
Buckwheat
Boerhavia diffusa
Bird's nest
Cumin
Cowpea
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Capillary Artemisia
Cyathula
Cashew
Citrus
Cereal grass
Chlorophytum
Chard
Chicken
Curcuma
C-Phycocyanin
Canihua
Chestnut
Cytokines
Cassava
Celosia
Currant
Duodenum
Deer Root
Dehydroascorbic acid
Dragon Fruit
Dong Quai
Dolichos
Date
Dulse
Empresstree
Egg
Eclipta
Embelia
Fig
Little ironweed
Molasses
Metal Salt
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by caterpillar mushroom
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAnemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arthritis
Asthma
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Convalescence
Diabetes
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Free Radical Damage
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Kidney Infection
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nervous Exhaustion
Osteoporosis
Radiation Sickness
Stress
Ulcers