Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Caterpillar mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis), also known as dong chong xia cao in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use for various health conditions, including supporting cardiovascular health. In TCM, Cordyceps is believed to "tonify the kidney and lung" and is sometimes recommended for symptoms that could be associated with hypertension, such as fatigue or dizziness. The rationale for its use in hypertension comes from its general ability to "invigorate the body" and "improve circulation" according to traditional theory.

However, modern scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness specifically for hypertension is limited. Some preliminary animal and in vitro studies suggest that Cordyceps extracts may have mild vasodilatory or antihypertensive effects, possibly due to their antioxidant content or effects on nitric oxide pathways. Nevertheless, these findings are not robust and clinical trials in humans are sparse and inconclusive. No major health organizations recognize Cordyceps as an effective treatment for hypertension.

In summary, while Cordyceps is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for general cardiovascular health and vitality, its use for hypertension is based more on traditional practice than on solid scientific evidence. The overall evidence rating is therefore low (1/5), reflecting the lack of high-quality clinical data.

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