Evidence supporting the use of: Cordyceps
For the health condition: Wasting
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cordyceps, particularly Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating fatigue, weakness, and conditions associated with wasting, such as chronic illness and aging. In TCM, it is believed to tonify the kidney and lung, boost energy, and improve stamina. Modern scientific investigation has begun to explore these traditional claims, and there is some preliminary evidence suggesting that cordyceps may have benefits relevant to wasting conditions (often characterized by muscle loss, fatigue, and diminished physical function, as seen in cachexia or chronic illness).
Several animal studies have indicated that cordyceps extracts can help improve endurance, reduce fatigue, and possibly mitigate muscle atrophy. The mechanisms proposed include enhanced ATP production, improved oxygen utilization, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of immune function. Small-scale clinical trials have shown improvements in exercise performance and fatigue in elderly individuals or patients with chronic illnesses, though these studies are generally limited by small sample sizes and methodological weaknesses.
Overall, while traditional use is strong and there is a growing body of preclinical evidence, robust clinical trials are lacking. The current scientific support is modest (rated 2/5), indicating that cordyceps shows promise for supporting conditions involving wasting, but more high-quality research is needed to confirm its efficacy and establish standardized treatment protocols.
Other ingredients used for Wasting
Acetyl L-carnitinealpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
apricot
astragalus
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
colostrum
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
L-leucine
Lentinula edodes mycelia
magnesium
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
vitamin B12
Whey protein
Zinc
animal Tissue
arginine creatine
Albumin
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
animal protein
Beef Protein
beef
Beef liver
bone marrow
BCAA
Codonopsis
creatine
deer velvet
Eurycoma Longifolia
guanidinoacetic acid
glucose
hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Isoleucine
Lentinan
Lysine alpha-ketoisocaproate
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
lactalbumin
Marine protein
Phosphocreatine
Other health conditions supported by cordyceps
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAnemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Emphysema
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Erectile Dysfunction
Exercise
Fatigue
Fibrosis
Hepatitis
Inflammation
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Oxygen Deficiency
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Wasting
Wounds and Sores