Cordyceps sinensis is the common (but now scientifically obsolete) name of the Chinese caterpillar fungus, a parasitic fungus that infects the caterpillars of certain butterflies and is found exclusively in the Tibetan Plateau (at an altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 m). It was first described in Tibet in the 15th century and has been used in classical Chinese and Tibetan medicine ever since. In Asia, the fungus is highly sought after as a medicinal and food product.
Wikipedia states: "In traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine, the Chinese caterpillar fungus is considered to be invigorating and aphrodisiac. After China's success at the 1992 Summer Olympics" (three Chinese female skaters broke five world records), "Chinese athletes reported having previously taken the Chinese caterpillar fungus. It is also used to treat lung, liver, kidney, cardiovascular problems, and back pain. Research indicates that the fungus has anti-tumor and anti-viral effects. In addition, immune- and cholesterol-regulating, antioxidant effects, as well as an increase in endurance and libido, have been observed."
What is scientifically proven about Cordyceps?
Let's take a look at what the science says about this: Data on its immunomodulatory effects are contradictory; some studies find a stimulating, others an inhibitory effect of the mushroom on the immune system. One explanation for this could be that either different strains of the mushroom were used or different extraction methods. The supposed anti-carcinogenic effect, which, like its effect as an aphrodisiac, is scientifically controversial, is also likely related to its effect on the immune system. You can also learn more about the effects and side effects of Cordyceps sinensis here.
Study proves: Cordyceps increases performance
There remains the stimulating, performance-enhancing effect, which is actively promoted not only by Chinese Olympians, but also by many successful athletes. A study on this topic by the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles (1) exists. In a randomized, double-blind study (see below for explanation), healthy, older adults between 50 and 75 years of age were tested for 12 weeks with and without Cordyceps sinensis extract. The study investigated whether Cordyceps improved their physical performance. Results: Several measured parameters improved in the Cordyceps group, while no effect was detectable in the placebo group. The authors conclude that "supplementation with Cordyceps sinensis improves exercise performance and could contribute to the health of older adults."
How does the caterpillar fungus affect the brain and nervous system?
There are several other studies with similar results on physical performance. But does Cordyceps also have positive effects on the brain? We were able to find several studies describing that Cordyceps extracts have stimulating effects on nerve cell growth (Phan et al. 2013), improve labyrinth learning (Cai et al. 2013), and protect nerve cells during cerebral ischemia (reduced blood flow to the brain) (Cheng et al. 2011, Hwang et al. 2008). However, all of these studies were conducted on experimental animals (rodents). We have not been able to find any studies on the effects of Cordyceps on the human brain, at least not in the recent literature.
Cordyceps sinensis - an interesting miracle mushroom
So let's summarize: Cordyceps sinensis is a very interesting power mushroom, extremely popular in Asia and increasingly in demand here as well. It is said to have numerous effects, including positive effects on the brain and nervous system, at least in animal studies.
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*Explanation: Randomized double-blind study: A randomized double-blind study is a controlled study in which neither the investigators nor the study participants have knowledge of the respective group affiliation (control/placebo group vs. experimental group) and in which the allocation to the respective groups is randomized, i.e. statistically random.
Sources: 1. Chen, S., Li, Z., Krochmal, R., Abrazado, M., Kim, W., and Cooper, CB Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med 2010;16(5):585-590.
