CORDYCEPS

INTRODUCTION: For centuries, Cordyceps sinensis (wild Cordyceps) has been prized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an energising tonic that nourished yin and invigorated yang. Its use focused on boosting sexual health, increasing endurance, and protecting vital organs like the lungs, kidneys, and liver. As  an adaptogen, it was thought to be more potent than ginseng.

The fruiting body  of  wild Cordyceps, found attached to moth larvae in the Himalayan foothills, ranks among the world’s most expensive fungi. Because wild Cordyceps cannot be cultivated to maturity, the only alternative to it,  are mycelium-based supplements. Today, the most popular Cordyceps supplement is Cordyceps militaris. It delivers all the beneficial compounds of wild Cordyceps, often in even higher concentrations, and is cultivated on a rice-based substrate, without insects, to full maturity.

 ACTIVE COMPOUNDS: The main active compounds produced by C. militaris include ß glucans, provitamin D2 and the celebrated nucleosides: cordycepin, cordycepic acid, adenine, and adenosine. These nucleosides are largely responsible for many of Cordyceps unique effects on the body.

CELLULAR ENERGY: Mitochondria are the essential powerhouses found in every cell of our bodies, including the brain. Their primary function is to convert oxygen and nutrients into Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the chemical energy that powers all cellular activity. Beyond generating over 90% of the energy our bodies need to function, mitochondria regulate cellular growth, store crucial calcium ions for blood clotting and muscle contraction, and act as gatekeepers for programmed cell death (apoptosis) – a process where old or damaged cells are destroyed and recycled.

Because healthy mitochondria are vital for managing stress and maintaining endurance, any damage or inefficiency in them can accelerate aging and disease. Mitochondria are highly sensitive to oxidative stress, which causes them to swell and disintegrate.

Research suggests that Cordyceps supplementation counteracts this by increasing the activity of key antioxidant enzymes within the mitochondria, protecting their lifespan and slowing cellular aging. Furthermore, it stimulates the creation of new mitochondria—which enhances overall energy production to support physical healing and anti-aging.

MUSCLE SUPPORT:  In the sports community, Cordyceps supplements are  used to improve maximum oxygen intake, reduce lactic acid build-up, increase stamina and athletic performance and promote faster muscle repair.

According to recent studies, these physical benefits are driven by cordycepin, an active compound structurally similar to adenosine, produced during energy creation. This similarity allows cordycepin to interact directly with cellular energy pathways, boosting athletic performance by boosting ATP production and optimising oxygen utilisation during intense physical exertion.

ANTI-CANCER: In healthy liver, muscle, and kidney tissues, Cordyceps supplementation has been shown by research to act as a protector and enhancer of these tissues. However, when interacting with cancerous cells, it utilises the mitochondrial pathway to trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death), effectively inhibiting the growth and division of certain cancer cells.

ADDITIONAL   PROPERTIES: Cordyceps supplementation has additionally been suggested to inhibit viral replication, promote healthy blood sugar levels, boost immunity and increase anti-inflammatory activity.

OUR EXTRACT : We have mastered the art of growing our Cordyceps from the mycelial stage through to the mature fruiting body stage. Mature fruiting bodies are  harvested and dried and go through hot water and alcohol extraction processes resulting in the  production of our extract. Given that the mycelium secretes Cordycepin and Adenosine into the rice substrate it is cultivated on, the inclusion of a portion of myceliated rice is imperative in the formulation of  a concentrated, biologically active, full spectrum extract. Our  extract includes ± 70 % fruiting body and  ± 30 % myceliated rice

DISCLAIMER: These statements are based on anecdotal use and research publications. This product is sold as a nutritional supplement and has not been evaluated by SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority) for its quality, safety, or intended use. It  is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent any disease or alter any condition. While mushroom extracts have a long history of traditional use, scientific research on their safety when combined with pharmaceutical medication and / or other substances is still ongoing. Recommendation: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, diagnosed with a medical condition, or currently taking chronic medication, other pharmaceuticals, substances or supplements, please consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before deciding if Cordyceps supplementation is appropriate for you.