Orthomolecular - Mycotherapy - Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Question 1

Kidney Diseases

Answer 1

Therapeutic uses:
* Supports renal health —decreases proteinuria, improves creatine clearance and has been shown to promote regeneration of kidney tubular cells.
* Protects kidney from damage due to immunosuppressants.
* Stimulates the formation of erythrocytes, which is often decreased in kidney failure.
* Traditionally used for chronic kidney disease.

Question 2

Cordyceps
(Cordyceps sinensis)

Answer 2

Cordyceps is a fungal species that acts as a parasite in insects. It infects the insect, killing and mummifying it, then grows from the insect’s body!
* Cordyceps originated in Tibet —growing at an altitude of over 3500 m, but is now cultivated elsewhere in the world.
* Important constituents include polysaccharides, cordycepin acid, nucleosides, ergosterol and sterols.
* In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is said to support the energy-stimulating capacity of the kidney, playing an important role in rejuvenation during convalescence.

Question 3

Liver Diseases

Answer 3

Therapeutic uses:
* The cordycepin acid in cordyceps improves hepatocyte function and decreases the formation of fibrotic tissue in liver cirrhosis.
* Improves liver function in hepatitis B and C.

Question 4

Cardiovascular Diseases

Answer 4

Therapeutic uses:
* Contains polysaccharides with strong anti-inflammatory activity.
* Acts as a cardiotonic —helping in cases of arrythmias. In addition, it increases nitric oxide production and relaxes vascular walls (lowering BP).
* Anti-thrombotic properties.

Question 5

Respiratory Diseases

Answer 5

Therapeutic uses:
* Improves respiratory function in asthma, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
* Reduces inflammation and airway remodelling.
* Strengthens the immune system and is anti-viral.

Question 6

Fatigue and Concentration

Answer 6

Therapeutic uses:
* Adenosine content provides extra energy, reducing fatigue. Also improves learning capacity and memory.

Question 7

Reproductive Diseases

Answer 7

Therapeutic uses:
* Enhances fertility and libido in men and women.
Increases testosterone production in men and can be used in cases of impotency.
* Up-regulates ovarian hormone production in women, helping to regulate the menstrual cycle.

Question 8

Depression

Answer 8

Therapeutic uses:
* MAO inhibitor leading to increased dopamine and serotonin which improves mood.
MOA -Monoamine oxidase = degrades neurotransmitters e.g. dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline)

Question 9

Dosage

Answer 9

• Cordyceps dosage range: 2–5 g / day.

Question 10

Safety

Answer 10

• Immunostimulatory effects may interfere with immunosuppressant drugs.
• Caution in hormone-dependent cancers due to influence on reproductive hormones.
• Safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established and caution is advised due to hormonal effects.