Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi (sac fungi) that includes about 400 species. Most Cordyceps species are endoparasitoids, parasitic mainly on insects and other arthropods (they are thus entomopathogenic fungi); a few are parasitic on other fungi. The generic name Cordyceps is derived from the Greek word κορδύλη kordýlē, meaning “club”, and the Greek word κεφαλή cephali, meaning “head”.
Healing Properties
Immune System Modulator
Cordyceps Supplementation has shown positive effects on immune response. Supplementation over 12 weeks showed significantly higher Natural killer* (NK) cell activity and Immunoglobulin A levels (an antibody blood protein) compared to the placebo group. These results suggest the possible beneficial immunomodulating effects.[1]
* Natural killer cells are a type of lymphocyte critical to the innate immune system. The role of NK cells is analogous to that of T cells in the adaptive immune response. NK cells provide rapid responses to virus-infected cells, acting at around 3 days after infection, and respond to tumor formation.
Circulation
Disease / Symptom Treatment
Title: Effects of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on the immune response and upper respiratory infection in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Publication: The Korean Nutrition Society - Journal of Nutrition and Health
Date: April 15, 2019
Study Type: Human Study: In Vivo - Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled
Author(s): Su Jin Jung, Ji Hyun Hwang, Mi Ra Oh, and Soo Wan Chae
Institution(s): Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Korea
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