In mushrooms of the genus Cordyceps we find many active substances, such as mannitol, cordycepin, nucleosides, ergosterol, aminophenol and trace elements. These mushrooms have a wide range of medicinal effects, and their ability to regulate immunity plays an important role in cancer prevention, prevention of kidney, liver and heart disease.
The Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2005) notes that Cordycepsmushrooms have a positive effect on kidney and lung function. They can be used to treat persistent cough caused by asthma.
In the wild
Cordyceps sinensis
grows as a parasitic fungus on caterpillars (Zhu, Halpern and Jones, 1998a; Zhu et al., 1998b), making it very rare. Similar properties to Cordyceps sinensis have
Cordyceps militaris
, which is readily used by athletes – it increases blood flow while better oxygenating our body cells, which translates into increased endurance in sports. It also acts as a natural antioxidant.
