Ben Cao Cong Xin: C. sinensis – replenish the kidney, soothe the lung, stanch bleeding and disperse phlegm

What is Cordyceps Sinensis?

Cordyceps Sinensis was first described in “Ben Cao Cong Xin” in 1757 written by Wu-Yiluo. It is commonly known as “DongChongXiaCao” in Chinese, meaning “winter worm summer grass”. Cordyceps Sinensis is a plant and animal complex and a precious herb which is rare and difficult to harvest. It has been known and used for many centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. In nature, Cordyceps Sinensis could only be found in places at high altitude, i.e. 3000 meters or above, such as Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai and Tibet. From June and July, bat moth spawns in the soil and the eggs are incubated into larvae. Fungi in soil intrude into the larvae body and continuously propagate with the nutrients absorbed from the host. Eventually, the larvae are ossified with total possession by the fungi. The fungi grow continuously and a rod-like fruiting body rise from the head of the ossified worms. The name, Cordyceps Sinensis, is derived from these two parts of the animal-plant complex.

Fake and Low-quality wild Cordyceps Sinensis in the Market

The market is filled with fake and low-quality wild Cordyceps. Some collectors and manufacturers inserted a line of mercury inside the Cordyceps in order to make them heavier and cost more. It is believed that over 80% of the wild Cordyceps in the market could be of poor quality or even fake. Counterfeit products are difficult to be identified especially for consumers who judged only by taste and appearance which in fact are not proper parameters for verification.

Cordyceps capsules with Quality Assured

Wild Cordyceps could be easily contaminated by the natural environment. In contrast, Cordyceps capsules are tested and manufactured under strict quality control in a sterile environment. It ensures that the product meets the hygienic standard and is safe to take. With the most advanced testing method in U.S. lab, the active ingredients can be continuously guaranteed with a result of better quality and higher efficacy.

Active ingredients in Cordyceps include:

Adenosine

One of the most important active ingredients in Cordyceps is adenosine. Tests revealed that adenosine is an anti-inflammatory agent against pathogens.[1]  It has been shown to activate tissue repair and reconstruction signaling pathways.[2]  Adenosine is one of the antiarrhythmic agents with vasodilation effects.[3]  It is one of the essential components for signal transduction in both central and peripheral nervous system.[4-5]

Cordycepin

Cordycepin is a special kind of peptide produced by the Cordyceps with anti-fungal property.[6] It is believed that this substance has anti-inflammatory and anti-virus property and could help maintain healthy cell through inhibition of MMP-9 protein activity.[1,7-8] Previous studies have also shown that cordycepin can suppress lipogenesis and lipid accumulation in fat cells.[9] It could also improve sleep and has an anti-aging effects.[9,13]

It also contains:

• Nucleic acids – important genetic material
• Free Fatty-Acids – essential body fuel
• Mannitol – promote blood osmolality and health of kidney[10]
• Proteins – essential nutrients for human

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble compound synthesized by the body and also obtained from diet. It is required for energy production within every cell. One of its critical functions is converting nutrients into energy. This conversion is very important for the heart cells to support their heavy workload and energy consumption. Coenzyme Q10 is a well-known antioxidant that can increase our oxygen utilization in the bodies, enhance body defence, promote cells self-repairing, inhibit free radicals, anti-aging and enhance physical capacity.[11] Therefore, with the addition of Coenzyme Q10, it improves and prolongs the functions of Cordyceps products in our body.