5 Brain-Boosting Benefits Of Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps sinensis, more commonly known as the Cordyceps mushroom or Chinese caterpillar mushroom, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine. A rare type of edible fungus, this mushroom lives on certain caterpillars in the high mountain regions of China.

Health Benefits of Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps mushroom has been used to treat a wide variety of diseases, including diabetes, cancer, asthma, bronchitis, cystitis, heart disease, and liver disease. It is considered an energising adaptogen, meaning it can help the body adapt to stressful situations. It is commonly used to decrease stress, improve energy levels, enhance athletic performance, and reduce muscle pain.^[1]Chen et al. (2010). Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 16, 585-590. According to recent studies, Cordyceps mushroom shows over 21 clinical benefits, including antidiabetic, antitumour, antioxidative, immunomodulatory, sexual potentiator, and anti-ageing effects.^[2]Tuli, H., Sandhu, S., Sharma, A. K., (2014). Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin. 3 Biotech. 4, 1-12.

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Further studies suggest that Cordyceps also exerts anti‐inflammatory, anti-apoptosis, immunomodulatory, nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects.^[3]Yue, K., Ye, M., Zhou, Z., Sun, W., Lin, X. (2012). The genus Cordyceps: a chemical and pharmacological review. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Volume 65, Issue 4 April 2013 Pages 474-493.

There’s no doubt that Cordyceps offers an extensive array of actions and health benefits. But let’s take a closer look at how exactly this rare medicinal mushroom can boost your brain.

5 Brain-Boosting Benefits of Cordyceps Mushroom

1. Improves learning and memory
2. Improves cognitive functioning
3. Prevents Alzheimer’s disease and depression
4. Increases focus
5. Protects against dementia

Cordyceps Mushroom to Improve Learning and Memory

Although studies assessing the utility of Cordyceps in supporting learning and memory have only been carried out on animals, the results are promising, suggesting Cordyceps does enhance memory.^[4]Tianzhu, Z., Shihai, Y., Juan, D. (2014). Antidepressant-like effects of cordycepin in a mice model of chronic unpredictable mild stress. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Article ID 438506, 9 pages. A study conducted on rats suggests that Cordyceps may improve learning and memory by scavenging free radicals, preventing oxidative damage and protecting the nervous system.^[5]Yuan, G., An, L., Sun, Y., Xu, G., Du, P. (2018). Improvement of Learning and Memory Induced by Cordyceps Polypeptide Treatment and the Underlying Mechanism. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2018, Article ID 9419264, 10 pages.

Cordyceps Mushroom to Improve Cognitive Functioning

Nootropics are trending in the health world and for good reason. Many of the ingredients used in nootropic supplements, including Cordyceps, have been used as nootropics for centuries in China and India; it’s only recently that research is catching up. In addition to learning and memory, cognitive functions include mental processing such as attention, executive function, and verbal fluency. Many in our society today suffer from a decline in these cognitive functions simply due to our natural ageing process and oxidative stress, or sometimes because of a health condition. Cordyceps mushroom is fast becoming a popular nootropic to improve the functioning and overall health of the brain, including memory and cognition.

For your assurance, check out some scientific studies on Cordyceps mushrooms as a nootropic. You will be pleasantly surprised by their beneficial effects and how they may give you the cognitive edge you are looking for.  One interesting recent study showed a positive effect of Cordyceps as a nootropic specifically to combat fatigue and stress.^[6]Koh, J.H., Kim, K.M., Kim, J.M., Song, J.C., Suh, H.J. (2003). Antifatigue and antistress effect of the hot-water fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Biol Pharm Bull. 26, 691-694.

Cordyceps Mushroom for Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression

Chronic stress may impair memory and accelerate the process of cognitive decline, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.^[7]Tianzhu, Z., Shihai, Y., Juan, D. (2014). Antidepressant-like effects of cordycepin in a mice model of chronic unpredictable mild stress. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2014, Article ID 438506, 9 pages. Cordyceps helps boost your brain by lowering your stress and inflammation levels. It is also an excellent adjunct treatment for depression.^[8]Sathyanarayana Rao T.S., Asha, M.R., Ramesh, B.N., Jagannatha Rao, K.S. (2008). Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses. Indian J Psychiatry. 50, 77–82.

Studies show that Cordyceps may lower brain-related inflammation, improve brain-derived neurotrophic growth factors (BDNF), reduce brain degeneration, enhance memory and cognitive function, improve neurotransmitter balance, and support new nerve cell formation.^[9]Li et al. (2012). Cordyceps militaris extract attenuates D-galactose-induced memory impairment in mice. J Med Food. 15, 1057-1063.

Cordyceps Mushroom for Increased Focus

According to their coach, daily Cordyceps contributed to increased focus and mental energy for two Chinese athletes in 1993 at the Stuttgart World Championships. Their world-beating middle-distance running performances brought Cordyceps into the worldwide spotlight. Although Cordyceps has been used in Chinese and Tibetan medicine for centuries, Western society has only really started to use Cordyceps for its health benefits since these outstanding athletic performances.^[10]Panda, A.K., Swain, K.C. (2011). Traditional uses and medicinal potential of Cordyceps sinensis of Sikkim. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2, 9–13.

Cordyceps Mushroom for Protection Against Dementia

Cordyceps may help prevent not only Alzheimer’s but other forms of dementia as well. Dementia is an overall term used for a group of symptoms including loss of memory, a decline in communication and the ability to achieve daily activities.

A study found that Cordyceps helps protect against dementia by increasing the production of nerve growth factors in the brain, which contributes to the formation of new neurons in grey matter. Our grey matter is the part of our brain responsible for the retention and recall of memories. The anti-inflammatory effects of Cordyceps on the brain are also outstanding.

Oxidative damage seems to be the most likely cause of brain dysfunction in individuals with dementia.^[11]Cho et al. (2003). Antioxidant and memory enhancing effects of purple sweet potato anthocyanin and cordyceps mushroom extract. Archives of Pharmacal Research Volume 26, Issue 10, pp 821–825. It follows that substances with antioxidant properties may help alleviate the symptoms and slow progression. Indeed, anthocyanins, natural substances found in purple sweet potato, are known for their antioxidative properties and memory-enhancing effects. In an exciting new development, scientists are looking at using the anthocyanins from purple sweet potato alongside Cordyceps mushroom extract to improve memory and overall health of the brain.^[12]Cho et al. (2003). Antioxidant and memory enhancing effects of purple sweet potato anthocyanin and cordyceps mushroom extract. Archives of Pharmacal Research Volume 26, Issue 10, pp 821–825.

Side Effects Of Cordyceps Mushroom

Cordyceps is considered safe for most people, but as with all supplements and tonics, always check with your healthcare professional before taking any new supplements. Especially be careful of Cordyceps mushroom if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Cordyceps has been known to interfere with blood clotting, so don’t take it before or after surgery. Common side effects may include diarrhoea, nausea and dry mouth.

Although much of the research done on these medicinal mushrooms has been carried out on animals, we are starting to gain a wider grasp of the potential health benefits they can offer people, too. If you lean towards nootropics that have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps mushroom is a winner for boosting the health of your brain.

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Originally posted on August 6, 2018, last updated on October 13, 2023.