5 Benefits of Cordyceps Sinensis For Athletes

Cordyceps Sinensis is one of the 35 kinds out of 750 species of cordyceps that have some potential health benefits and medicinal properties.

Apart from its use in ancient Chinese medicine, Cordyceps Sinensis has been proven as a great natural supplement for improving athletic performance.

It is a fungus that is found in high-altitude regions and gained attention in 1993 when Chinese athletes broke track and field records.

The reason?

The Chinese athletics team says that ingestion of Cordyceps Sinensis helped to the athletes’ excellent results.

So, are these mushrooms helpful in boosting sports performance?

Let’s go through the detailed Cordyceps Sinensis benefits for athletes.

What Are Cordyceps Sinensis Mushrooms?

Cordyceps is a type of fungus that grows by parasitizing insects or other fungi. The species Cordyceps Sinensis (CS) targets moth larvae, especially Hepialus armoricanus.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used to improve kidney health, reduce liver inflammation, treat asthma, fight fatigue, address sexual dysfunction, manage high blood sugar and cholesterol, and even promote longevity.

Cordyceps Sinensis gained global attention in 1993 when three Chinese runners broke multiple world records in the 1500m, 3000m, and 10,000m races. The Chinese team credited their success to Cordyceps Sinensis.

It contains many nutrients, including amino acids, proteins, sugars, sterols (similar to cholesterol), fatty acids, vitamins (B1, B2, B12, E, K), and minerals like potassium, sodium, calcium, and iron. 

It may improve fitness by reducing free radicals, stimulating adenosine receptors, or boosting testosterone (observed only in mice so far).

Cordyceps Sinensis Characteristics

Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, formerly known as Cordyceps Sinensis, is a parasitic fungus native to the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan regions of Bhutan, India, and Nepal.

It primarily infects the larvae of ghost moths (family Hepialidae), notably the species Thitarodes armoricanus.

The fungus consists of two main parts: the fungal endosclerotium (inside the caterpillar) and the stroma. The stroma is a dark brown or black stalk, typically 4–10 cm long, that emerges from the larval head.

How Are Cordyceps Sinensis Formed?

Cordyceps Sinensis forms through a parasitic relationship with its host. The fungus's spores attach to and penetrate the caterpillar's exoskeleton which allows the mycelium to develop inside.

As the mycelium proliferates, it replaces the host's tissues, leading to the caterpillar's death and mummification.

The external fruiting body then grows from the host's remains and facilitates spore dispersal for future infections.

In recent years, the search for performance-boosting substances in sports has grown. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has tightened its rules and has added more substances to its banned list each year.

It has led to research on various substances to see if they can improve strength, speed, endurance, or delay fatigue.

Benefits of Cordyceps Sinensis For Athletes And Endurance Sports 

Multiple research has been performed on Cordyceps Sinensis that highlights its benefits for athletes. Have a look:

Higher bioenergy levels

Cordyceps Sinensis supplementation has been shown to increase ATP levels in the liver, as observed in animal studies.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency of the body, essential for all physical activity. For athletes, higher ATP levels mean more readily available energy, which can directly translate to improved endurance and quicker recovery after intense exertion.

A 2024 study tested this by giving 14 young adults either 1 gram of Cordyceps Sinensis or a placebo before a high-intensity workout. Results showed that those who took Cordyceps experienced reduced muscle damage compared to the placebo group.

Enhanced mitochondrial function

Cordycepin is a compound found in Cordyceps Sinensis which plays a role in activating AMPK, an enzyme that acts as a cellular energy sensor.

AMPK activation leads to the expression of PGC1-alpha, a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. The process enhances the production and efficiency of mitochondria, the powerhouse of cells.

For athletes, this improvement in mitochondrial function means better utilization of energy sources like glucose and fats, greater endurance, and higher performance during both aerobic and anaerobic activities.

Improved hypoxia tolerance

Cordyceps Sinensis has been shown to increase the body’s ability to tolerate low oxygen levels, a condition known as hypoxia. It does this by inducing protective enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 and metallothionein through the activation of Nrf2 in lung cells.

It is especially beneficial for athletes training at high altitudes or during intense physical efforts where oxygen availability is limited.

More hypoxia tolerance can result in better performance under challenging conditions and faster acclimatization to high-altitude environments.

Better heart health

Endurance sports place significant demands on the heart, and maintaining heart health is critical for sustained performance.

The ability of Cordyceps to reduce oxidative stress and prevent heart enlargement (as shown in the 2019 study) can protect athletes from cardiac strain caused by prolonged or intense physical activity.

The presence of adenosine, a compound in Cordyceps, can improve heart efficiency and reduce fatigue which enables athletes to sustain higher levels of activity for longer periods.

Also, managing blood fat levels may reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues that could hinder athletic performance over time.

Helps in body recovery

While playing sports athletes can accelerate oxidative stress and cellular wear and tear. It can impact recovery and long-term performance.

The polyphenols in Cordyceps, which act as antioxidants, can help counteract these effects and help in muscle recovery.

Also, a 2024 study tested Cordyceps extract in both test tubes and a clinical trial involving 40 participants. The results suggested that Cordyceps has adaptogenic properties that can help athletes handle the physical and mental pressures of intense competition.

Now that you know these Cordyceps Sinensis benefits for athletes, you must know where you can get the wild and rare Cordyceps Sinensis.

Also Read: Cordyceps Militaris vs Sinensis

Buy Rare Cordyceps Sinensis From Pahadi Amrut

If you’re interested in buying the rare and wild Cordyceps Sinensis, Pahadi Amrut offers the best quality at competitive prices.

Our Cordyceps are directly sourced from the pristine Himalayan ranges of Bhutan, ensuring their authenticity and purity.

You can easily request a quote for this unique caterpillar fungus, and our team will assist you with all the details.

Trust Pahadi Amrut to provide you with the finest Cordyceps Sinensis for your needs.