Cordyceps, due to its properties, has been successfully used in traditional Chinese medicine.
As it turns out, it is a great option used to increase exercise capacity and, as a result, sports performance. Check how and why you can benefit from supplementing with Chinese caterpillar fungus!
Cordyceps – introduction
Cordyceps is a fungus classified as an adaptogen, that is, a substance that increases resistance to stress, alleviates its effects and lowers its level. High exposure to stress and a persistently high stress level not only negatively affect well-being and health, but also significantly make it harder to work on your physique (for example, effectively reducing excess body fat).
Most of the beneficial properties of Chinese caterpillar fungus are due to the content of adenosine and cordycepin, classified among purines, which are the main active components of the fungus. The other active components include sterols, polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamins (A, C, E, B vitamins), D-mannitol, SOD.
It is worth mentioning that the most commonly used strains (cultivated mycelia) are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris, which are characterized by a high content of the aforementioned cordycepin and its derivative, adenosine.
Cordyceps in sport
The hallmark effect of the main ingredients of cordyceps concerns the energy system, and this is one of the things physically active people can benefit from. Namely, the supplement is able to increase the amount of ATP molecules, the energy carrier and energy molecule. In short: adenosine and cordycepin are substrates for ATP production, which translates into improved energy metabolism.
It is worth mentioning that the connection with ATP has another meaning... After conversion to AMP (adenosine monophosphate), it affects AMPK kinase, which is classified among protein enzymes that transfer phosphate groups to protein components. Stimulating the activity of this kinase also translates into more efficient lipid and protein metabolism.
Another benefit is the fact that, through it, a regulatory enzyme is activated, which results in better glucose uptake. Researchers confirm a correlation between increased AMPK kinase activity and increased insulin sensitivity.
Following this line of thought, one can conclude that cordyceps may also be useful, for example, in
insulin resistance. A good lead – they activate hexokinases and glucokinases. It may prove useful not only in insulin resistance, but also in type 2 diabetes. Physically active people may be interested in the fact that the components of cordyceps have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They reduce oxidative stress and its effects and limit the action of aggressive free radicals by increasing the levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
The properties of cordyceps are often also linked to testosterone, which – as you know – has anabolic and regenerative potential. Some studies indicate that it may increase hormone levels while reducing the level of catabolic cortisol (the stress hormone).
Administration of the extract resulted in an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate, or cAMP (cyclic AMP). This, in turn, has a positive effect on luteinizing hormone (LH), which, according to studies, resulted in an increase in testosterone levels.
At this point, it should be noted that the effect on cyclic AMP and the action of the active components of cordyceps on specific signaling pathways may have an anabolic effect in another area as well. Namely, it may indirectly enhance the action of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1).
Cordyceps is, in effect, a treasure trove of properties that support physique and exercise results. What you read above is not everything, however – as they say: we save the best for last. The most commonly cited fact related to supplementation with cordyceps is its ability to improve performance and its positive effect on endurance results.
In their studies, scientists emphasize that the use of extracts from this fungus can increase VO2max and oxygen capacity in people who exercise actively. For this reason, it is definitely worth using it in endurance and performance disciplines, and not only there.
Cordyceps – summary of sports benefits
- acts as an antioxidant,
- has anti-inflammatory effects,
- has a beneficial effect on hormonal balance,
- lowers the levels of some catabolic hormones and increases the production of anabolic ones,
- increases nitric oxide production and improves the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the muscles,
- reduces the effects of fatigue and delays its onset,
- helps conserve energy reserves,
- improves the body's energy metabolism,
- has a beneficial effect on signaling pathways related to anabolic mechanisms,
- improves the sensitivity of cells and tissues to insulin,
- increases oxygen capacity and VO2max,
- alleviates the effects of stress and increases resistance to stress,
- useful in various sports disciplines,
- shows a number of health properties that are fundamental in sport.
