Cordyceps sinensis
Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Lifts mitochondrial ATP and oxygen use; meta-analyzed human trials show gains in endurance and aerobic capacity.
Dong Chong Xia Cao冬虫夏草Traditional Chinese medicine; also Tibetan medicine
Taken as a tonic for the lungs and kidneys and for a long-standing cough.
Source: Zhou X et al. J Pharm Pharmacol 2009;61:279-291 (Ben Cao Cong Xin, 1757)
A traditional reading, held separate from the graded evidence above. It opens no pathway.
What the evidence shows
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Cordyceps raises the energy currency muscles spend, so weariness recedes and the body keeps going through a walk, a climb, a long afternoon.
Raised 17-beta-estradiol, StAR and aromatase in human granulosa-lutein cells, dose- and time-dependent.
Evening fatigue is often an empty tank rather than a tired mind. Cordyceps restores cellular ATP output, and the body carries more reserve into the day.
The Himalayan caterpillar fungus favors the kidney: its polysaccharides and nucleosides help the filter sort waste from protein with a steadier hand.
The fungus that grew on Himalayan caterpillars at altitude, where air is thin — it helps the lungs pull in oxygen and push breath out with less labor.
Lifts the cell's ATP output and sharpens its use of oxygen, so long days cost the body less.
Pooled clinical evidence in kidney dysfunction; a fermented form of the fungus is an approved medicine.
Where it appears
17 blend pages carry this ingredient. Open it and you will find this ingredient in the list.
- Anti-Fatigue (Cellular Energy Endurance)
- Ecstatic (Nervous System Stand-Down)
- Fatty Liver Antidote (Hepatic Steatosis Reversal)
- Female Fertility (Oocyte Competence)
- Gainz (Muscle, Strength & Recovery)
- Holy Grail (Fat Leaves As Breath)
- Hypnotic Sleep (Slow-Wave Architecture)
- Jing Force (Kidney Restoration)
- Lung Power (Respiratory Capacity)
- Male Fertility (Seminal Quality)
- NAD+ Booster (Cellular Energy Currency)
- Nebula (Warrior Mode Rocket Fuel)
- SIRT1 Activator (Caloric-Restriction Mimetic)
- Spaceborn (Medicinal Mushroom Masterpiece)
- Thrombolytic (Hemostatic Balance)
- Trinity (Mind Body Spirit Harmonizer)
- Victorious (Antiviral Immunity)