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Ophiocordyceps — known simply as Caterpillar Fungus or Cordyceps — is often a status symbol for high performance and longevity. Studies* suggest that Ophiocordyceps may reduce inflammation, positively impact heart and bone health, as well as athletic & cognitive performance.
You'll be both fit and funny. The perfect combination.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used Cordyceps as a tonic for rejuvenation, longevity, endurance and vitality for centuries, suggesting benefits such as organ health (kidneys and lungs), sexual prowess, mental and physical performance as well as strengthening the skeletal system (lumber spine, knees and ankles). Classified as containing both Yin (energy accumulated) and Yang (energy expended), although it is said to be more Yang than Yin, it supports balance (homeostasis) within the body. The below icons the potential of our Cordyceps powder to impact the way the body functions which in-turn impacts how we feel.
Ophiocordyceps (Cordyceps) is a host fungus (see the Seed to Table tab for more about the life of Cordyceps). Cordyceps is the Ophiocordyceps sinensis strain, which is also know as Caterpillar Fungus because in the wild caterpillars are the host, the wild fungus has increased in price to be more than $500USD per gram, due to this cost, The Grove product is Cordyceps CS-4, has been carefully cultivated in controlled conditions using modern fermentation technology. This modern fermentation method is an effective alternative providing the same potency and health benefits as the wild fungus — all the health benefits and a price efficiency too — win win.
With this in mind, our friend Cordyceps has many and varied health benefits, when consumed its 30+ bioactive ingredients have been studied for various health conditions. Working synergistically in the body, they have been shown to potentially aid energy production, virility, physical and cognitive performance. Athletes pay particular attention to its ability in aiding them to go harder for longer, whilst supporting the many systems in the body and homeostasis.
Something to note: Cordyceps only requires water extraction to obtain the various active compound and make them bioavailable to us when consumed.
If you are looking for the all important Beta-Glucan antioxidants from the Cordyceps fruiting body head over to the Cordyceps militaris strain click here as fermented Cordyceps sinensis CS-4 doesn't allow you to obtain these compounds as it doesn't fruit...
If you can't decide which one is best for you, no worries!! We have a blend of the 2 in a Cordyceps Complex, to get the best of both worlds can click here.
Questions? Contact us here! :)
Ingredients: Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps Sinensis) Mycelium
Protien 0.08g 8.00g
- Fibre 0.05g 5.00g
Total Fat 0.07g 7.00g
30% Polysaccharides, >2.5mg/g Adenosine, >12% Mannitol.
Other bioactive compounds include:
Peptides (cordymin and myriocin), melanin, lovastatin, γ-aminobutyric acid, cordysinins, cordyceptin and sterols, nucleosides, sterides, extracellular polysaccharides, intracellular polysaccharides such as galactomannan, alkanols (such as D-mannitol), crude proteins, essential amino acids, multiple trace elements and some vitamins.
Cordyceps is generally well tolerated, most effective when taken daily over time, as such our Cordyceps is not SUPER extracted, it is extracted so as to be bioavailable and enhance it's capacity to be effective when taken as a daily health support. Some Medicinal Mushrooms (and other herbs) are extracted to be very potent, causing them to be effective for shorter periods in the treatment of acute disorders, these products when taken for longer than necessary may over stimulate the bodies systems and have negative effects. Please be mindful of other products that are 20:1, 30:1 etc, they may do more harm than good.
Cordyceps has the capacity to interact with the production of ATP (the bodies energy currency), when highly potent Cordyceps is taken it can overstimulate the bodies energy pathways, causing the jitters and other long term complications.
If you have concerns we recommend consulting your health care practitioner.
ORGAN HEALTH
Ophiocordyceps is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Jing tonic for the Kidneys. Studies as recent as 2015 have suggested that further investigation is required, but there is potential for Ophiocordyceps to aid the health of the Kidneys, lungs, heart and liver, specifically due to its support / effects on the immune system. (8, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17)
Studies indicate a strong anti-inflammatory activity of Ophiocordyceps using a water extraction. Since chronic inflammation is rather rampant in the 21st century and is directly related to pain, these potential benefits position Ophiocordyceps as one of the most significant tonic 'herbs' (super-foods) we have access to. The compound corysinin has been associated with Ophiocordyceps anti-inflammatory capacity. (1, 6, 10)
ANTI-OXIDANTS (ADAPTING TO STRESS)
Ophiocordyceps is also classified as an ADAPTOGEN which science suggests is any product than when consumed helps the body adapt to stress. Cordyceptin has been linked to the beneficial effects of Cordyceps regarding stress. (21)
Anti-oxidants play an important role in preventing the body being put under stress from oxidation. Science suggests that the high levels of polysaccharides (phenols and flavonoids), cordymin and melanin found in Ophiocordyceps could potentially provide anti-oxidative effects, coupled with studies also suggesting that Ophiocordyceps potentially increases the ability of anti-oxidants to scavenge free-radicals — seek and find activity — within the blood, it becomes the perfect product to protect athletes (and non-athletes alike) from oxidative stress.
Studies are also providing increasing evidence that the anti-oxidative compounds of Ophiocordyceps, when combined with a balanced diet, may be responsible for supporting the following effects:
anti-aging,
anti-inflammatory, and
immunomodulating.
It is suggested that the best way to obtain these benefits is by making a tea, these anti-oxidant effects also appear to be present when extracted via alcohol. (1, 7, 8, 10, 13)
NERVES / IMMUNE (COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE, FATIGUE and DEPRESSION)
Due to its immunomodulating and adaptogenic abilities, Ophiocordyceps has the ability to potentially aid in treating fatigue and depression—which often come hand in hand. This makes perfect sense, since energy levels can often be implicated by having a compromised immune system coupled with excessive inflammation because the body needs to work harder and thus you to feel less energised/fatigued. Once fatigued you are then less functional, mentally and physically, potentially leading to depression when you have chronic fatigue. Obviously fatigue is not caused or solved by one thing, but if we look beyond fatigue as the symptom and pay attention to the cause, the fatigue could be helped by regularly drinking a simple Ophiocordyceps tea, better still Reishi and Ophiocordyceps tea to support the immune system and help reduce inflammation. :)
Ophiocordyceps has also been linked to helping improve memory and have an anti-aging capacity via its anti-oxidative effects.
Through a more complex extraction Ophiocordyceps could potentially have an impact on the dopamine and adrenaline nervous systems, having a more direct effect as an anti-depressant. (6, 8, 22)
When the bodies immune system is compromised it is susceptible to disease. As with all Medicinal Mushrooms/Fungi, Ophiocordyceps is classified as an 'Immunomodulator', which essentially means it modulates the immune system; strengthening, balancing, supporting and regulating the immune system, optimising immune response.
Studies have also suggested that the combined immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory abilities of Ophiocordyceps may aid the regulation of intestinal bacteria and improve organ health (liver / kidneys). Many studies have been performed surrounding Medicinal Mushrooms and various cancers, studies have suggested that Ophiocordyceps may help treat tumour growth in various cancers including lung, prostate, breast, colon, lymphoma and skin. See studies opposite for more information.
Many studies have shown that extracting Ophiocordyceps into a hot tea or adding it to various water based foods can aid in activating it's immunmodulatory effects. (2, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13)
BACTERIA (GUTT)
Ophiocordyceps when studied in respect of the immune function of the gutt, specifically the gastrointestinal-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), it was shown that it may be helpful in reducing bad bacteria (salmonella sp. and E. coli) and increasing the good bacteria (Lactobacillus sp.), this was due to its phenomenal immune support and anti-inflammatory abilitites. (8)
HORMONES (PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE)
Ophiocordyceps has been proven to increase the a free radical scavenging ability of Anti-oxidants — seek and find activity — protecting the athletes from oxidative stress. Studies also show that when supplemented with Reishi, over a 3 month period, the hormone testosterone) and the stress hormone (cortisol) ratios changed, which is great for athletes who are at risk of overtraining or overreaching in the lead up to an event.
Further studies suggest that supplementation improves;
exercise performance by increasing the metabolism as well as extending the time before becoming out of breath,
endurance by lowering fatigue, and
cellular ATP production = useful energy! (Rather than CNS stimulation, and potential energy deficiency, via say caffeine)*.
*The Adenosine compound is required in ATP (adenosine triphosphate), ATP is responsible for the bodies energy production, studies suggest that Ophiocordyceps has the ability to aid ATP in energy metabolism, improving exercise performance and resisting fatigue. (3, 5, 8, 12, 13)
HORMONES (LIBIDO)
Traditionally, Ophiocordyceps has been used to enhance sexual function. Ongoing studies now suggest that it may have the ability to improve libido and sexual activity and repair reproductive function in both men and women. This is achieved via water extraction — more cups of tea! :)
Some studies suggest that it is over three times more effective in increasing libido of men, compared to a placebo. It has also been reported that treatment with Ophiocordyceps resulted in a 33% increase in sperm count. This increase has been attributed by some to nutrients within Ophiocordyceps, such as amino acids, vitamins, and zinc. (8)
22) Memory (2012)
The Cordyceps is cultivated sustainably and then liquid fermentated (without grains or starches), with the conditions, temperature and humidity carefully managed.
The fermented product is then dehydrated, crushed, sifted and then blended to powder. The powder is then treated to conform with AU Department of Agriculture importation requirements. Once complete the powder is bulk packaged ready to send to The Grove HQ.
Once it arrives at The Grove HQ we carry out quality control (QC) checks and repackage it ready for you.
Cordyceps sinensis (Ophiocordyceps Sinensis) is a host fungus with a different strain for each host, usually insects or arthropods making it entomopathogenic. In the wild, the mycelium invades the host in late autumn, the host will then hibernate for winter, when early summer comes around the mycelium replaces the host tissue, growing a fruiting body/stroma from the host (also called "the grass") — leading to the Chinese/Tibetan name Winter-worm Summer-Grass. With the most medicinal components being inside the fruiting body. This wild fungus grows only in high-altitude regions of about 3800m above sea level, in cold, grassy, alpine meadows of the Himalayan mountains. David Attenborough's documentary shows it in action.
The Grove Cordyceps is the Ophiocordyceps sinensis strain, which is also know as Caterpillar Fungus, it has been carefully cultivated in controlled conditions using modern fermentation technology, before being dried and ground into the powder we provide you here. Due to being a host fungus, Wild Cordyceps as you might imagine, can be tricky to find, because it's tricky, plus in high demand, it pushes the price up (in excess of $500USD per gram) making it more valuable that gold by weight. Over-harvesting and exploitation caused China to recently list the wild Ophiocordyceps as endangered. This modern fermentation method that The Grove Cordyceps is cultivated via, is an effective alternative to finding and harvesting Wild Cordyceps, as it provides a larger yield which in turn lowers the cost. There are numerous scientific studies that have shown that this fermented variety provides the same potency and health benefits as the wild variety — all the health benefits and a price efficiency too — win win.
Cordyceps is a family of around 400 species, Cordyceps sinensis was renamed Ophiocordyceps sinensis in 2007, after the family was split based on pigment, due to being of dark pigment, Cordyceps Sinensis was classified as part of the Ophiocordyceps family. The name cordyceps derives from the greek word kordyle, meaning "club" and the latin ceps meaning "head".
The origin of Ophiocordyceps still appears to be a little mysterious, with many stories yet no factual evidence that we could find to substantiate them (feel free to send us your findings if you come across any).
Known by the Tiben and Chinese as either Yartsa Gunbu or DongChongXiaCao, (summer-grass, winter-worm, in English), it has constantly been discussed who actually discovered this wonderful fungus, some say the Chinese, and other say it was happened upon by the Himalayan Yak Herders of Tibet and Nepal, after their animals behaviour became more enthusiastic and passionate when they consumed it during spring, which then led them to casually use it themselves. After this, it is then said to have become popular in Chinese medicine to treat:
male and female sexual dysfunction,
hiccups,
organ health (primarily kidneys, lungs, heart),
relieve pain,
symptoms of tuberculosis,
symptoms of haemorrhoids,
to restore general health and appetite, and
to promote longevity.
The first recording of this fungus has been said to have been in Nyamnyi Dorje's 15th century tibetan text "An Ocean of Aphrodisiacal Qualitites" as "Yartsa Gunbu".
Folk healers of Sikkim are said to have used Codyceps Sinensis to cure 21 health complaints including asthma, tuberculosis, coughs and colds, hepatitus, cancer and diabetes to name but a few.
Today, (summer-grass, winter-worm), Chinese medicine attributes the effectiveness of Cordyceps to the Chinese philosophical concept "Yin" and "Yang", classifying Cordyceps as a tonic that nourishes the bodies Yin (structure) and strengthens the bodies Yang (function). They call the fungus DongChongXiaCao.
In 1993 during the Chinese National Championships held in Beijing, China, Wang Junxia took 42 seconds off the 10,000m record. After being tested for illicit drugs and nothing found, many still believe that her coach had been giving her more than just his concoction of turtle blood and fungus, but since these claims, science has proven that there may be some truth to support his seemingly ridiculous claims.
Although historically there are far fewer texts and references than our other Medicinal Mushrooms, with some being popular myth and possibly even hype, there are many more current scientific studies and findings that have explored and substantiated or support the tales from the past. Whatever it's origin—with science on our side, hot on the tails of the fables—there is no denying it is quite a unique and highly beneficial fungus that will aid your daily nutritional arsenal and holistic wellbeing (see the science tab for more information).
Add to any Smoothie Recipe!
Add 1/4tsp to your coffee!
Kara G.
LOVE LOVE LOVE Cordyceps
Love this product. It gave me so much energy!! AND NO CRASH. Spectacular.
Yu L.
Conquer everything with this beauty.
Best cordyceps on the market and i've tried quite a few! This is balanced and smooth and not too much. Perfect amount of greatness to conquer everything all day.
Lauren P.
Excellent Product..!!
This is really an excellent, pure product. I purchased this one, along with ashwagandha powder at the same time from The Grove. Organic supplements are very important to me and were the main reason I choose this company. I have used both the cordyceps mushroom & Ashwagandha powder at the time when I feel lethargic, or feel a sickness coming on and it helps along with my immune system to really get it beat out.
CARRY C.
Does what it says on the tin! Love it!
KRISTEL P.
Energy improved. Focus improved.
I use the complex Mushroom powder, Cordyceps and Ashwagandha powder in my protein smoothie every morning. I add the Cacao powder to make it taste amazing. I've already noticed higher energy levels and focus and my moods have improved. The Cacao puts any other chocolate powder to shame, It isn't too bitter and it tastes like real chocolate, I could add it to everything! The mushrooms are my favourite supplement now, I add them into hot chocolate, coffee and I can't wait to try adding them to soups.
Great product. Love it.
Hello energy. Where have you been. Love this product. The best I've found and the service is great too! Complete package. Can't go wrong with The Grove.
Kayla M.
Great health and energy supplement!
I love it, it's one of the cleanest out there. Considering mushrooms soak everything up, that's important to me.
Oliver H.
Excellent quality product!
This is really an excellent product. I purchased this one, and have a good experience.
I love the energy this gives me. No crash and no jitters like another brand. The best balanced cordyceps i've found that works.
George S.
Such great Energy, and no JITTERS!!!
I purchased this product from The Grove at the Vegan Festival, I was sold by the enthusiasm of the staff and the product provides all the things they said. Such a beautiful team and products to boot. Thank you so much!!!
CAM J.
Such a great product and great company too. Thanks!
ANNA N.
Such great products.
Thank you to Nina for your insightful guidance too, your so knowledgable.
Deborah H.
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