Coryceps sinensis, or cordyceps, are black, blade-shaped fungi that are primarily found in the Tibetan plateaus in China, Drugs.com notes. Cordyceps can be used to stave off the effects of aging such as weakness, impotence and impaired memory. Cordyceps may be used to help alleviate the adverse effects of radiation therapy in cancer patients. Cordyceps can also help treat heart disease. Cordyceps contain vitamins B-1, B-2, B-12, E and K.
Vitamin B-1
Vitamin B-1, or thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that facilitates your body's conversion of food into energy, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Vitamin B-1 helps to boost your immune system and bolsters your body's ability to withstand stress. Your vitamin B-1 needs vary depending on your age, but a daily dose of 50 mg to 100 mg is typically taken in supplement form. Vitamin B-1 is generally safe, however doses that exceed the recommended dose may cause stomach problems. Vitamin B-1 can be used to treat beriberi, a condition caused by insufficient thiamine in the diet. Vitamin B-1 can lower your risk of developing cataracts and prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Vitamin B-2 and Vitamin B-12
Riboflavin is another name for vitamin B-2. Vitamin B-2 facilitates your body's energy production, the American Cancer Society notes. Vitamin B-2 affects the enzymes of your muscles, nerves and heart. Vitamin B-2 deficiency can cause muscle cramps and numbness of the arms and legs.
Vitamin B-12 is also called cobalamin, and it helps your body produce red blood cells. Vitamin B-12 helps your body utilize folic acid and carbohydrates. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause anemia, weakness, appetite loss, depression and pain in the abdominal area.
Vitamin E
The antioxidant vitamin E is a kind of fat-soluble vitamin that may help lower your risk of developing cancer, MayoClinic.com notes. Vitamin E can help lower your risk of developing clogged or hardened arteries. You may experience an allergic reaction as a result taking vitamin E. You may also experience nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain as a result of high levels of vitamin E.
Vitamin K
Another name for vitamin K is the clotting vitamin, MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, notes. Vitamin K has been named this because it is necessary for blood to be able to clot. You body usually absorbs vitamin K from your intestinal tract. Vitamin K is also produced by the bacteria in your intestines. You may need to increase you vitamin K intake if you are on blood thinning medications such as anticoagulant drugs.
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