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Cordyceps and Diarrhea

Jul 12, 2011 | By Carol Sarao
Cordyceps and Diarrhea
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Cordyceps, a fungus that infects caterpillars, might seem an unlikely choice for a dietary health supplement. Yet this unusual substance -- used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote longevity -- is being studied for potential therapeutic effects on serious illnesses, including kidney and heart disease. Side effects are generally mild, but can include diarrhea. Other possible reasons for diarrhea include bacterial or viral infections, food allergies and medications. If diarrhea persists for over three days or is accompanied by black or bloody stools or a fever over 102 degrees, MayoClinic.com advises consulting your doctor.

Features

Cordyceps sinensis -- a species of ascomycete, or sac fungi -- is a parasite of moth caterpillars found in the Tibetan plateau of China. The branching, thread-like mycelia of the fungus infect the moth caterpillar in the fall; the following summer, spores are released from the fruiting body, or stroma. Both the stroma and the mycelia have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat heart disease, hepatitis and kidney failure; cordyceps is also advised as a general tonic to promote vigor and longevity. Due to the rarity and costliness of wild Cordyceps sinensis, a strain of cordyceps called Cs-4 is cultivated commercially. Other varieties of cordyceps in commercial use include C. capita and C. militaris. Cordyceps is also known as yartsa gunbu and dong chong xia cao.

Constituents and Effects

Cordyceps contains various nucleosides -- including adenine, adenosine, guanidine, thymine and thymidine -- as well as proteins, peptides, essential amino acids and polysaccharides. B-complex vitamins and vitamins E and K are also present in cordyceps, as are ergosterol, mannitol, sterols and fatty acids.
Drugs.com -- which provides peer-reviewed medical information to consumers -- credits cordyceps with antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, vasodilatory and blood pressure--lowering effects in animal studies and reports that it also inhibits platelet aggregation and improves cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, cordyceps lowered blood sugar and triglyceride levels in animal studies, along with increasing levels of superoxide dismutase, a potent antioxidant. Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health attributes immune system--strengthening properties to cordyceps and reports that it improves liver function and reduces fibrosis in people with hepatitis B.

Research

Although cordyceps can cause diarrhea as a side effect, recent scientific research supports its ability to alleviate diarrhea that is associated with colitis. In an animal study published in 2011 in "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," an extract of Cordyceps militaris significantly improved the condition of mice with laboratory-induced colitis, reducing diarrhea and bleeding while preventing weight loss and shortening of the colon. Researchers noted that cordyceps down-regulated the production and expression of inflammatory mediators, resulting in anti-inflammatory effects. The team concluded that Cordyceps militaris extract could be used as an agent for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Usage and Considerations

Cordyceps may be taken as a liquid or powdered extract; the usual dosage is 3 to 4.5 g twice a day. Aside from headache and mild gastrointestinal symptoms, cordyceps can cause loss of appetite and dizziness. Don't take cordyceps if you are allergic to mold or fungi. Wellness.com advises using cordyceps with caution if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs, hormonal replacement therapy or birth control. Consult your doctor before taking cordyceps. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, don't take cordyceps.

References

Article reviewed by CarmenN Last updated on: Jul 12, 2011

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