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Cordyceps

Source

The type of cordyceps used at Mymmunity is Cs4 providing 16% beta glucan (polysaccharide), 7% Cordycepic acid, 0.3% Adenosine

Chemical Name

Caterpillar Fungus

Immune support

Preliminary studies suggest cordyceps might stimulate immune function by increasing the number of T helper cells; increasing the natural killer cell activity; stimulating the blood mononuclear cells; increasing the levels of interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1; and prolonging the survival of lymphocytes. Preliminary animal studies suggest cordyceps could possibly be beneficial in treating systemic lupus erythematosus; results show that cordyceps might inhibit the production of anti-double strand DNA antibodies, which are a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Other uses

Cordyceps has been used as an adjunct in cancer treatment as it improves tolerance to the adverse effects associated with radiation and chemotherapy.

How it works

Cordyceps might improve immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system. It may also have activity against cancer cells and may shrink tumor size, particularly with lung or skin cancers

Safety

When taken by mouth: Cordyceps is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately, short-term. It might cause mild side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if cordyceps is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding or what the side effects might be. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

"Auto-immune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: When taken by mouth, cordyceps might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using cordyceps.

Bleeding disorders: When taken by mouth, cordyceps might slow blood clotting. Taking cordyceps might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery: When taken by mouth, cordyceps might increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Stop taking cordyceps 2 weeks before surgery.

Interactions with medications

Cyclophosphamide

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Talk to your health provider.

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) is used to decrease the immune system. Cordyceps seems to increase the immune system. Taking cordyceps along with cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) might decrease the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar).

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Talk to your health provider.

Cordyceps might increase the immune system. By increasing the immune system, cordyceps might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.

Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Talk to your health provider.

Cordyceps might slow blood clotting. Taking cordyceps along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. However, it is not clear if this potential interaction is a big concern.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis) and others.

Prednisolone

Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Talk to your health provider.

Prednisolone is sometimes used to decrease the immune system. Taking cordyceps might make prednisolone less effective for decreasing the immune system.

Testosterone

Interaction Rating = Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Talk to your health provider.

Cordyceps might increase testosterone levels. However, it is not clear if this is a big concern. People taking testosterone should avoid cordyceps or take it cautiously until more is known about this potential interaction.

Interactions with Herbs, Supplements, and Foods

Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting

Using cordyceps with other herbs that can slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. However, it is not clear if this is a big concern. These other herbs include angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, and others.

There are no known interactions with foods.

References

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