cordyceps Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Cordyceps Kill Cancer Cells and Boost Immunity, Studies Suggest

AHA Publisher — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 07:00:30 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – In a development that sounds almost as far-fetched as a plot twist penned by a Hollywood screenwriter, some medical researchers are hopeful that a parasitic fungus (cordyceps) found on Tibetan caterpillars may hold the key to ending the cancer epidemic. Today, we’ll take a closer look at how an ancient remedy can help you to reduce the risk of cancer cell growth by improving immune system function. Cordyceps Offer Many Powerful Health Benefits Cordyceps, scientifically known as Cordyceps sinensis, is one of the most important and revered herbal treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – where it is known as semitake, aweto, yartsu gunbu, and Dong Chong Xia. The first recorded use of cordyceps took place in the 15th century; it was likely used for many centuries before that. Usually prescribed to restore energy, boost the immune system, promote longevity, and improve quality of life, cordyceps has also been used in TCM to treat serious ailments, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney failure. Cordyceps is produced by a strange pairing between insect and fungus. The substance grows from the mummified remains of insect larvae found on the heads of a subterranean caterpillar that lives at high altitudes in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Unfortunately, most commercial varieties have been artificially cultivated due to the expense and difficulty of harvesting natural cordyceps. Major Hospital Recognize the Anti-Cancer Properties of Cordyceps According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), cordyceps have antitumor, radioprotective, and antidiabetic effects. In addition, MSKCC cites a study in which cordyceps made the cancer medication cisplatin more toxic to lung cancer cells and confirms that cordyceps can also help infection-fighting lymphocytes live longer, increase levels of T helper cells, reduce tumor cell proliferation, and boost the activity of natural killer cells. And, finally, the medical center reports that some studies have shown that cordyceps have caused cancer symptoms to improve, in addition to helping patients better tolerate the rigors of chemotherapy. What Exactly Is in Cordyceps? Despite its bizarre provenance, cordyceps is not only non-toxic but safe and even nutritious to consume. According to the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, the fungus contains essential amino acids, several essential B-complex vitamins, and the vitamins E and K. Beneficial fatty acids – including oleic acid, the same healthful monounsaturated fatty acid found in olives – are also present. However, cordyceps’ most significant feature may be its nucleosides. Researchers believe that nucleosides, key signaling molecules in the body, help fight cancer; nucleoside analogs are medically used as anticancer and antiviral agents. In addition, cordyceps contains many nucleosides, including guanidine and guanosine; the most potent – and most studied – of these seems to be 3-deoxyadenosine, which researchers have dubbed cordycepin. Is There Any Proof That Cordyceps Kill Cancer Cells? Although human studies are limited, animal and test-tube research have shown time and time again that cordyceps has the capacity to destroy cancer cells, help normalize low white blood cell count occurring as a result of chemotherapy, and even make certain medications more toxic to cancer cells. In a study published in 2008 in Experimental Biology and Medicine, researchers explored the effects of cordyceps on mice that had low counts of infection-fighting white blood cells in their bone marrow as a result of being given the chemotherapy drug Taxol. Mice given cordyceps daily – for three weeks – had their white blood cell counts restored to normal ranges; the white blood cell counts in the non-cordyceps group were dramatically lower, sometimes by as much as 50 percent. Concluding that cordyceps enhance recovery from clinically-induced leucopenia, the team remarked that the substance positively affects osteoblast differentiation – an essential factor in new bone formation – by acting on proteins and core binding factors that are needed to produce new bone cells. In a cell study published in Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology in 2007, cordycepin extracted from cordyceps had an apoptotic effect on human oral cancer cells – causing them to self-destruct. Researchers used flow cytometry and viability assays to show that the survival of cancer cells significantly decreased with the administration of cordyceps and noted that the effects became more dramatic as the dose and duration of cordyceps increased. Scientists Continue to Identify and Isolate New Beneficial Constituents In yet another test-tube study published in 2009 in Cell Proliferation, scientists isolated two new anticancer constituents from cordyceps and named them gliocladicillins A and B. These inhibited the growth of tumor cells, causing cell self-destruction through extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Calling the gliocladicillins “effective antitumor agents,” the team called for more study to explore the pair’s use in treating cancer in humans. What Do Natural Healthcare Practitioners Recommend? Cordyceps is currently marketed as a health food supplement and nutraceutical and can be found in health food stores or online. Most practitioners recommend taking between 2 to 3 grams a day with food. Cordyceps is generally considered safe. Of course, you should consult your doctor before taking it, especially if you take blood thinners or medication for diabetes. Don’t use cordyceps to treat cancer unless under the guidance of a well-trained physician. And, of course, make sure you obtain cordyceps from a reputable supplier – as some samples are contaminated with lead. Although a parasitic fungus may seem an unlikely ally in the road to recovering from a cancer diagnosis, cordyceps could turn out to be a very important – and even a lifesaving player. Once again, Mother Nature has supplied a beneficial substance well worth attention and further study. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov MSKCC.org NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Boost Energy Levels by Eating These 5 Superfoods

AHA Publisher — Wed, 23 Dec 2020 08:00:42 +0000

Michelle Marks via NaturalHealth365 – Feeling tired and mentally drained seems to be the “new normal” in our fast-paced lifestyle. But, if you are drinking energy drinks loaded with artificial sweeteners and caffeine – your condition will only get worse, leaving you exhausted after a brief few hours of hyper-energy. And, let’s not forget the side effects of headaches, nausea and the jitters. So, when it comes to naturally boosting your energy levels, many people would be surprised to learn that certain superfoods provide a healthy alternative. The additional benefit is that it’s so easy to incorporate into a daily routine. Are you ready to take a closer look? How Do Goji Berries Boost Energy Levels? A 2008 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study assessed the effect of 14 days of supplementation with goji juice among participants. The study, published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, showed that when subjects consumed 120 ml (about half a cup) of goji juice – per day – they felt a significant raise in energy levels, mental acuity, focus and feelings of happiness and health. The study also showed that there was a significant decrease in symptoms of fatigue and stress. Goji berries are versatile and can be incorporated into any dish with little to no preparations. They are easy to enjoy in salads, breakfast porridge, and even tea preparations. Of course, always look for organic goji berries for superior taste and nutritional value. Ginseng Helps to Restore Physical and Mental Energy Ginseng is a powerful fatigue fighter and also an adaptogen that enhances immune function. A Mayo Clinic study showed that American ginseng could address the symptoms of fatigue among cancer patients as well as improve their quality of life. Evidence shows that ginseng helps to fight long term fatigue issues due to its ability to support endocrine function. It is available in the form of dried or fresh roots, capsules and teas. The common recommendation by most herbalists is to consume it every day for 2- 3 weeks and then stop for the next two weeks. The Magical Mushroom Endorsed by Western Medicine Cordyceps, also called a “magic mushroom,” is known for its ability to instantly provide energy and prevent fatigue. Researchers are still not clear how this mushroom enhances energy levels. But, some scientists attribute this ability to the presence of polysaccharides (natural sugars) and antioxidants – which eliminate the threat of free radicals on the body. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, cordyceps can be used for a wide range of conditions, such as fatigue, sexual dysfunction, immune enhancement and off-setting the negative effects of conventional cancer treatments. A 2010 pilot study that appears in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that cordyceps supplementation, on a daily basis, improved exercise performance in 20 healthy adults aged 50 – 75. Spirulina Improves Blood Circulation in Sluggish People This blue-green algae is 60 – 70% protein, a good source of vitamin B12, mixed carotenoids and other antioxidants. Spirulina is considered the most efficient and effective dietary supplement that money can buy. According to researchers, spirulina enhances energy levels because of its vitamin B12 and rhamnose. Rhamnose, is a type of biologically active sugar which hastens the transport of nutrients across the blood-brain barrier and to the cell. This property is crucial to alleviate symptoms of fatigue and improve the blood circulation to all parts of the body. A 2010 study, published in the journal of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, showed that spirulina supplementation was able to significantly improve exercise performance by decreasing fatigue related symptoms. Hemp Seeds Give You Energy, Protein and Healthy Omega-3 Fatty Acids Hemp seeds have become popular due to its fantastic macronutrient profile. It is because of the same reason it is mostly used in breakfast smoothies, in the form of protein powder, seeds or oil. Gram for gram hemp seeds pack more protein and comes loaded with the beneficial omega-3 fats. In addition, hemp seeds contain the perfect ratio of omega 3, 6 and 9 – ideal for the body and is also a complete protein. An ounce of hemp seed gives about 160 calories, 10 grams of protein, 15% of the daily value for iron, 45% for magnesium and 21% of zinc’s daily value. The omega-3 fatty acids help to improve focus and alleviate symptoms of depression. Researchers believe that the presence of the minerals, in hemp seeds, boost energy and supply an ample amount of healthy fats for brain and cardiovascular health. There is one thing to keep in mind. If you have any chronic health condition like diabetes, autoimmune disease or take heart medication – herbs, such as ginseng, may increase the risk of bleeding. Obviously, for best results, it would be great to work with an experienced herbalist and integrative healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov To read the original articles click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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