Cordyceps Mushroom Extract Powder – Organic

While Cordyceps has an earthy cacao-like flavor profile, its nutritive and healing abilities are just as potent. Creating a concentrated extract powder produces a shelf-stable end product with exceptional versatility. Indeed, an extracted powdered version of cordyceps represents a modern version of how we can consume this tonic. However, it also represents how the advancement of technology can create products with incredible potential for limitless product development applications and a more convenient way to use this powerful medicinal tonic/adaptogen on the go.

Our mission is to provide the customer with great-tasting, highly functional foods with limitless application in their most versatile form to support a variety of lifestyles. So, we proudly introduce the newest member of our diverse functional food line, Z Natural Foods Cordyceps extract powder.

Edible choice medicinal mushrooms are some of the most revered and well-respected foods of the herbal tonic world, with a rich history going back thousands of years in both Eastern and Western medicine.

Backed by human studies, these magnificent tonics are universally considered the “great equalizers” for their ability to profoundly nourish and deeply support a healthy, balanced immune system response. But these tonics do so much more. Many possess adaptogen-like qualities, possibly supporting a healthy nervous system, nourishing organs and glands, supporting the growth of wisdom, and calming the spirit.

Cordyceps, in particular, are among the few mushrooms that are also a true adaptogen. 

However, before we discuss cordyceps’ potent nourishing qualities, let’s review some vital general mushroom information.

A mushroom is a fungal organism’s fruiting body (with three distinct parts that develop through its life cycle) or, in simpler terms, the fruit of a more extensive fungal network that grows underground.

There are two primary types of fungi. Saprophytes grow on dead or decaying organic matter (reishi are an example). Parasitic fungi infect a living host like plants or insects (cordyceps are an example). They have the same life cycle, but it comes down to what they choose as a food source.

The life cycle of a mushroom varies depending on the mushroom and its growing environment; it can last as short as a day or as long as a month.

• Spores (released from the gills of a mushroom cap) are in the surrounding air that, under favorable conditions, will land on a substrate they can use as a food source. Once they begin germination, they start growing filament branches called hyphae (their primary mission is to find spores of the opposite sex to bond with). When hyphae continue to grow, a fusing process occurs to create mycelium.
• Mycelium is an underground network that expands and feeds off organic plant matter and produces enzymes that break down the plant material to recycle it into beneficial compounds that return to the soil. This portion of the life phase is also known as the vegetative body of the organism and the mushroom’s immune system. In nature, mycelium forms large networks of fungal matter by breaking down wood, logs, and other plant matter (also known as substrate), becoming intertwined and creating an inseparable mass. Mycelial networks can live for thousands of years, spreading across massive distances. In eastern Oregon, there is a 2000-year-old mycelial mat of honey mushrooms that is 2200 acres in size.
• Mushroom, aka fruiting body: If the environmental conditions are appropriate, the mycelium will produce a mushroom, aka fruiting body, which is the organism’s reproductive structure. At its fully mature stage, it produces spores that redistribute across plant matter, creating a new mycelium network and allowing the fungus to spread. This is the last point of the life and reproductive cycles.

In simple terms, the fruiting bodies are like an orange to an orange tree. Fruiting bodies often exist for a few days before disappearing and represent about 5% of the entire process. Because fruiting bodies have been the primary focus of research worldwide, they are believed to be the primary powerhouse portion of the fungi where all the nourishing compounds are found (each mushroom varying compounds).

In simple terms, mycelium is biomass. Just as mushrooms are not mycelium, mycelium is not mushrooms. In this area of research, it is believed that all of the compounds found in a high concentration of the fruiting body (like polysaccharides) are not the only driving force behind what makes mushrooms such powerful tonic foods. Mycelium is the primary plant portion of the mushroom and the longest-living part of the organism (95% of the life cycle).

Polysaccharides

Mushrooms contain a wide range of non-starch polysaccharides (carbohydrate fractions excluding starch and free sugar) like chitin, beta-glucans, alpha-glucans, hemicellulose, mannans, xylans, and galactans. Non-starch polysaccharides are distinguished into soluble and insoluble fractions, with up to 90% being insoluble fractions. Most (around 80%)of insoluble polysaccharides are chitin, including beta-glucans bound onto chitin or protein.

It is believed that the primary polysaccharides found in fungi are beta-D-glucans, which come in various forms (beta 1-3 and 1-6) and are specific to fungi and yeast. Other polysaccharides found in mushrooms are Alpha-glucans like glycogen, dextran, pullulan, and starch, which are not thought to provide the same nourishing qualities as beta-glucans. This belief tells you only part of the story and may be based on flawed science.

You may have noticed that most medicinal mushroom product labels focus on only beta-glucan levels; therefore, some important points must be clarified. Here are accurate facts about beta-glucans.

• Beta-glucans are a classification of compounds known as polymers.
• There are hundreds of beta-glucan shapes and sizes, and while some are biologically active, others are not. Furthermore, not all are immunologically active.
• Each species of fungi may contain a different beta-glucan.
• Beta-glucans can differ in function, solubility, and interaction with other molecules.
• While beta-glucans are potent compounds, they are just one variable of a wide range of compounds responsible for a mushroom’s many nourishing qualities.
• Ultimately, Beta-glucan levels are not necessarily the telltale sign of a product’s effectiveness.

Therefore, it is misleading to state that beta-glucan levels determine the effectiveness of a mushroom product. Beta-glucans are most effective when they work with all other constituents found in mushrooms, and if one or more are missing, the end product’s effectiveness can be affected.

Cordyceps Mushrooms: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Researched for its ability to support vitality and performance, strengthen the body and mind, and support a healthy stress response,  Cordyceps is an elite-level Jing and Qi tonic and a superstar of the mushroom world.

Sweet in flavor and warm in temperature, cordyceps is famous in TCM for nourishing both Yin and Yang, supporting the kidneys and lungs, supporting life capacity and life force reserves, and is considered a fantastic tonifier of QI. You won’t have to search far to see that cordyceps is regarded as one of the greats in Traditional Chinese Medicine, right next to Ginseng, Reishi, Deer Antler, and Schizandra.

In simple terms, four primary fundamental aspects define a tonic herb:

• Tonic herbs create and support a state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being by balancing yin and Yang energy, enabling one to attain vibrant health.
• Tonic herbs can be used for an unlimited period with no adverse effects
• No matter how long an individual uses tonic herbs, they never build up a tolerance.
• True tonics come from their authentic source and spiritual homeland. In Daoist herbalism, this principle is known as Di Tao and makes a vital difference in potency and efficacy.

All tonic herbs nourish at least one of what TCM calls The Three Treasures. The three treasures are interconnected and contribute to overall health and well-being. They are as follows:

• Jing is essence primarily stored in the kidneys. Jing is one’s constitution, regulates the body’s growth and development, and works with Qi to protect the body from harmful external conditions. Poor constitution, blood loss, and excessive sexual activity can cause jing essence deficiencies.
• Qi is a life force or vital energy stored in the kidneys. Both the physical and emotional are manifested as Qi. One is inherited from our parents, and the second is derived from essential substances like air, food, and water. Deficiencies are caused by poor nutrition and digestion, chronic stress, and constrained breathing.
•  Shen is the emotional and spirit layer of our being that reflects the state of our nervous system. Shen lives in the heart and is said to “preside over the activities that take place in the spiritual and mental planes.” Because Shen lives in the heart, people with disturbed Shen may experience anxiety, stress, difficulty breathing, and insomnia. In such cases, the primary weakness is from the spleen, which cannot generate enough blood to nourish the heart and anchor the Shen.

There are four primary categories of tonic herbs:

• Qi Tonics, also known as energy tonics, are used to increase energy production. TCM believes they enhance nutrient absorption, yielding blood and energy. They also support metabolic processes, influence the spleen, and nurture the lungs.
• Blood Tonics are known to nourish and balance blood by optimizing nutrient utilization. Blood nourishes the tissues and provides a means of distribution for nutrients, hormones, and immune cells. Blood tonics are commonly used to support the quality of one’s skin. Some blood tonics also work as blood vitalizers to improve microcirculation.
• Yin Tonics: Yin is the accumulation of storage and energy condensed in all body tissues, primarily in all significant organs, specifically within the kidneys. The stored energy in the kidneys is known as the Yin essence and is considered the body’s fundamental reserve. Yin tonics are associated with preserving the quality of life.
• Yang Tonics: Yang is the utilization of stored energy(Yin). Yang tonics have a warm or hot power, are associated with creativity, and are therefore believed to build strength and courage. Yang herbs are used to stimulate metabolism, build muscle, and support the skeletal system.

However, tonic herbs are not used to treat or prevent specific issues. They promote and support general well-being by enhancing energy and regulating function. The priority is not healing but gently promoting one’s health. Tonic herbs provide adaptive Qi, allowing us to deal more efficiently with daily stressors.

Ultimately, this will enable us to grow as human beings.

Cordyceps Mushrooms: A Western Perspective

Cordyceps is a treasure trove of bioactive compounds like all other medicinal mushrooms. Some of the primary ones that have been researched and thought to create cordyceps’ “life-supporting” effects are:

• Nucleosides
• Polysaccharides
• Sterols
• Amino Acids
• Polypeptides
• Cordycepin (One of the primary compounds found in Cordyceps)

Cordycepin:

• Cordycepin is the most considerable adenosine analog from some Cordyceps.

• Cordycepin is a class of compounds with significant therapeutic potential. It has many intracellular targets, including nucleic acid, apoptosis, and the cell cycle.
• Wang et al. investigated the effects of cordycepin in the prevention of focal cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (IR) injury. They suggested that cordycepin has a neuroprotective effect in the ischemic brain due to the inhibition of inflammation and increased antioxidant activity related to lesion pathogenesis. So cordycepin could be an attractive therapeutic candidate with oral activity against I/R-associated heart diseases such as myocardial infarction.

The following was stated in an article discussing the breakdown and concentration levels of various predominate compounds found in cordyceps.

• The adenosine concentration was 0.18% in the fruiting body and 0.06% in the corpus. The cordycepin concentration was 0.97% in the fruiting body and 0.36% in the corpus. There were differences in adenosine and cordycepin contents between the fruiting body and the corpus of C. militaris.
• The adenosine and cordycepin concentration in the fruiting body was approximately three-fold higher than in the corpus.
• The adenosine concentration was lower than the concentration of cordycepin.

The following was stated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study using 28 individuals examining whether acute and chronic cordyceps supplementation improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise.

• One week of supplementation elicited no significant time × treatment interaction for VO2max (p = 0.364), VT (p = 0.514), TTE (p = 0.540), RPP (p = 0.134), AvgP (p = 0.398), or %drop (p = 0.823).
• After 3 weeks, VO2max significantly improved (p = 0.042) in MR (+4.8 ml·kg-1·min-1), but not PL (+0.9 ml·kg-1·min-1).
• Analysis of 95% confidence intervals revealed significant improvements in TTE after 1- (+28.1 s) and 3 weeks (+69.8 s) in MR but not PL.
• Additionally, after 3 weeks, VO2 max (+4.8 ml·kg-1·min-1) and VT (+0.7 l·min-1) improved.

Therefore, it was concluded that “Acute supplementation with a cordyceps militaris containing mushroom blend may improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise; greater benefits may be elicited with consistent chronic supplementation.”

Summary of Important Information

Z Natural Foods hand-picks specific ingredients for our customers based on three concepts to provide the best quality product possible to support optimal well-being.

• Versatility
• History of safe and effective usage
• Strong evidence of positive research outcomes in humans
• The life cycle of a mushroom varies depending on the mushroom and its growing environment; it can last as short as a day or as long as a month. Three distinct parts develop through its life cycle: Spores, Mycelium, and Mushroom, aka fruiting body: 
• The fruiting bodies are like an orange to an orange tree. Fruiting bodies often exist for a few days before disappearing and represent about 5% of the entire process.
• Mycelium is biomass. Just as mushrooms are not mycelium, mycelium is not mushrooms.
• It is believed that beta-D-glucans, which come in various forms(beta 1-3 and 1-6), are the primary polysaccharides found in fungi. However, it is misleading to state that beta-glucan levels determine the effectiveness of a mushroom product.
• Beta-glucans are most effective when they work with all other constituents found in mushrooms, and if one or more are missing, the end product’s effectiveness can be affected.
• Cordycepin is one of the primary compounds found in Cordyceps.
• Cordycepin is the most considerable adenosine analog from some Cordyceps.
• Cordycepin is a class of compounds with significant therapeutic potential. It has many intracellular targets, including nucleic acid, apoptosis, and the cell cycle.