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modulation action, then don't use alcohol extracts as they will not be effective. 2. The nucleosides, another class of compounds, are soluble in non-polar solvents like alcohol and hexane. These compounds are usually smaller in molecular size and are more specific in their bio-activity compared with polysaccharides. Nucleosides, deoxynucleosides and most of our antibiotics and antimicrobials fall into this category. Clinical research has shown that Cordyceps use increased cellular bio-energy—ATP (adenosine triphosphate)—by as much as 55 per cent. Increased synthesis of ATP and faster energy recovery have been reported. It would seem that Cordyceps improves the internal balance mechanism, thus making the utilisation of oxygen more efficient. These properties may account for the overall physical enhancement, the extra endurance and the anti-fatigue effects that are seen in humans using Cordyceps. ¢ Improves respiratory function Several scientific studies have demonstrated the benefits of Cordyceps sinensis in alleviating the symptoms of various respiratory illnesses including chronic bronchitis and asthma. Health Benefits and Clinical Studies ¢ Improves respiratory function The medicinal properties of Cordyceps are remarkable. Several scientific studies have demonstrated the In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the main use __ benefits of Cordyceps sinensis in alleviating the symptoms of Cordyceps has been in the treatment of asthma and _ of various respiratory illnesses including chronic other bronchial conditions. Modern research now _ bronchitis and asthma. confirms the efficacy of these ° Increases oxygen ancient uses. absorption Much of what is known in the In a double-blind, placebo- western world about Cordyceps controlled study with 30 elderly sinensis is due to the work of Dr One of the highlights of volunteers, Cordyceps was eorges Halpern, a physician shown to improve significan and professor emeritus with modern research has been the maximutn amount of and the author of several the discovery of new toussimiate books about Cordyceps. antibiotics in this mushroom. Chinese studies ° cardiovascular illnesses have shown that ethanol extracts o One of the highlights of modern research has been the discovery of new antibiotics in Cordyceps mycelia and Cordyceps this mushroom. One of these, fermentation solutions caused cordycepin, is very effective against all sorts of bacteria. a change in the biological action that allowed for an that have developed, or are developing, resistance to increase in cellular oxygen absorption by up to 40 per other, more common antibiotics (such as penicillin, a | cent. In addition, studies have shown the effect o fungus product!). these compounds in relieving chronic obstructive Cordyceps is especially effective against tuberculosis, | pulmonary disease. leprosy and human leukaemia, as shown in many trials ¢ Improves heart function in China, Japan and elsewhere. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits Some additional health benefits of Cordyceps are of Cordyceps sinensis in treating heart rhythm outlined below. disturbances such as cardiac arrhythmia and chronic ¢ Enhances physical stamina heart failure. The best-known medicinal action of Cordyceps is in ¢ Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels the increase of physical stamina. In 1993, the Chinese Four studies have demonstrated that Cordyceps sinensis National Games brought this mushroom to the helped to lower total cholesterol by 10-21 per cent and attention of the world's sporting authorities. A group _ triglycerides (neutral fats) by 9-26 per cent, and at the of nine women athletes who had been taking Cordyceps same time helped to increase HDL ("good") cholesterol shattered nine world records. by 27-30 per cent. There have been many reports of amazing CH,OH improvements in performance in various sports due to HoN the intake of Cordyceps. HO—CH There has even been talk of banning Cordyceps from HO UN re N | sporting events because it may give an unfair NAyZ HO—GH advantage to those who can get it! la HC—OH Most professional athletes who use it now are unwilling to admit that they do, due to the possibility OH OH HC— OH that some sporting authority will outlaw its use. In the CH,OH other direction, the Canadian Olympic Committee has taken an official stand on Cordyceps, ruling that it is Chemical structure of adenosine and cordycepic acid allowed in professional competition. oxygen One of the highlights of modern research has been the discovery of new antibiotics in this mushroom. of CH20H HO—CH HO—CH HC—OH We OH CH20H H2N HO N er fe) N OH OH NEXUS « 25 Chemical structure of adenosine and cordycepic acid APRIL - MAY 2009 www.nexusmagazine.com