Cordyceps Capsule
Cordyceps known as Aweto, Caterpillar fungus or Dong Chong Xia Cao (literally means winter worm – summer grass), is a genus of ascomycete fungi from the family of Claviceptaceae. Out of more than 300 different species from the genus over the world, C. sinensis is the only one species that is currently recognized and accepted by the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) as a listable substance which can be used as alternative medicines. More over, being used in China for more than 1000 years, only is Cordyceps sinensis the only-one species in the genus listed in Chinese pharmacopoeia and allowed for pharmaceutical and prescription use.
Cordyceps Cordyceps normally grows in a stringent environment where cold climate, low oxygen contents and pollution-free are needed. And Tibetan highland where altitude is over 4000 meters and sealed with crystal-clear snow over six months a year could only meet such a stringent requirement. The growth involves a dramatic and wonder process. Initially the fungus, Cordyceps sinesis, parasitizes the host larva of the specific moth Hepialus armoricanus. Then spores of Cordyceps sinensis grow inside the caterpillars filling the caterpillar with filaments (hyphae) in winter and eventually replace the whole caterpillars as plants. In summer, when snow melts the caterpillar-shaped plant of fungus (sclerotium) grows out a stalked fruiting body (stroma) out of the earth and produces spores when mature. The spores are spread in the wind and ready to parasitize the next generation of caterpillars.
In ancient China this fungus was used exclusively in the Emperor's Palace because of its rarity, value and power. In recent years, however, as more and more people realize its unique properties and values, the price in the international market has surged more than ten times in merely ten years. Recently retailing price for the selected grade of C. sinensis reached a new peak equivalent to USD 900 per Ounce which is almost the same value as Gold. The price trend seems not likely to turn back due to the fact that the wild collection and supply have greatly reduced due to the lack of resources and the rise of perceptions of environment protections.
Fortunately, plant and biological scientists has successfully cultivated the fungus via an advanced deep-fermentation technology by using cereals as culture base incorporated with the strain of fungus Cordyceps. Among all the cultivated Cordyceps, only the strain of Cs-4 Cordyceps sinensis has been recognized by Chinese Pharmacopoeia as the substitute of the wild Cordyceps sinensis.
Cs-4 Cordyceps sinensis is not only proved for its most similarity of chemical compounds profile with the wild ones, but also possesses even higher contents for some of key constituents. Meanwhile, many double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials have also demonstrated its therapeutic effectiveness and potency. More importantly, this cultivated Cs-4 Cordyceps are environment friendly, cost effective, quality consistent and stable, as well as caterpillar-free.
Maximum Balance™ Cordyceps capsule contains 100% of pure fermentative Cs-4 Cordyceps sinenisis with no starch, preservatives or other excipients contained, and manufactured in Australia with the standard of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Thus a high level of quality control is ensured. Further more, the ingredient material has to pass a series of analysis including the identification test by an independent and licensed Australian laboratory before production.
Compared with wild Cordyceps sinensis, fermented Codyceps contains most similar chemical profile and even higher in some aspects. For instance, Adenosine, no less than 0.20%, is 20 times higher than that of wild one (0.01%); Cordycepic Acid (D-Mannitol) >14 %, nearly doubles that of wild one, Cordycepin 0.22%, is almost 4 times higher than wild one. Here is a figure derived from Aloha:
Key: Blue line (fermented Cs) V.S Red line (wild Cs)
What are the benefits that Cordyceps sinenis can actually bring to you? Here are the indications of our Cordyceps Capsule as listed in ARTG (the Australian Register of the Therapeutic Goods):
Traditionally used to nourish the lung and kidney, tonify the Qi (vital energy) and capture the Jing (essence). It may help relieving prolonged cough and bronchitis due to insufficiency of lung; Ache and limpness in the loins and knees; Physical and nervous exhaustion; Poor memories, sluggishness and easy to get tired due to Qi-deficiency; Low libido and spermatorrhea. Assists to build up body resistance to pathogenic factors and help recuperation from surgery or long illness.
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Reference
- Holliday J. Clever M. On the trail of the yak Ancient Cordyceps in the modern world. Aloha medicinals, 2004
- Cordyceps. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordyceps
- Report of findings from recent researches on Cordyceps. Medicinal plant researching institute of China medical science academy. 1998
- Jin shui bao jiaonang, Chinese pharmacopoeia, V. 2005, p364-365
- Reid D, winter warm- Summer grass, Cordyceps sinensis, A hand book of Chinese healing herbs, Simon & Schuster, Australia, 2000
- Himalayan Viagra, retrieved http://www.raonline.ch/pages/np/nat/np_yarcha01.html
- Chang H M et al, Pharmacology and applications of Chinese materia medica (V.1), World Science, USA, 1986, p410-413
- Schulman Risa, Review of Cordyceps – Chinese Medicinal Fungus, HerbClip, File HC 071191, American Botanical Council (ABC), 2000.