Cordyceps Mushrooms: An Aphrodisiac for Sexual Wellness
Article at a Glance:
- Cordyceps mushrooms are adaptogenic functional mushrooms with potential sexual health benefits.
- Regular use of Cordyceps may support sex hormone production and reduce oxidative stress.
- Cordyceps can support endurance and stamina during physical activity.
It may be hard to believe that a "caterpillar fungus" could be a popular aphrodisiac, but Cordyceps mushrooms have been used for sexual health in traditional medicine for years. If you're looking for a boost to your sexual health, adding Cordyceps mushrooms to your routine may be a natural way.
This article explores how Cordyceps mushrooms may support your sexual health.
Does Cordyceps Mushrooms Help With Sexual Health?
Cordyceps mushrooms are adaptogens with major bioactive components, including cordycepin, adenosine, polysaccharides, vitamins and minerals, and phenolic compounds. Together, these compounds in Cordyceps can support wellness and sexual health in various ways.[1]
Cordyceps Can Support Hormone Levels for Sexual Health
Testosterone is a sex hormone related to libido in both men and women. Low circulating testosterone levels can lower libido and impact sexual health in men in several ways.
Animal studies suggest that Cordyceps supplementation can help support healthy testosterone levels by reducing the breakdown of testosterone and potentially supporting normal testosterone production.[2][3]
Cordyceps Mushrooms Can Help Your Stamina
Depending on the intensity of sexual activity, sex can be physically demanding enough to be considered moderate-intensity physical activity. Just like in other forms of exercise, your performance can be impacted by stamina and endurance.[4]
Cordyceps mushrooms may be able to help with improving your natural stamina. In a 2017 study, researchers found that daily supplementation of a mushroom blend containing Cordyceps mushrooms for up to 3 weeks positively affected participants' tolerance to high-intensity exercise. [5]
Cordyceps Mushrooms May Reduce Oxidative Stress
Increasing evidence finds that oxidative stress from chronic conditions or environmental factors can impact sexual function. Erectile dysfunction, in particular, is more common in individuals with high oxidation levels in their bodies.[6][7]
Regularly taking Cordyceps mushrooms may help reduce oxidative stress. In cell studies, Cordyceps militaris extract was found to support the protection against the harmful effects of reactive oxygen series molecules.[8]
Maintain Your Energy with Cordyceps Mushrooms
It's difficult to get in the mood when you're feeling tired. Cordyceps mushrooms are known to support healthy energy production levels so that you don't crash before you perform.
In particular, Cordyceps mushrooms help with ATP production. Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is the basic energy block your body uses to power every function. Animal studies have found that regular supplementation with Cordyceps mushrooms helped positively influence the production of ATP in mitochondria and the reported levels of tiredness.[9]
Using Cordyceps Mushrooms to Support Sexual Health
Several lifestyle and environmental factors impact sexual health. Focusing on healthy eating, regular exercise, sleeping well, and reducing exposure to environmental toxins can naturally support sexual health. Adding an adaptogen such as Cordyceps mushrooms to your routine can also give you extra support in reaching your sexual wellness goals.
Our Cordyceps Mushroom Gummies contain the equivalent of 500 milligrams of Cordyceps Mushroom per gummy, making getting this functional mushroom in your diet easy.
Not only are Fungies® gummies delicious and convenient, but they are also vegan-friendly, gluten-free, gelatin-free, and non-GMO. Check out our online store today to grab a bottle and experience the benefits of Cordyceps mushrooms in your routine.
References
- Jędrejko KJ, Lazur J, Muszyńska B. Cordyceps militaris: An Overview of Its Chemical Constituents in Relation to Biological Activity. Foods. 2021;10(11):2634. Published 2021 Oct 30. doi:10.3390/foods10112634.
- Chen YC, Chen YH, Pan BS, Chang MM, Huang BM. Functional study of Cordyceps sinensis and cordycepin in male reproduction: A review. J Food Drug Anal. 2017;25(1):197-205. doi:10.1016/j.jfda.2016.10.020.
- Kusama K, Miyagawa M, Ota K, et al. Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract Decreases Testosterone Catabolism and Testosterone-Stimulated Prostate Hypertrophy. Nutrients. 2020;13(1):50. Published 2020 Dec 26. doi:10.3390/nu13010050.
- Oliva-Lozano JM, Alacid F, López-Miñarro PA, Muyor JM. What Are the Physical Demands of Sexual Intercourse? A Systematic Review of the Literature. Arch Sex Behav. 2022;51(3):1397-1417. doi:10.1007/s10508-021-02246-8.
- Kusama K, Miyagawa M, Ota K, et al. Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract Decreases Testosterone Catabolism and Testosterone-Stimulated Prostate Hypertrophy. Nutrients. 2020;13(1):50. Published 2020 Dec 26. doi:10.3390/nu13010050.
- Rani V, Deep G, Singh RK, Palle K, Yadav UC. Oxidative stress and metabolic disorders: Pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies. Life Sci. 2016;148:183-193. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2016.02.002.
- Azadzoi KM, Schulman RN, Aviram M, Siroky MB. Oxidative stress in arteriogenic erectile dysfunction: prophylactic role of antioxidants. J Urol. 2005;174(1):386-393. doi:10.1097/01.ju.0000161209.39959.67.
- He MT, Lee AY, Park CH, Cho EJ. Protective effect of Cordyceps militaris against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in vitro. Nutr Res Pract. 2019;13(4):279-285. doi:10.4162/nrp.2019.13.4.279.
- Choi E, Oh J, Sung GH. Beneficial Effect of Cordyceps militaris on Exercise Performance via Promoting Cellular Energy Production. Mycobiology. 2020;48(6):512-517. Published 2020 Nov 9. doi:10.1080/12298093.2020.1831135.