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Would you eat an insect parasite priced above 18,000 USD per kilo?

For an ordinary person like me, my answer would be no. Hello? Eating an exotic food for the price of a brand new  car? I definitely could not afford to buy that parasitic thing. I think it’s not worth it.

But for people who are looking for something that will enhance their health or even treat their illnesses,  they probably can afford that expensive parasite. Those people are willing to spend more money for foods that promise longevity, sexual benefits, energy restoration, and improvement of quality of life.

What is the insect parasite I am talking about? It is Cordyceps, an edible fungus (mushroom) that parasitizes the caterpillar of the insect Thitarodes (Hepialus). Its scientific name is Cordyceps sinensis and its common names are “summer herb winter worm”, yartsa gunbu (Tibetan translation of “summer herb winter worm”), yarshagumba (Nepali), keera jhar (Indian) and dong chong xia cao (Chinese). It belongs to the family Ascomycota (ascomycete fungi) that includes more than 400 identified species worldwide. Cordyceps and its host (insect larva/caterpillar) grow in grass and shrub lands of Tibetan plateau and the Himalayas, at an altitude of 9,800 to 16,000 ft. The fungus attacks caterpillar while feeding on plant roots. It will invade the body of the caterpillar, filling its entire body cavity with mycelium (vegetative part of fungus), and eventually killing and mummifying it. In spring or early summer, the dark brown to black fruiting body (mushroom) of Cordyceps will emerge from the forehead of the caterpillar, growing from 5 to 15 cm.

The caterpillar with the attached Cordyceps is collected and dried before being used or sold. Cordyceps has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine and Traditional Tibetan medicine for thousand years. It is one of the most over-harvested mushrooms in the world and also one of the most expensive mushrooms, traded for 3,000 USD (lowest quality) to over18,000 USD (best quality) in 2008. The price fluctuates based on the supply and demand. Revenue from Cordyceps has a big impact to Tibetan economy; it contributes 8.5% to the GDP. Many Tibetans earn a living from collecting and selling Cordyceps. Despite of the economic benefits that Cordyceps provides, the environment may suffer in the long run. If the harvest of Cordyceps would not be controlled or regulated, the natural population of the fungus  will dwindle into an alarming degree. Like plants and animals, fungus can also be a candidate for extinction.

But what is so special about Cordyceps that makes it very expensive and highly in demand? What are the components of Cordyceps that benefits human? What are the medicinal uses and health benefits of Cordyceps? Is there any scientific research that backs up the health claims of Cordyceps? Continue reading to find out the answers to these questions.
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Chemical Components of Cordyceps

According to Drugs.com, Cordyceps contains nucleosides including adenine, adenosine, uracil, uridine, guanidine, guanosine, hypoxanthine, thymine, inosine, thymidine, and deoxyuridine.  Nucleosides are compounds required in the production of DNA , RNA, and other biological molecules. In addition to nucleosides, Cordyceps also contains vitamins (B complex, E, & K), minerals, proteins, peptides, all essential amino acids, saccharides (carbohydrates), fatty acids, sterols, other organic acids, ergosterol, mannitol, and other unique compounds. Cordycepin (3′-deoxyguanosine) is considered the most important component of Cordyceps due to its large spectrum of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, and anti-proliferative properties.

Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses

There are many claimed benefits of Cordyceps – the probable reason why Cordyceps is very expensive. Note that the following benefits of Cordyceps are just claims:

• Improves sexual function
• Fights infertility
• Anti-tumor and anti-cancer
• Immune booster
• Improves sleep quality
• Improves blood circulation
• Regulates blood pressure
• Delays the aging process
• Controls the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
• Improves physical endurance and mental alertness
• Helps with respiratory illnesses
• Increases stamina and energy
• Reduces fatigue
• Decreases blood cholesterol levels
• Alleviate joint pains
• Fights liver, lung, and kidney dysfunction
• Helps people with diabetes

What scientific researches show about Cordyceps health benefits?

Reduces lung metastases in breast cancer

J.L. Jordan et al. (2010) found out the oral Cordyceps sinensis is able to reduce lung metastasis but does not reduce tumor growth. The researchers said that cordycepin extract activates macrophages to produce factors that reduce metastasis of cancer cells.

Inhibits tumor growth

The research of Y.Y. Wong et al. (2010) published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry shows the ability of cordycepin (chemical in Cordyceps) to inhibit the uncontrolled growth and division of cancer cells. The researchers concluded that cordycepin interferes with the production of protein, leading to inhibition of cancer cells.

Scavenges free radicals (Antioxidants)

A team of Chinese researchers found out the ability of Cordyceps sinensis extract in neutralizing superoxide anion free radical and hydroxyl free radical. Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive atoms that can damage cells and accelerate the progression of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic diseases, and age-related diseases. The researchers said that the effective components of Cordyceps in scavenging free radicals are cordycepin and D-mannitol.

Treatment for Diabetes
– Several studies reported the ability of Cordyceps extract in lowering blood glucose levels. The researchers found the hypoglycemic effect of polysaccharides extracted from Cordyceps sinensis. (Kiho et al. 1993, Kiho et al. 1996, Zhao et al. 2002)

Liver Health

An extracted compound from Cordyceps was found to protect the liver from damage. (Peng et al. 2010)

*Researches have also been done to investigate the other health benefits of Cordyceps sinensis: treatment of  sexual dysfunction ; improvement of kidney function; anti-inflammatory properties; improvement of the immune system; improvement of cardiovascular and respiratory system; antimicrobial properties; and other claimed health benefits and medicinal uses  listed above.[ad#afterpost]

References

 

• Jordan, J.L. Et al. 2010. Activation of innate immunity to reduce lung metastases in breast cancer. Cancer Immunol. Immunother.
• Wong, Y.Y. Et al. 2010. Cordycepin Inhibits Protein Synthesis and Cell Adhesion through Effects on Signal Transduction. Journal of Biological Chemistry.
• Complete Cordyceps Information from Drugs.com
• Xiao-qiang, Z. et al. 2003. Study on the scavenging effect on superoxideanion free radical and hydroxyl free radical and hydroxyl free radical of Cordycep sinensis and mycelium of cultured Cordyceps sinensis. Chinese Journal of Gerontology
• Winkler, D. 2008. Yartsa Gunbu (Cordyceps sinensis) and the Fungal Commodification of Tibet’s Rural Economy. Economic Botany
• Peng R.Y. et al. 2010. Compound Cordyceps TCM-700C exhibits potent hepatoprotective capability in animal model.

Kudzu, Pueraria lobata, is a vine belonging to the pea family (Fabacea). It is a native plant of southeast China and southern Japan where it is called kuzu and ge gen respectively. Because kudzu grows fast, it gained a plethora of names such as “foot-a-night vine”, “mile-a-minute vine”, “the vine that ate the south”, and “the vegetable form of cancer.” Kudzu is considered an ornamental and medicinal plant in China and Japan but it is considered a natural enemy in southeastern United States. Why?

Kudzu is not a native plant of America. It was first introduced in the United States by Japanese representatives of the 1876 centennial exposition held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A person from the south took samples of kudzu back home and began planting them in his/her garden. Soon afterwards, many southern gardeners began planting kudzu as decorative foliage in gardens and protective ground cover. After the great depression, the US government paid farmers to plant kudzu in their idle lands to control soil erosion. The government had no prior knowledge that the climate of southeastern United States will promote the transformation of kudzu into a highly invasive plant. By 1953, kudzu was declared official weed by the government. After several decades, kudzu now covers at least 7 million acres of land in the United States. It is not easy to control kudzu because it is resistant to most of herbicides available in the market today. It takes many years and lots of money to effectively remove kudzu in a particular land.

There is no doubt that American people hates kudzu, the plant that has been destroying their properties for several decades. The Chinese and Japanese people have opposite feelings for kudzu. They love kudzu not only as an ornamental plant but also as traditional remedy for various diseases. Scientists are beginning to understand the scientific bases of the traditional uses of kudzu.
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Health Benefits of Kudzu

Kudzu belongs to the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. For centuries, kudzu has been used to treat wei syndrome, neck pain, chest pain, diarrhea, alcoholism, hangover, muscle pain, measles, fever, headache, and gastrointestinal problems. It has also been used to control menopausal symptoms.

The biologically active compounds found in kudzu are isoflavones which include daidzein, daidzin, genistein, and puerarin. Isoflavones have anticancer, antimicrobial, antihelmintic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and estrogenic properties.

Researchers are beginning to understand how kudzu effectively reduces alcoholic consumption in animal models as well as humans.

E. Benlhabib et al. of the University of Minnesota, St. Paul found out that kudzu root extract is able to suppress voluntary alcohol consumption and alcohol withdrawal symptoms in rats.

Harvard University researchers found out the ability of kudzu extract to reduce alcohol intake in hamsters and rats by more than half. Other researchers from different institutions observed similar results.

Scott Lukas’ team of researchers at MacLean Hospital (psychiatric hospital affiliated with Harvard University) conducted an experiment that tested the ability of kudzu extract to reduce alcohol intake in human subjects. They recruited 14 men and women (ave. age: 24) for the study that was conducted in a “laboratory” apartment. Half of the subjects were given kudzu pills while the other half were given placebo or inactive pills. They were allowed to drink as many as six bottles of beer. The researchers observed that those who took kudzu pill drank slowly and consumed less beer than those on placebo. Alcohol consumption was almost cut by half. In addition, the researcher found out that kudzu causes few side effects. It is not yet clear how kudzu is able to cut alcohol intake in animal models and human. But the researchers theorize that kudzu speeds alcohol’s effect on the head.

Several researches are being conducted to study the effectiveness of kudzu in treating other human diseases and disorders. Preliminary studies suggest that kudzu is able to improve blood flow in the heart and brain, lower blood pressure, and reduce insulin resistance in diabetic subjects.[ad#afterpost]
References and Further Reading

• Benlhabib, E. et al., Kudzu Root Extract Suppresses Voluntary Alcohol Intake and Alcohol Withrawal Symptoms in P Rats Receiving Free Access to Water Alcohol. Journal of Medicinal Food 7(2):168
• Lukas, S. E. et al. An Extract of the Chinese Herbal Root Kudzu Reduces Alcohol Drinking by Heavy Drinkers in a Naturalistic Setting
• Kudzu cuts alcohol consumption – Harvard Gazette

Milk thistle (Silybum sp.) is a native plant of the Mediterranean region. It is highly regarded medicinal plant because it is the source of silymarin – a mixture of biologically active polyphenolic compounds that have hepatoprotective effects. Silymarin is usually extracted from the seeds. Silymarin has many health benefits: protects the liver against deathcap mushroom poisoning; protects the liver from toxins; improves liver function in patients with cirrhosis and hepatitis; exhibits anti-cancer properties; contains antioxidants that scavenge free radicals, and; reduces the side effects of chemotherapy. Read more about the health benefits of milk thistle.
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Side Effects of Milk Thistle/Silymarin

It has been found out in clinical trials that silymarin is well-tolerated by participants if given in recommended doses. The recommended dose is 280-450 mg per day in divided doses. If silymarin-phosphatidylcholine is to be given, the recommended dose is 100-200 mg two times a day. The dose of silymarin-phosphatidylcholine is lower because it is absorbed faster than silymarin alone. Phosphatidylcholine, a major component of cell membrane, helps silymarin attach easily to cell membranes of liver cells.

Common side effects of milk thistle are indigestion, diarrhea, heartburn, and bloating. Some people can be allergic to milk thistle; symptoms include itching, rashes, swelling, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and anaphylactic shock. People who are allergic to daisies, artichokes, kiwi, common thistle or plants in the Aster family are most likely to be allergic to milk thistle. (Milk thistle belongs to the Aster family). In case of milk thistle allergy, seek the help of a healthcare provider.

The safety of milk thistle in pregnant and breastfeeding women has not been extensively studied. They should consult their doctor first before taking milk thistle products.

Milk thistle can lower blood sugar levels so people with diabetes and hypoglycemia sugar should use it with caution. Those taking medications affecting blood sugar should also use milk thistle with caution.

Milk thistle has estrogen-like properties so it should not be used by people with hormone-sensitive health problems such as endometriosis and cancers in the prostate, ovaries, uterus, and breast.

Milk Thistle Drug Interactions

People who are taking different medications should first consult their doctor before using milk thistle to avoid possible adverse drug interaction. Medications known to interact with milk thistle include antipsychotics, phenytoin, halothane, anticoagulant & anti-platelet drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, allergy drugs, drugs for high blood cholesterol, and some cancer drugs.[ad#afterpost]
References

Milk Thistle – University of Maryland Medical Center

Milk Thistle – National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The Mediterranean regions of Europe, Middle East, and North Africa are home of one of the most popular herbal medicine for the last 2000 years: milk thistle. This annual or biennial plant belongs to the genus Silybum of the daisy family (Asteracea). There are only two known species belonging to genus Silybum: Silybum eburneum (a.k.a. silver milk thistle, ivory thistle, and elephant thistle) and Silybum marianum (a.k.a. blessed milk thistle, silymarin, Marian thistle, Mary thistle, Holy thistle, and others). S. marianum is more popular than S. eburneum and it is the one widely used in treating gallbladder and liver diseases.

Milk thistle has tall erect stem, toothed and thorny leaves, and disc-shaped pink-to-purple solitary flower heads at the stem’s end. The leaves exude milky sap when broken; hence, the name “milky thistle.” The seeds are the most valued part of milk thistle because it contains high concentration of the famous silymarin – a complex mixture of biologically active polyphenolic compounds including flavonolignans (silydianin, isosilychristin, silychristin, isosilybin A, isosilybin B, silybin A, & silybin B) and the flavonoid taxifolin. Extract of milk thistle seed contains 4-6% silymarin, and 20-35% fatty acids.

Milk thistle and silymarin are sometimes used interchangeably. Today, silymarin is a very popular medicine and food supplement. It is available in liquid extract, powder, and tablet forms. It is also mixed with other products such as coffee and energy drinks. It is widely advertised as “food” for the liver because it directly protects the liver from toxic substances.

Scientific studies have been done to assess the health benefits of silymarin. Although the results of these studies suggest beneficial effects of silymarin to the body (particularly the liver), larger and well-designed studies are needed since the previous studies were small and not carefully designed.
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Health Benefits of Silymarin or Milk Thistle Extract

• Milk thistle is traditionally used as antidote for deathcap mushroom (Amanita phalloides) poisoning. It has been found in animal studies that silymarin opposes the toxic effects of the poisonous mushroom when administered within ten minutes of ingestion. If administered within 24 hours, liver damage and death is greatly reduced. There are few stories relating how milk thistle extract has saved human lives from deathcap mushroom poisoning. (Here is an example.)
• Many studies suggest that silymarin improves liver function and increases survival rate in patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. Most of the studies, however, were not well designed (e.g. small participant population) so it is hard to make real conclusions. More well-designed studies are needed to find out if silymarin is indeed helpful in patients with cirrhosis and hepatitis.
• Silymarin and other compounds in milk thistle seed extract may have anti-cancer properties. Laboratory studies show that silymarin has the ability to inhibit cancer cell division, shorten the life span of cancer cells, and reduce blood supply to tumors.
• The ability of silymarin to reduce insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis has also been studied by various scientists.
• Flavonoids found in milk thistle extract are powerful antioxidants which scavenge harmful free radicals – unstable and reactive compounds that damages DNA and cellular structures. Antioxidants are needed by the body to prevent cancer, diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases.
• Results of clinical trials show that silymarin significantly reduced the harmful side effects of chemotherapy for leukemia.

Read: Milk Thistle Side Effects and Drug Interactions
[ad#afterpost]References

• Milk Thistle- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Milk Thistle – University of Maryland Medical Center
• Milk Thistle – National Cancer Institute
• Milk Thistle – MayoClinic

Korean ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, refers to Panax ginseng that grows in East Asian countries including Korea, China, Japan, and Eastern Russia. Its American counterpart is Panax quinquefolius, popularly known as American ginseng. Although there are different species under the Panax genus, Asian and American ginseng are the most popular. Both of them contain ginsenosides, active compounds that are believed to give ginseng its medicinal properties. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is marketed as a cheaper alternative for Asian and American ginseng but it is entirely different plant (distant relative of Panax) with different effects. In addition, Siberian ginseng doesn’t contain ginsenosides which are the bioactive compounds found in Asian and Korean ginseng.

The most valuable part of the ginseng plant is the taproot which looks like human body with stringy shoots for the arms and legs. It takes six years for the ginseng root to reach maturity. Because of high demand for Korean ginseng, it is now being cultivated for mass production. Korean ginseng that grows in the wild is very rare to find today.

Red ginseng (unpeeled root, steamed before drying) and white ginseng (dried, peeled) are available in liquid extracts as well as in powders or capsules. Dried ginseng root can also be boiled in water to make a decoction. Korean ginseng products are sold online and in drug stores, specialty stores, and even in supermarkets. Korean ginseng extract is also added to different supplements.

For thousands of years, Korean ginseng has been used for various medicinal purposes in Korea, China, Japan, and other parts of Asia. It is one of the most valuable and highly priced herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Korean ginseng is traditionally used as aphrodisiac, adaptogen, and as cure for sexual dysfunction. The number of health benefits attributed to Korean ginseng is increasing as scientists study its effectiveness in treating various human diseases like cancer and diabetes.

Only few scientific studies have been conducted to test the medicinal effects of Korean ginseng extract. Although more studies are needed, the results of preliminary studies on Korean ginseng medicinal properties look promising. Below are some of the health benefits of Korean ginseng.

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Health Benefits of Korean Ginseng

• Active compounds found in Korean ginseng include ginsenosides and saponins. In addition to these two compounds, glycans, polysaccharides, peptides, maltol, flavonoids, vitamins, and essential oil are also found in Korean ginseng extract. Each of these compounds has beneficial effects to human.

• Studies show that Korean ginseng extract is an immune booster. It helps the body fight infection. It has been found that ginseng increases the number of immune system cells (e.g. leukocytes) and improves the immune system’s response to flu vaccine.

• Korean ginseng contains powerful antioxidants that get rid of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive molecules that can damage the DNA and causes cardiovascular diseases. It has been found that Korean ginseng can lower blood pressure.

• Another effect of Korean ginseng is lowering the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL, bad cholesterol) in the blood. LDL is linked to the disease atherosclerosis or the deposition of cholesterol plaques in inner linings of the arteries, causing blood flow obstruction resulting to heart attack and stroke.

• The reason why Korean ginseng is a popular time-honored aphrodisiac is its ability to improve sexual performance, enhances libido, and cure erectile dysfunction. In animal studies, Korean ginseng has been found to increase sperm count, sexual activity, and sexual performance. It also enhance sperm motility – a very important sperm quality that a man should have.

• Several studies suggest that Korean ginseng may reduce the risk of some types of cancer such as lung, ovarian, pancreatic, stomach, and liver cancer. However, it should not be concluded that ginseng causes the reduction of cancer risk; other environmental factors such as food and lifestyle may have contributed to the reduced risk of developing cancer. More studies are needed to find out the relationship of ginseng use and reduced cancer risk.

• People who regularly use ginseng supplements report significant improvements in the quality of their lives in terms of energy, sex life, sleep, personal satisfaction, and well-being. Korean ginseng is sometimes called an “adaptogen,” something that helps the body cope with physical and mental stress.

• Korean ginseng is also a mental booster. People who use ginseng say that they feel more alert. They also reports improved thinking, learning, concentration, and memory. It is best when Korean ginseng supplements are taken with Ginkgo biloba supplements. Ginkgo biloba promotes brain health.

• Several studies suggest that Korean ginseng may lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients.

Side Effects of Korean Ginseng

When taken in high doses, Korean ginseng can cause sleeplessness and nervousness. Other side effects include restlessness, anxiety, euphoria, vomiting, diarrhea, nosebleed, headache, vaginal bleeding, and breast pain. Korean ginseng should not be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Some people can be allergic to Korean ginseng. Symptoms include skin rashes, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, breathing difficulty, and anaphylactic shock. It is highly recommended that people with health problems should use Korean ginseng products under doctor’s supervision.

There are medications known to interact with Korean ginseng. They should not be used together with Korean ginseng without first consulting a qualified physician. These medications include angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g. Capoten, Monopril, and Lotensin), calcium channel blockers (e.g. Norvasc & Cardizem), anticoagulants (e.g. aspirin), caffeine (coffee), diabetes medications, stimulants (e.g. amphetamine), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIS, e.g. Marplan & Nardil), and morphine.[ad#afterpost]

References

Asian Ginseng – University of Maryland Med. Center

Ginseng – MedlinePlus

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices in ancient and modern times. It is made from the dried and pulverized bark of cinnamon tree, Cinnamomum sp. which grows in countries like India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, and Egypt. A compound called cinnamonaldehyde provides cinnamon its characteristic flavor and aroma. There are many varieties of cinnamon, but the two most popular are the Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and Cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia). Ceylon cinnamon, also known as the true cinnamon, is more expensive than Cassia cinnamon. It has better flavor and its quills are softer and easier to grind in coffee grinder. The less expensive Cassia cinnamon has harder quills and cannot easily be ground into powder using coffee grinder. Most cinnamons found in North American supermarkets are Cassia cinnamon.

As a spice, cinnamon is widely used in baking and cooking across different cultures. Besides its highly regarded status in culinary arts, cinnamon has also been a very important part of traditional Chinese and Indian medicine (Ayurvedic medicine). In fact, cinnamon was considered as one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Cinnamon is a time-honored herbal medicine, tested by many generations. Through scientific experiments, cinnamon has been found to have amazing health benefits.
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Cinnamon can help lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In a study published in Diabetes Care (2003), researchers found out that people with type 2 diabetes who took cinnamon pill a day for 40 days have fasting blood glucose levels reduced by 18 to 29%; tricyglyceride levels reduced by 23 to 30%; LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) reduced by 7 to 27% and; total blood cholesterol reduced by 12 to 26%.  Although the result of the study is promising, more studies should be done to confirm the effectiveness of cinnamon in treating type 2 diabetes.

Cinnamon has been known as a good preservative. It is because cinnamon contains compounds that inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. In laboratory studies, cinnamon has been found to kill Helicobacter pylori, E. coli, and other pathogenic bacterial strains. Taking cinnamon can help the body fight infection.

Cinnamon contains powerful antioxidants that help the body eradicate harmful toxins including free radicals – highly reactive atom or group of atoms with an unpaired electron. Free radicals can damage cell structures like the DNA and cell membrane. Too much free radical in the body can cause premature aging, cancer, and weak immune system.

Blood-thinning (anticoagulant) compounds found in cinnamon can improve blood circulation. Improved blood circulation means improved distribution of oxygen and nutrients to all body cells.

Cinnamon is traditionally used to treat diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, coughs, colds, and menstrual cramp.

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it can be used to relieve pain associated to arthritis, rheumatism, and muscle injury.[ad#afterpost]