Traditional Chinese Medicinal Cordyceps

Topic:David Moore's Medical Mycology Blog

Chinese traditional medicine uses a variety of natural products to treat illness, many of which have no sound medical reasoning. In this study I am to assess the evidence for and against the use of a particular fungus called Cordyceps chinensis, to determine whether or not there is any hard science to its curative effect or whether it is just blind faith. I found some promising material on the effects of the fungus especially in the use of athletics where field tests have been performed. The problems encountered were the reliability of the claims. This was because of where the information was gathered e.g. internet and Chinese journals, where we have to be a little sceptical whether the tests and reports have been properly monitored and checked. In conclusion I found that the use of this fungus medically seems bright but more controlled investigations need to be performed, especially in the West to dispel the myths about traditional chinese medicine.

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