Evidence supporting the use of: Caterpillar mushroom
For the body system: Adrenal Glands
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Caterpillar mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis), a fungus that parasitizes caterpillars, has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is traditionally believed to support energy, vitality, and longevity. Within TCM, Cordyceps is thought to nourish the "Kidney" system, which is sometimes associated with adrenal function in Western interpretations, although direct equivalence is debated. The rationale for its use in supporting the adrenal glands is primarily rooted in its adaptogenic reputation—helping the body adapt to stress—which is an attribute often ascribed to herbs and fungi believed to support adrenal health.
Scientific research into Cordyceps has documented effects such as enhanced ATP production and potential modulation of immune and endocrine systems, but direct studies on its impact on human adrenal glands are sparse. Most evidence is either preclinical or based on its general adaptogenic and anti-fatigue properties, with only indirect connections to adrenal support. Therefore, while traditional use is well established, and there is some mechanistic plausibility, robust clinical data specifically validating Cordyceps for adrenal health are limited.
Other ingredients that support Adrenal Glands
Acetyl-L-Tyrosineadrenal cortex
Alfalfa
Anemarrhena
animal Tissue
antler
ashitaba
ashwagandha
astragalus
ba ji tian
barbasco
basil
bee pollen
bee products
black galingale
black seed
Black spruce
bovine
bovine kidney
bovine liver
bovine protein
Brazil nut
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
Campylandra fimbriata
caterpillar mushroom
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Chinese mountain ant
Chinese thoroughwax
chuchuhuasi
coca
Codonopsis
cola nut
cordyceps
cortisol
Curculigo orchioides
deer velvet
Dendrobium
devil\'s club
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
dioscorea
egg
eleuthero
eucommia
Eurycoma Longifolia
eurycomanone
false unicorn root
flat-stem milk-vetch
fo-ti
ganoderma
ginseng
Ginsenosides
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Glycyrrhizin
guayusa
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalayan salt
Ilex
Indian nightshade
Japanese kadsura
Jatamansi
jiaogulan
jungli-bean
kelp
kola nut
l-tyrosine
Lavandin
licorice root
lingzhi
maca
macaenes
macamides
magnesium
maral root
Mate
Mineral ascorbate
Mineral blend
Mormon Tea
Muira puama
Mushroom
Nettle
noni
pantethine
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
phosphatidylserine
Polygonatum
Rehmannia
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
Rhaponticum
rhizome
Rhodiola
Rosarin
rosavins
Safed musli
Salidroside
salt
sarsaparilla
Schisandrins
Schizandrol A
sea salt
Shataverins
Shilajit
Sida cordifolia
skullcap
Smilagenin
spearmint leaf
suma
trace minerals
Tribulus Terrestris
Trichopus zeylanicus
Vervain
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin C
whole adrenal glandular
Wild yam
Withanolides
Yerba mate
Zinc
Other body systems supported by caterpillar mushroom
Adrenal CortexAdrenal Glands
Blood
Brain
Circulatory System
Glandular System
Heart
Immune System
Kidneys
Liver
Lungs
Male Reproductive System
Respiratory System
