Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Caterpillar mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis, also known as Ophiocordyceps sinensis or “Dong Chong Xia Cao” in Traditional Chinese Medicine) has a long history of use in East Asian traditional medicine, especially in China and Tibet. Traditionally, it is believed to “nourish the lung” and support respiratory health, and is commonly used as a tonic for conditions such as chronic cough, asthma, and more broadly chronic lung diseases, including what would now be classified as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The rationale in traditional systems is based on the idea that Cordyceps replenishes “qi” (vital energy) and strengthens the lungs, which are viewed as the organs most affected in chronic respiratory disorders.

Modern scientific research is still limited, but some small clinical studies and animal models suggest Cordyceps extracts might have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects that could theoretically benefit COPD patients. For example, some pilot studies conducted in China have shown modest improvements in lung function and quality of life in COPD patients taking Cordyceps supplements as an adjunct to standard therapy. However, these studies are generally small, of low methodological quality, and often lack rigorous controls. Thus, while there is a strong traditional precedent for its use in supporting COPD, current scientific evidence remains preliminary and not robust enough to fully endorse its effectiveness.

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