Evidence supporting the use of: Cordyceps
For the health condition: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

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Synopsis

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

Cordyceps, particularly Cordyceps sinensis, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a tonic for lung health and to address respiratory ailments. In TCM, cordyceps is thought to tonify the lungs and kidneys, and it has been prescribed for symptoms such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue—symptoms that overlap with those seen in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This traditional use is the primary justification for its application in COPD support.

There is some emerging scientific interest in cordyceps for respiratory diseases. A handful of small clinical trials and animal studies suggest that cordyceps extracts may improve exercise tolerance, reduce inflammation, and enhance respiratory function in people with COPD. For example, a few randomized controlled trials in China have reported improvements in quality of life and some lung function parameters in COPD patients taking cordyceps-containing formulas. Additionally, laboratory studies suggest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that could be beneficial in COPD, a condition marked by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways.

However, the overall quality and size of the clinical evidence remain limited, with most studies being small, of short duration, and often lacking rigorous controls. Thus, while traditional use is strong and there is some preliminary scientific support, the evidence base does not yet reach a high standard of scientific validation.

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