Evidence supporting the use of: Cordyceps
For the health condition: Muscle Tone (lack of)

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Synopsis

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

Cordyceps, a genus of parasitic fungi, has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for centuries, often to support vitality, stamina, and overall physical performance. In recent years, some scientific studies have investigated Cordyceps (particularly Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris) in relation to muscle function and exercise performance. The proposed mechanisms by which Cordyceps may benefit muscle tone or function include increasing cellular ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, enhancing oxygen utilization, and modulating inflammatory responses within muscle tissue.

Several small-scale clinical trials and animal studies suggest that Cordyceps supplementation may lead to modest improvements in exercise performance, endurance, and fatigue resistance. For instance, some studies have shown increased VO2 max (a measure of aerobic capacity) and reduced fatigue in healthy adults and athletes. However, the evidence specifically linking Cordyceps to improvement in muscle tone—defined as the continuous and passive partial contraction of the muscles—is limited. Most research focuses on endurance and recovery rather than direct effects on muscle tone or addressing conditions characterized by hypotonia (lack of muscle tone).

In summary, while there is some scientific interest and preliminary evidence for Cordyceps supporting physical performance and possibly influencing muscle function, robust clinical evidence for its use in treating or supporting muscle tone (specifically lack thereof) is weak. More high-quality, targeted research is needed to establish efficacy for this indication.

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