Evidence supporting the use of: Cordyceps
For the health condition: Muscle Tone (lack of)
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.
Other ingredients used for Muscle Tone (lack of)
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
branched-chain amino acids
calcium
caterpillar mushroom
cissus quadrangularis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
fish protein
l-isoleucine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-leucine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
phytocannabinoids
potassium
sardines
black ginger
tongkat ali
Urolithin A
vitamin D
whey protein
atractylodes
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
camphor oil
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Aralia
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Animal protein
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
beta-lactoglobulin
Banyan
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Casein
Chinese Silkvine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Cyathula
Chuchuhuasi
Creatine
Chicken
Deer Velvet
Eurycomanone
Egg
Eurycoma Longifolia
Ecdysteroids
Ecdysterone
Egg protein
Fish
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
Other health conditions supported by cordyceps
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAnemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Convalescence
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Emphysema
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Erectile Dysfunction
Exercise
Fatigue
Fibrosis
Hepatitis
Inflammation
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Nephritis
Nervous Exhaustion
Oxygen Deficiency
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Tuberculosis
Wasting
Wounds and Sores
Products containing cordyceps
Metagenics
Adreset
Metagenics
Adreset
Metagenics
Clear Change Daily Essentials
Designs For Health
Hepatatone Plus™
Metagenics
ImmuCore
Designs For Health
Immune Support Packets
Designs For Health
Immunitone Plus™
Designs For Health
Kidney Korrect™
Vitabase
Liquid Collagen Toasted Cinnamon
Metagenics
Mycotaki®
Designs For Health
Pulmonary Revive™
Metagenics
Renagen™ DTX