Is there a correlation between Cordyceps and libido? Can it help treat erectile dysfunction? Can the mushroom improve sexual desire?
Some people seem to think so, but does the science support this claim? This blog post will look at some scientific evidence on cordyceps libido benefits.
We will help you understand the relationship between cordyceps and sexual health. Beyond looking at the benefits of cordyceps on libido and stamina, we will help you see how the mushroom boosts your overall health and energy.
Read on to learn more.
What Are Cordyceps Mushrooms?
Cordyceps mushrooms are medicinal parasitic mushrooms that grow on the heads of the moth caterpillars and larvae of different insects, deriving nourishment from the body and brain of the host.
Cordyceps mushrooms have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which have helped them stand out amongst all components of Traditional Medicine. The fungus would be hand collected, dried, and then used in Chinese Medicine for kidney stones, fatigue, general malaise, and sexual drive.
Read More:Learn the history of cordyceps in Chinese traditional medicine.
Cordyceps mushrooms currently hold the world record for being the most expensive, priced at $9,000 per pound. However, their high price tag is justified considering all the benefits that one gets from the fungus.
To make the mushroom sexual benefits accessible to more men at an affordable price, most sellers produce cordyceps products in a lab—this makes the product cheaper while offering the same benefits.
The Benefits Of Cordyceps Mushroom For Men
In traditional medicine, Cordyceps is known as an aphrodisiac, with benefits such as improved arousal, sexual desire, orgasm, and sexual potency.
The improvement in sexual function with cordyceps is seen primarily in men. However, cordyceps mushrooms also have a positive impact on the sex life of ladies.
Most ladies benefit from improved sexual arousal and sexual desire with cordyceps. In women, the mushroom may also eliminate virginal dryness.
Below, we will take a deeper look at how cordyceps improves sexual health for men:
1. Cordyceps Boosts Sexual Health By Improving Sperm Production
Men experience an increased sperm count with as little as 2 grams of cordyceps(1) taken daily.
Read More: See the best cordyceps mushroom dosage for different conditions.
The protein structure of cordyceps resembles the luteinizing hormone. The luteinizing hormone is an endogenous hormone responsible for the stimulation of spermatogenesis.
Similarly, specific components of cordyceps mushrooms have an enhancing effect on endogenous corticosteroid production. This further increases libido by increasing sperm production in the male body.
This effect is also hypothesized to result from a specific protein in the fungus' chemical structure, namely cordycepin. Increased levels of serum cordycepin have a significant and positive effect on testosterone levels, along with the number of sperms.
Read More: Learn how cordyceps boosts testosterone production.
2. Cordyceps Sinensis Improves Sexual Desire By Fixing High Blood Pressure
Cordyceps aids in the treatment of high blood pressure. One of the causes of sexual dysfunction is elevated blood pressure levels.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, erectile dysfunction affected almost 49% of males between the ages of 40 and 79 who had high blood pressure. Another study published in the Journal of Urology determined that of the men in the study with high blood pressure, 68% experienced some form of erectile dysfunction.
The potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cordyceps prevent or treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Helping with high blood pressure management, cordyceps—the ancient Chinese herbal medicine—helps men eliminate their sexual dysfunctions.
Read More: See how Chaga fights high blood pressure.
3. Cordyceps Improves Sexual Function By Treating Diabetes
Cordyceps is known to help with diabetes. One research study(2) showed that the mushroom could work as a contemporary treatment for diabetes and depression. Cordyceps helps people with diabetes maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction and male impotence. A research study published online in 2014(3) determined that diabetes causes sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
4. Cordyceps Improves Libido By Fixing Sleeping Problems
Sleep does affect sexual activity in several ways. To begin with, a lack of good sleep lowers testosterone. A research study conducted in 2002(4)determined that men with extreme sleep apnea also had reduced testosterone levels.
In men, testosterone drives sexual activity. In addition to lowering testosterone levels, poor sleep can lead to poor blood flow in the blood vessels of the male sex organs or genitals.
Cordyceps is known to increase the quality of sleep. A research study conducted in 2021(5) proved that cordyceps could treat insomnia—better sleep results in high testosterone levels in men, which leads to improved sexual health.
Read More: See how taking cordyceps before bed can benefit your sleep.
5. Cordyceps Improves Sexual Health By Treating Depression
One of the ways through which Cordyceps fixes sexual dysfunctions is by helping with depression. Depression affects sexual function in numerous ways: the condition can lead to anorgasmia (or trouble having an orgasm) and erectile dysfunction (or problems getting an erection).
Pharmacological and clinical studies have shown that cordyceps can help with depression. A research study published on 10th August 2021(6) determined that the water extract of cordyceps Militaris has anti-depressant-like effects.
6. Cordyceps Improves Energy Levels Which Increases Sexual Function
For men who often suffer from sexual dysfunction due to reduced energy levels, the cordyceps can fix this problem. Cordyceps improves energy levels, which can also have a libido-promoting activity in men suffering from low energy levels.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Cordyceps Benefits For Men
We have selected the best studies to prove that the fruiting bodies of cordyceps have great potential in treating and supporting libido.
Study #1: Effects Of Cordyceps On Sperm Production
Research(7) published in the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis analyzed the effects of cordycepin on sperm production. The aim was to also study these effects in vivo and in vitro for highly accurate analysis and assessment.
This study supports the hypothesis that cordyceps can increase testosterone levels and sperm production, resulting in improved sex drive and increased sex desire. The study concluded that the mushroom could enhance libido.
Study #2: Effects Of Cordyceps On Diabetes-Induced Low Libido
Researchers have studied the effect of cordyceps on testosterone levels and diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction along with decreased sexual performance.
In the first study, researchers assessed diabetic rats for markers related to sexual functioning. These include intracavernosal pressure (ICP), response to cavernous nerve stimulation, sperm count, testosterone level, penile nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities.
These all showed a marked reduction in the presence of diabetes. However, the researchers found that 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg Body Weight per day of cordyceps Militaris significantly improved mating habits and sexual function. This study concluded that even humans could use the cordyceps dosage for ED.
Read More: Learn the best time to use cordyceps.
Study #3: Effects Of Taking Cordyceps For 40 Days
Another study(8) focusing on improved libido as a benefit of cordyceps consumption has shown promising results, although it is yet in its early phases. Researchers conducting the research believe that taking cordyceps for only 40 days could improve sexual drive amongst those with low sex drive.
Key Takeaways
Regarding the cordyceps benefits for males, cordyceps and libido are very closely related. Cordyceps mushrooms taken daily can improve sex drive and sexual desire in men.
While most supplements that boast libido-enhancing properties have little scientific evidence to back their claims, numerous studies have tested and proven the benefits of cordyceps for men.
This cordyceps libido effect may be partly attributable to increased testosterone levels due to the protein cordycepin, a natural component of the mushroom's structure. Its modulatory action on pathways regulating penile erection and libido makes cordyceps a potent libido enhancer.
Now that we have reviewed scientific evidence suggesting that cordyceps may help improve sexual function and desire in both men and women, have you tried using cordyceps mushrooms to boost your libido? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to hear about your experiences with this incredible fungus.
References
- Review of Naturopathy of Medical mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, in sexual dysfunction, (1)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791983/
- A Contemporary Treatment Approach to Both Diabetes and Depression by Cordyceps sinensis, Rich in Vanadium, (2)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2887337/
- Diabetes and sexual dysfunction: current perspectives, (3)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3949699/
- Sleep Apnea Linked To Decreased Libido, According To New Study, (4)https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/07/020731080733.htm
- Efficacy and Safety of Cordyceps militaris as an Adjuvant to Duloxetine in the Treatment of Insomnia in Patients With Depression: A 6-Week Double- Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial, (5)https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.754921/full
- Antidepressant-like effects of water extract of Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link by modulation of ROCK2/PTEN/Akt signaling in an unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced animal model, (6)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874121004219
- Review of Naturopathy of Medical Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, in Sexual Dysfunction, (7)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791983/
- Review of Naturopathy of Medical Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, in Sexual Dysfunction, (8)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791983/
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