Each capsule has 500mgs of cordyceps, lions mane, and reishi for better focus, more energy, and improved immune health. VitaminBar founders Zach Broome and Austin Keen recently overhauled the plant-based, nutrition-rich recipe of their protein bar by adding a sizeable dose of cordyceps. There are now some excellent brands offering high-quality cordyceps in tasty products. While ingesting cordyceps won’t turn you into a zombie, it’s likely to yield wide-ranging health benefits from immune support to improved memory to better physical performance through heightened oxygen intake. And, according to studies, cordyceps’ health benefits could be very real. – Sexual stamina and drive– Reproductive health– Mood and emotional well-beingThe results showed that Cordyceps, in general, possesses a strong anti-oxidation activity in all assays tested.The most well-known species are Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris, both of which have been extensively studied for their health benefits."Conversion of pyridoxal to pyridoxamine with NH 3 and H 2 on nickel generates a protometabolic nitrogen shuttle under serpentinizing conditions." The FEBS Journal.In this study, we performed an analysis of bioactive compounds and found that the adenosine and cordycepin contents in CCM were 1,166.59 ± 22.89mg/kg and 4,799.32 ± 9.22mg/kg, respectively (Figure 1).Molecular docking analysis further demonstrated that metabolites upregulated in immature fruits, like theophylline, showed a strong binding affinity (− 5.317 kcal/mol) to the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2, suggesting their potential role in apoptosis regulation. Multivariate ROC curve analysis, based on a selection of salivary metabolites, ascribed high diagnostic accuracy to the models that discriminate between dysplastic and healthy cases. To facilitate this analysis, a protocol for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sample preparation using microbial biofluids was developed, allowing a deeper understanding of the metabolic mechanisms triggered by VFD in microbial cells. These results suggest that salivary 1H NMR metabolomic profiles can detect a quantifiable “metabolic fingerprint” of mental health and psychological distress in a cost-effective, objective, and non-invasive manner. This study investigated the effects of exogenous inoculation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 on the quality characteristics and metabolic profile of YGP. How Much Sex is Too Much? Understanding Healthy Sexual ... Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and get started on the path to better sexual health. Our treatment plan includes generic Cialis, a clinically-proven medication that can help you achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity. If you're experiencing ED, it's important to seek treatment in order to improve your sexual health and quality of life. Protective effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract on D-galactose induced aging ratsJ. NMR based metabolomic comparison of the antitussive and expectorant effect of Farfarae Flos collected at different stagesJ. Pharmacometabolomics reveals a role for histidine, phenylalanine, and threonine in the development of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathyJ. AB0144 Nmr based serum and synovial fluid metabolomics reveal similar metabolomic profile in patients with reactive arthritis and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathyJ. 328) Jiang W, Tian X, Fang Z, Li L, Dong S, Li H, Zhao K. Metabolic responses in the gills of tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) exposed to salinity stress using NMR-based metabolomics. In summary, studies show that sleep has a close relationship with metabolism and likely on metabolic health. 345) " Sleep health associations with serum metabolites in healthy adults" The results indicate that both algae are rich in valuable bioactive compounds with potential applications in sustainable agriculture and food production. In addition, both species showed strong antibiofilm activity against P. megaterium. The antimicrobial potential was assessed using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods, along with antibiofilm activity tested against plant phytopathogens. Selecting optimal cordyceps sinensis products for libido formulations requires evaluating multiple technical parameters. The global market for cordyceps sinensis in libido enhancement applications demonstrates robust growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of natural sexual wellness solutions. Younger men, or those on antihypertensive medication, showed minimal change, highlighting the importance of individual health status. Upon sexual stimulation, nitric oxide (NO) is released from endothelial cells and nitrergic nerves, activating guanylate cyclase in smooth‑muscle cells. Evidence consistently shows that regular aerobic exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, and a heart‑healthy diet improve endothelial function and erectile health more substantially than supplements alone. Epidemiological studies suggest an association 70 between phytochemical constituents in nutraceuticals and an improvement in health to some extent 71 . Over the past few decades, several bioactive constituents including food extracts 68 or phytochemical-enriched extracts were developed and marketed as pharmaceutical formulations, 69 such as capsules, solutions, powders, gels, etc. Nutraceuticals are an innovative concept and an 66 umbrella term for nutritive supplement-like products with health benefits that go beyond their basic 67 nutritional value. 56 57 Keywords 58 nutraceuticals; preventive medicine; natural health products; nutraceutical policy; nutraceuticals 59 commercialization 65 preventing negative health consequences 1, 2. Future prospective epidemiological studies can delineate the health impact of nutraceuticals and help set the scientific basis and rationale foundation for clinical trials, reducing the time and cost of trials themselves. It may also induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. Some of its bioactive compounds can inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. In cases of liver injury, the extract can promote the growth and repair of liver cells, helping the liver to recover its normal function more quickly. Beta - glucans present in Cordyceps are known to bind to immune cells and activate them, thus enhancing the overall immune function. These cells are the front - line defenders of the body against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. "Untargeted metabolomic analysis of human skeletal muscle with dietary nitrate supplementation." (2025). "New biochemical and cellular approaches in the study of alkaptonuria." (2025). "A metabolic profiling approach to characterize and discriminate plant-based beverages and milk." Journal of Dairy Science (2025). "HPLC-MS and H NMR-based metabolomic profiling of Amanita muscaria extract reveals several unique components." The ratio of carbon and nitrogen in the media are also considered to be crucial for the cordycepin production. The addition of 80 g/L soybean extract powder (SBEP) increased the cordycepin production up to 2.52 g/L, which was greater than the control (peptone). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the assimilated xylose might be directed towards cordycepin biosynthetic pathway rather than central carbon metabolism (Raethong et al., 2018). Sinensis has been reported by Huang et al. (2000) to induce the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, a critical protein for steroidogenesis, in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells."Volume determination with two standards allows absolute quantification and improved chemometric analysis of metabolites by NMR from sub-microlitre samples." Analytical Chemistry (2013).In contrast, the levels of mTORC1, a key modulator of autophagy- and age-related diseases, increases when food is abundant, prompting cells to increase their overall protein synthesis and proliferate.Therefore, many scientists have studied strategies to increase the biotechnological production of D-mannitol."Metabolomic analysis revealed the differential responses in two pedigrees of clam Ruditapes philippinarum towards Vibrio harveyi challenge." Fish & Shellfish Immunology (2013).1H NMR based serum metabolic profiling reveals differentiating biomarkers in patients with diabetes and diabetes-related complication.On the other side, dosages suggested by most "pure", "high-dosage" supplements may allow a supplementation level adequate to obtain some of the purported health benefits.In MA-10 cells, both CS and cordycepin can stimulate cAMP-PKA, PKC, and PLC pathways.586) Breselge, Samuel, Luiza de Paula Dias Moreira, Iwona Skibinska, Xiaofei Yin, Lorraine Brennan, Kieran Kilcawley, Davide Porcellato, and Paul D. Cotter. Serum and urine toxicometabolomics following gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in male Sprague-Dawley ratsJ. Metabonomic analysis of the therapeutic effect of exendin-4 for the treatment of tBHP-induced injury in mouse glomerulus mesangial cellsJ. 11) Bai J, Zhu Y, Dong Y. Modulation of gut microbiota and gut-generated metabolites by bitter melon results in improvement in the metabolic status in high fat diet-induced obese ratsJ. 327) Ashikin Abdul-Hamid N, Abas F, Maulidiani M, Safinar Ismail I, Ling Tham C, Swarup S, Umashankar S. NMR metabolomics for evaluating passage number and harvesting effects on mammalian cell metabolome. “Phytoandrogens from pine pollen and their effects on hormonal balance.” Andrologia. The cordyceps and pine pollen pre-workout combination offers a natural, science-backed solution for improving energy, endurance, and recovery. As with any supplement, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. While cordyceps and pine pollen are generally safe, some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort or allergic reactions. Yi-Ting Wang 616) Chen, Wanning, et al. "The composition differences between small black beans and big black beans from different habitats and its effects on the processing of Polygonum multiflorum." Phytochemical Analysis. 598) Goudet, G., et al. "Steroidome and metabolome analysis in gilt saliva to identify potential biomarkers of boar effect receptivity." Animal (2020) 590) Wong, Pei Lou, et al. "Metabolomic analysis reveals the valuable bioactive compounds of Ardisia elliptica." Phytochemical Analysis (2020) The authors also found that cordycepin with budesonide more greatly reduced the thickness of the bronchial wall than cordycepin without budesonide. Cordycepin was found by Yoou et al. (2017) to be capable of regulate mast cell proliferation (Yoou et al., 2017). This research exhibited that cordycepin could serve as a reagent to protect BBB integrity. Cordycepin could alleviate asthma in a mice model through the inhibition of the Th2-type immune response (Yang et al., 2015). It induced the characteristic apoptotic symptoms in the HL-60 cells, DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation. Our results led to the opinion that cordycepin and CS pleiotropically affected the actions of immune cells and cytokine network in a similar fashion. We have previously demonstrated the stimulatory effect of Cordyceps sinensis and its fractions on steroidogenesis both on primary mouse Leydig cells and MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. The Cordyceps sinensis HW fraction also significantly inhibited the increase in total cholesterol and the decrease in alkaline phosphatase levels as biochemical parameters of immobilization stress in rats. Effect of CCM on sperm function, serum testosterone, and penile nitric oxide synthase activity after 3-week administration. This drug seemed to consistently demonstrate an unusual side effect on the histological structure of the testis of adult albino rats when given for a long time . In contrast, the number of sperm and its motility were relatively unchanged in diabetic rats treated with sildenafil citrate. Treatment of CCM (0.1 and 0.5 g/kg) significantly increased the number of sperm, as well as sperm motility in diabetic rats (Figure 3). Additionally, a marked increase in ICP/MAP ratio was observed in diabetic rats that received sildenafil. It accelerated the recovery of white blood cells, increased the organ indices of the thymus and spleen, and elevated the DNA content in bone marrow cells by activating the MAPK signaling pathway . Yang et al. also discovered that the Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide fraction (100–400 mg/kg) could enhance survival rates and times in X-ray-irradiation-injured mice. In addition to ameliorating cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression, Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharides have demonstrated the ability to inhibit radiation-induced immunosuppression. This observation indicates that Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides have the potential to enhance the immune response elicited by the Newcastle disease vaccine, suggesting their candidacy as a promising new immune adjuvant. Additionally, APSs were observed to diminish virus titers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lungs of infected mice, leading to an enhancement in mouse survival rates . This was manifested by an increase in both spleen and thymus indices, along with the augmentation of spleen lymphocyte activity and macrophage function . This indicates that the structure of the Cordyceps polysaccharide influences its immune activity. Notably, CM-jd(Y)-CPS2 demonstrated a more robust stimulatory activity compared to CM-jd-CPS2. Finally, Cordyceps is included in a list of anti-aging TCM (Chen and Li, 1993). Liu et al. (1991) showed that P. sinensis inhibited lipid peroxidation but increases the amount of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in mouse liver. In addition, the survival period of the mice was increased (Liu et al., 1997). Hsu et al. (2003a) demonstrated that the fungus and fractions from it were capable of stimulating testosterone production. "1H-NMR-based metabolomics reveals metabolic alterations in early development of a mouse model of Angelman syndrome." Molecular Autism 15 (2024). "Integrated metabolomics analysis of chill‐stored rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) treated with different pressure levels of high hydrostatic pressure by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy." Journal of Food Science (2024). "Influence of dairy matrix on the prebiotic effects of inulin related to gut metabolic activity and bone health." Food & Function (2024). "1H-NMR metabolomics and molecular networking reveal relationship between metabolite profile and antioxidant activity of Malaysian stingless bee honey." Our pilot study employing a metabolomics-based approach led to the development of salivary models that represent a complementary strategy for clinically detecting leukoplakia. (C) RAW 264.7 cells and (D) peritoneal macrophages were treated with 12.5~200 µg/ml of CME for 48 hrs. (A) RAW 264.7 cells and (B) peritoneal macrophages were treated with various concentrations (12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 µg/ml) of CME or LPS (10 ng/ml), then incubated overnight. The potential cytoxicity of CME was evaluated by MTT assay after incubating cells for 24 hrs in the absence or presence of LPS. When various concentrations of CME (12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 µg/ml) were added to the culture media at the time of cell stimulation (18 hrs), NO production increased in a CME concentration-dependent manner (Fig. 1A and B). Fungi are significantly impacting on global food security, damaging global crop production, causing disease in domesticated animals, and spoiling an estimated 10 % of harvested crops. Currently, fungal cell factories are important for bulk manufacturing of organic acids, proteins, enzymes, secondary metabolites and active pharmaceutical ingredients in white and red biotechnology. "A Bayesian integration model of high-throughput proteomics and metabolomics data for improved early detection of microbial infections." In Pacific Symposium on Biocomputing, vol. Zheng C, Zhang S, Ragg S, Raftery D, Vitek O. Identification and quantification of metabolites in 1H NMR spectra by Bayesian model selection. Yang S, Shin Y, Hyun S, Cho S, Bang K, Lee D, Choi S, Choi H. NMR-based metabolic profiling and differentiation of ginseng roots according to cultivation ages. Chondroprotective effect of cordycepin by preventing cartilage denegation as well as interfering inflammatory response in osteoarthritis pathogenesis has also been reported . Moreover, cordycepin has been found to modulate glycosaminoglycan (GAG) release by suppressing stimulation of IL-1β. There is no known specific effective treatment for arthritis, although many drugs such as glucocorticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other biological agents are used to improve the symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, and disability. These results suggest that cordycepin can be a valuable bioactive compound for the treatment of osteoporosis and is able to prevent bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency. 1H-NMR based metabolic profiles delineate the anticancer effect of vitamin C and oxaliplatin on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. 8) Lu Z, Wang S, Ji C, Shan X, Wu H. Evaluation of metal pollution-induced biological effects in Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis by NMR-based metabolomics. 1H NMR spectroscopy-based metabolic profiling of Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris in water-boiled and 50% ethanol-soaked extracts. COR, cordycepin; LC, Leydig cell; ST, Sertoli cell; SG, spermatogonia; SC, spermatocyte; SM, spermatid; SP, spermatozoa. Sperm samples were obtained by extracting the sperm cells from the left caudal epididymis after excising with scissors. The defined daily dose of COR was managed by preparing the food freshly every two weeks considering the weight of the rats every week and calculating their daily dietary intake. Polysaccharides In this study, we screened various HDPs (LL-37, hBD2, HD5, and HD51-9) for their modulatory effects on healthy human microbiotas in vitro and found distinct, donor-specific effects, with HD51-9 showing the strongest functional impact. Clinical studies indicate cordyceps sinensis enhances nitric oxide production, improving blood flow to genital tissues. Prioritize suppliers with established buyer retention metrics and transparent analytical documentation.Clinical studies indicate cordyceps sinensis enhances nitric oxide production, improving blood flow to genital tissues. In the Chinese medical teaching, kidneys control sexual function; hence foods and herbs such as this can invigorate impotency and infertility increasing semen production as well (5). The effect of CM on the secretion of androgen in primary rat-testicular cells.… Effect of ultrasonic treatment on structure and antitumor activity of mycelial polysaccharides from Cordyceps gunnii. Structure and anti-tumor activity of a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide from cultured mycelium of Cordyceps gunnii. Cordyceps has been studied for its ability to enhance sperm health, with research indicating that it may improve sperm motility, morphology, and overall count. The nitric oxide-enhancing effects of Cordyceps may help relax blood vessels, improving penile blood flow and supporting stronger, longer-lasting erections. The improved circulation also contributes to better cardiovascular health, which is closely linked to sexual function. Cordyceps’ adaptogenic properties also help reduce the negative impact of stress hormones like cortisol, which can suppress testosterone production and contribute to sexual dysfunction. Using an oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay, Ou et al. recently compared the free radical scavenging (i.e. antioxidant) activities of Yang and Yin herbs . Antioxidant supplementation, particularly from herbal extracts, has become a trend in preventive health care. Highly reactive chemically, ROS attack cellular structures located near the sites where ROS are generated. Since the testes play crucial roles in producing sperms and synthesizing androgens, the testicular structure, sperm parameters, and sex hormone levels in sera were further evaluated. This suggests that the decreased testicular weight of JM mice in the EPS group may be related to the fact that EPS can reduce lipid and adipocyte differentiation in testis and surrounding tissue. Militaris fermentation products on apparent testicular parameters of JM mice. Sinensis play an immunomodulatory role in the pathogenesis of GAS (Group A Streptococcus) infection in U937 cells by inducing the expression of cytokines like IFN-γ, IL-12, and TNF-α, that eventually augmented the phagocytosis (Kuo et al., 2007). Moreover, the pre-incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with C. In the prevention of priming Th1 cells, the role of NF-κB is a core factor due to its support’s inflammation by inhibition. 36) Kostidis S. Quantitative Analysis of Central Energy Metabolism in Cell Culture SamplesM//Clinical Metabolomics. 29) Zhang J, Wang G, Zhao C, et al. 1H NMR plasma metabolomic profiling of ovarian quiescence in energy balanced postpartum dairy cowsJ. The effect of synbiotics Bifidobacterium infantis and milk oligosaccharides on shaping gut microbiota community structure and NASH treatmentJ. Mode of action characterization for adverse effect of propranolol in Daphnia magna based on behavior and physiology monitoring and metabolite profilingJ. Chiou et al. (2000) observed a hypotensive effect of CS in anaesthetized rats and a vaso-relaxant effect in isolated aorta. Their results showed that CS improved renal function and reduced the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic genes in rats. IL-12 and IFN-gamma expression and macrophage phagocytic activity also increased. The authors concluded that the protective effects of CME and CSE against oxidative damage of biomolecules are a result of their free radical scavenging abilities. However, this study provoked a strong response from Hamburger (2007) which was subsequently rebutted by one of the original authors (Duh, 2007). The pathological decrease in androgen levels in LOH is caused by age-related dysfunction of testicular Leydig cells. To explore the effects of CM on LOH and BPH, CM was applied to rat models and cultured testicular cells and prostate cells. Though, militaris is higher in cordycepin content and was shown to be more effective at lowering blood glucose than sinensis. When buying cordyceps you may come across two different versions, sinensis and militaris. In human blood cells, cordycepin inhibits serotonin release. In this review, we catalog the immunomodulatory effects of different extracts of C. Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is a fungus with a long history of widespread use in folk medicine, and its biological and medicinal functions are well studied. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. Main constituent of the extract derived from this fungus comprises a novel bio-metabolite called as Cordycepin (3 0 deoxyadenosine) which has a very potent anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. 55) Cônsolo, Nara Regina Brandão, et al. "Preliminary study on the characterization of Longissimus lumborum dark cutting meat in Angus× Nellore crossbreed cattle using NMR-based metabolomics." Meat Science 172 (2021) "NMR‐based metabolomics reveals tissue metabolic responses to tetramethoxy gossypol in cottonseed oil." Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. "Effects of American fruit extracts on antioxidant-related genes in cultured cells & on modulation of metabolomic profile in poultry." (2022). "1H nuclear magnetic resonance‐based metabolomics study of serum and pectoralis major for different commercial chicken breeds." Food Science & Nutrition (2023). "Type 2 resistant starch and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NCIMB 8826 result in additive and interactive effects in diet-induced obese mice." Nutrition Research (2023). Does cordyceps sinensis actually increase libido? Evidence suggests that mTORC1 regulates male fertility, and its inhibition is currently being investigated for the treatment of certain diseases, such as cancers and defects in male reproduction. MTORC1 level decreases during unfavorable conditions, which reduces the overall production of proteins required for various biological activities, including events that are pivotal for spermatogenesis and the reproductive potential of males . Similarly, GPx4, an antioxidant that protects against free radical-mediated damage to membrane lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, has also been implicated as an important structural molecule in sperm maturation . 1. Quantification of the Amino Acids and Sugars in the Extract Components from Cordyceps militaris Fruit Bodies 6) Mascellani, Anna, et al. "1H NMR chemometric models for classification of Czech wine type and variety." Food Chemistry 339 (2021) 5) Mehling, Roman, et al. "Immunomodulatory role of reactive oxygen species and nitrogen species during T cell-driven neutrophil-enriched acute and chronic cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions." Theranostics 11.2 (2021) 4) Kusama, Kazuya, et al. "Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract Decreases Testosterone Catabolism and Testosterone-Stimulated Prostate Hypertrophy." Nutrients 13.1 (2021) Ophioglossoides but activity data are not available (Kawaguchi et al., 1986). Krasnoff et al. (2005) reported cicadapeptins I and II (nonribosomal peptides containing aminoisobutyric acid), which were anti-bacterial and antifungal, and myriocin (anti-fungal) from C. Ten-membered macrolides, cepharosporolides C, E and F, cordycepin, pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and 2-carboxymethyl-4-(30-hydroxybutyl) furan were reported from C. Cordyceps sinensis has been noted for its potential for medicinal use and hence extensive pharmaceutical studies have been made. Cordyceps fungi, which parasitize insects and change into fruiting bodies, are rich sources of biologically active compounds that are implicated for improvement in health and for prevention and treatment of various diseases. In conclusion, it appears that maca activates the cytochrome P450 system after chemically induced subfertility. The percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation in the physically subfertile mice increased (11.1% ± 19.29%) compared to the control (0.84% ± 0.85%). Large amounts of free radicals generate oxidative stress resulting in cell damage. 185) Dos Santos, Marcelle Vitória Carreira, Gabriela Viana de Souza, Helio Alexandre Stefani, and Fabio Luiz Navarro Marques. "Investigation of microbial-derived metabolites as risk factors and key mediators of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in early cognitive decline and dementia." PhD diss., University of East Anglia, 2025. "Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for Faster Acquisition of Relaxation Experiments and Automated Quantitative Metabolomic Analysis." PhD diss., The Ohio State University, 2025. "Developing a conjugative CRISPR-Cas9 plasmid for targeting antimicrobial resistance genes within an in situ model of the hindgut microbial community." PhD diss., University of Guelph, 2025. "Effect of electron beam irradiation on microbial inactivation, nutritional and quality properties of semi-moist pet foods." (2025). CORDYCEPS & LIBIDO: THE SCIENCE UNVEILED They are a reputable company and look for such contaminants before production. How many tablets are recommended for a 72 year old man in good health? Are the cordyceps tablets tested to assure there is no heavy metal contamination? Strategies for cordycepin biosynthesis. Militaris and, on the other hand, cordycepin can be also heterologous biosynthesized by introducing the cordycepin biosynthetic pathway into engineered yeast and E. By implementing the fermentation optimization, cordycepin content in broth reached 2.68 g/L within 168 h. Firstly, genome shuffling is used via a combination of traditional mutagenesis technology and cell fusion technology. In general, genetic manipulations have been used to screen the cordycepin-producing strains. In terms of chemical structure, cordycepin is 3′-deoxyadenosine, consisting of two fused heterocycles and an imidazole as shown in Figure 1C. In recent years, the rise of synthetic biology has enabled many industrial microorganisms to produce various secondary metabolites to satisfy the demand of market (Teh et al., 2019). Cordyceps militaris cultured on a wheat medium (A) and on pupae (B) (Guo et al., 2016), and three typical bioactive components (C–E) of Cordyceps militaris. Addition, it possesses antioxidant activity to a greater extent than Cordyceps sinensis or Cordyceps kyushuensis (7). Recently, several studies demonstrated that extracts of Cordyceps militaris had multiple pharmacological actions which included anti-inflammatory activity (6), improvement of insulin resistance and insulin secretion (2), and tumor suppression activity. In addition, the results of ELISA analysis demonstrated red ginseng showed dramatically increased the levels of ATP, AMPK, PPAR-γ, GLUT4, PDH, and phosphocreatine, which were related to cellular energy generation (Figure 3). Militaris might have beneficial effects in an influenza-induced cytokine storm and could reduce mortality in infected mice. The immunomodulatory mechanism of cordycepin in different immune cells is related to different pathways. For instance, deleting pathways for carbon dissimilation that compete with D-mannitol biosynthesis, using optimized high cell density biotransformation and engineered strains to increase yield. For D-mannitol, optimize the cell factory in E. Metabolic engineering transformation, process engineering optimization and other strategies can be applied to optimize cell factories. 427) Gu, Jinping, et al. "Nuclear magnetic resonance‐based tissue metabolomic analysis clarifies molecular mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis." Cancer science 111.9 (2020) 336) Haak, Bastiaan W., et al. "Intestinal transkingdom analysis on the impact of antibiotic perturbation in health and critical illness." bioRxiv (2020) 319) Ouattara, Djomangan Adama, et al. "An integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics study of the immune response of newly hatched chicks to the cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligonucleotide stimulation." Poultry Science (2020) For example, the anti-inflmmatory activity of the extracts from fruiting body and cultured mycelia of C. In addition, this review can provide the readers a comprehensive understanding on the immunomodulatory effects of the precious folk medicine and guidance on having it for both health and immune deficient people. Type 1 immunity is related to cytotoxic functions including the activities of natural killer (NK) cells, Th1, and CD8+ T cells, and its major function in hosts is to eradicate tumor cells or cells with intracellular pathogens. Militaris by Cunningham et al. (1950) and is the main bioactivity ingredient in this fungus. Among them, cordycepin, or 3′-deoxyadenosine, is a derivative of the nucleoside adenosine. Cordyceps militaris, belonging to the genus Cordyceps of Ascomycota phylum and the Clavicipitaceae family, is among the most important “traditional medicines” with a long history of medicinal use in China. Militaris and has a variety of nutraceutical and health-promoting properties, making it widely employed in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields. It is a valuable filamentous fungus with medicinal and edible properties that has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and as a nutritious food. Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) were used to characterize intracellular metabolite profiles of Escherichia coli cultures, with multivariate statistical analysis using XCMS and MetaboAnalyst. A basic premise of BONCAT is that the non-canonical amino acids (NCAA) used to track translational activity do not significantly alter cellular physiology. BioOrthogonal Non-Canonical Amino acid Tagging (BONCAT) is a powerful tool for tracking protein synthesis on the level of single cells within communities and whole organisms. 40) Hsu WH, Wang S.-J., Chao Y.-M., Chen C.-J., Wang Y.-F., Fuh J.-L, Lin Y.-L. Urine metabolomics signatures in reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. In 16 healthy adult males, 2.4 g of cordyceps taken for 8 weeks had no effect on strength and failed to affect testosterone levels. Research has shown cordyceps may have antidepressant effects similar to that of ketamine. In one study, it was shown that mice subjected to the tail suspension test had dose-dependent decreases in immobility time indicating an antidepressant-like effect. Due to the rarity and outstanding curative effects of C.Further study is required to determine the role of CM in the regulation of steroidogenesis and sexual behavior in healthy and diabetic rats.Antifungal depsidone metabolites from Cordyceps dipterigena, an endophytic fungus antagonistic to the phytopathogen Gibberella fujikuroi.To understand the cellular mechanism via which COR exhibits its beneficial effect on aging-induced testicular dysfunction, the protein and mRNA levels of spermatogenesis-related biomarker molecules were investigated.Unlike cordyceps, astragalus is better to take daily to get the most health benefits.The enzyme-digested suspension was gently pipetted up and down in a 3 mL syringe (TERUMO, Tokyo, Japan) to disperse cell clumps, and then passed through a 70-µm nylon strainer to remove undigested tissue.Research A polysaccharide isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine, protects PC12 cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced injury.Life Sci. Thus, an investigation for CS with in vivo stimulatory effects on mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis is essential, and CS has been further used to feed the mice to determine the in vivo effect on the levels of testosterone in plasma. The effects of CS and three water-extracted fractions of CS (F1, F2, and F3) on progesterone production in MA-10 cells have been further studied. At the present biotechnology has wider application in the major areas, including health care, crop production, agriculture, nonfood uses of crops and environmental issues. Key requirements include adherence to food safety standards (e.g., FDA regulations in the USA, EFSA in Europe), accurate ingredient listing and nutritional labeling, substantiation for any health claims (which are heavily regulated), meeting limits for contaminants and heavy metals, and following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Furthermore, the antiviral activity and immunological effects of FFs against VRTIs and COVID-19 and their potential main mechanisms of action are also being reviewed. The results demonstrated that treatment with CCM (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 g/kg BW) significantly improved the ICP/MAP ratio in diabetic rats. The DM control group revealed a significant decrease in ICP and ICP/MAP ratio compared with the normal control rats (Figure 2(b)). Figure 2(a) illustrates the quantitative measurement of ICP and MAP during electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve at the voltage of 5 V for 60 s. In view of this, CCM treatment could be beneficial in reducing the deleterious effect of diabetes on sexual functions, and sildenafil can also enhance sexual motivation and function in diabetic rats. Ou et al. probably used a selection criterion based on the general Yin and Yang properties of the herbs instead of their Yin-tonifying and Yang-tonifying actions . Although the use of different herbal extraction methods and distinct antioxidant assays precludes direct comparison of the two studies, the discrepancy might be due to the selection of almost completely different sets of Yin and Yang herbs for testing in the two studies. The authors suggested an analogy between Yin/Yang balance and antioxidation/oxidation in energy metabolism. The results indicated that Yin herbs generally possessed higher antioxidant activities than Yang herbs and that the antioxidant potencies correlated well with the amounts of total phenolic compounds in the herbs. Safety and Side Effects 317) Ruberti, Olívia Moraes, et al. "Aerobic training prevents cardiometabolic changes triggered by myocardial infarction in ovariectomized rats." Journal of Cellular Physiology (2020) 301) Muhialdin, Belal J., et al. "Metabolomics profiling and antibacterial activity of fermented ginger paste extends the shelf life of chicken meat." LWT (2020) 281) Lalaleo, Liliana, et al. "Differentiating, evaluating, and classifying three quinoa ecotypes by washing, cooking and germination treatments, using 1H NMR-based metabolomic approach." Food Chemistry (2020) We have attempted to bring together, in a concise and informative manner, some of the literature published on 480 functional foods and nutraceuticals. Research on functional foods and nutraceuticals is scattered throughout the scientific literature with only a very few journals devoted specifically to nutraceuticals. The latter will hopefully enhance the health and wellbeing of an aging population. The past decade has witnessed a dramatic expansion in research activities worldwide to identify new functional foods and nutraceuticals. Functional foods are similar in appearance to conventional foods, but in addition to providing basic nutritional components, have physiological benefits that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Chinese tonifying herbs have been shown to possess both in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities 4,5. To achieve optimal antioxidant fitness, every component of the antioxidant defense system should function optimally because antioxidants must work together in a synergistic manner. As Chinese medicine has always emphasized the prolongation of a healthy lifespan, many Chinese tonifying herbs have long been used to safeguard health and to delay the onset of senility. Each strip activates primarily during sexual activity, delivering stimulation, stronger erections, and increased confidence with precision and control. Unlike traditional supplements, The GOAT works sublingually, entering the bloodstream for rapid absorption and fast, targeted effects. Each 2-pack features potent, plant-based strips infused with a powerful botanical blend, including Goji, Ginseng, Cordyceps, Cinnamon Bark Extract, and Dang Gui. For HEA, its biosynthetic pathway has not been clearly reported so far, the speculated pathway mentioned in our review can be used as an entrance for studying HEA synthesis. Quantitative analysis of cordycepin was conducted by evaluating the peak area relative to a standard curve. Several studies have shown that CM can improve the quality and quantity of sperm in rats and boars 16,28 and prevent bisphenol A (BPA)-induced reproductive damage in rats . Cordyceps militaris (CM) is a fungus that has been used to enhance aphrodisiac activity in men, but to date, no studies have focused on its antidiabetic properties. Zinc is essential for men on many levels including for healthy testosterone and sperm production. Sinensis supplement might affect spermatogenesis through the effect of cordycepin (3’deoxyadenosine), because the increased serum cordycepin concentration paralleled the enhancement of sperm production and increased testosterone levels. If you have any health concerns or are taking other medications, it’s wise to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement. When picking a cordyceps supplement, look for products that list the percentage of active ingredients. Some athletes cycle their use of cordyceps—using it for a few weeks, then taking a short break—to keep the benefits fresh. If you’re new to cordyceps, it might be a good idea to start at a lower dose and see how your body reacts. The right dosage can vary based on your body and goals. Moreover, with the broad application of synthetic biology and the elucidation of cordycepin biosynthetic pathway, cordycepin can be heterologously biosynthesized in engineered yeast strains. CRISPR-based genome engineering technique led to a new era of the genome reconstruction of C. Currently, most studies have focused on the fermentation strategies to increase cordycepin yield. IvME has been used to investigate functional enzymes and metabolites, such as camalexin, mevalonate and isobutanol (Taniguchi et al., 2017). By exposing to a proton beam irradiation, 14.3 g/L of cordycepin was yielded without crystallization via the former method (Masuda et al., 2014).678) Wahida, Adam, et al. "XIAP restrains TNF-driven intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis by promoting innate immune responses of Paneth and dendritic cells." Science Immunology 6.65 (2021)The evidence range from well‑controlled randomized trials to small observational studies, and results often depend on dosage, participant health status, and concurrent lifestyle factors.Militaris have diverse pharmacological activities, including antitumor (Ukai et al., 1983; Kim et al., 2001), anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities (Yu et al., 2004a).Effect of dongchong xiacao capsule ( cordyceps supplement ) on airway inflammation of asthmatic patientsZhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi.Three dosages of extracts (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day) were fed to healthy Kunming mice.In the adaptive system, B cells are involved in humoral immune response, whereas T cells contribute to cellular immune response. 35) Bianchi L, Laghi L, Correani V, Schifano E, Landi C, Uccelletti D, Mattei B. A Combined Proteomics, Metabolomics and In Vivo Analysis Approach for the Characterization of Probiotics in Large-Scale Production. 33) Hansen B, Sørensen L, Størseth T, Altin D, Gonzalez S, Skancke J, Rønsberg M, Nordtug T. The use of PAH, metabolite and lipid profiling to assess exposure and effects of produced water discharges on pelagic copepods. 23) Li A, Zhang W, Zhang L, Liu Y, Li K, Du G, Qin X. Elucidating the time-dependent changes in the urinary metabolome under doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity. 19) Muhialdin B, Kadum H, Zarei M, Hussin A. Effects of metabolite changes during lacto-fermentation on the biological activity and consumer acceptability for dragon fruit juice. 17) Liang R, Shao X, Shi Y, Jiang L, Han G. Antioxidant defenses and metabolic responses of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) exposed to various concentrations of erythromycin. Fruiting bodies inhibited human mesangial cells (HMC) activation by IL-1 plus IL-6 (Lin et al., 1999) and liver toxicity or mutagenicity were not observed. In a very interesting report, the insect-body part (of the TCM) inhibited proliferation of enhanced human mononuclear cells (HMNC). Finally, crystals of the fungus stimulated proliferation of erythroid progenitor cells in mouse bone marrow (Li et al., 1993). Treatment with the extracellular biopolymers resulted in a reduction in hepatic hydroxyproline content and normalization of morphological characteristics of the liver, indicating an anti-fibrotic action (Nan et al., 2001). Koh et al. (2003b) reported that CS mycelia prolonged swimming endurance capacity and produced an anti-fatigue action in mice. Phosphodiesterase‑5 Inhibition (Indirect)Some botanical extracts, notably Tribulus terrestris and Panax ginseng, have been investigated for mild phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE5) inhibitory activity. However, meta‑analyses by the Cochrane Collaboration (2024) note substantial heterogeneity and conclude that L‑arginine alone yields a small, clinically variable effect. Simultaneously, the 2026 wellness trend of "preventive male health" has amplified interest in over‑the‑counter supplements marketed as male enhancement products for humans. Whether you're training for a marathon, preparing for a big project, or simply wanting to feel more energetic throughout the day, this supplement delivers real results. With its great taste, effectiveness, and excellent reputation among users, Vital Energy Supplement has become a must-have for many people looking to improve their quality of life. ICP, MAP, and testosterone levels were presented as mean ± SD. The SOD activity in the sample was then processed according to the manufacturer's instructions and determined by a microplate reader with the absorbance at 450 nm. The penile NOS activity was measured, following the manufacturer's instructions. "Systemic and characteristic metabolites in the serum of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at different stages as revealed by a 1 H-NMR based metabonomic approach." Molecular BioSystems (2014). Metabolic profiling of antioxidant supplement with phytochemicals using plasma 1H NMR-based metabolomics in humans. Discrimination of Ipomea aquatic cultivars and bioactivity correlations using NMR-based metabolomics approach. Urinay metabolomics profiling in mice with diet-induced obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus after treatment with metformin vildagliptin and their combination. The serum IgE levels in the nontreated control, steroid-treated, montelukast-treated and C. Militaris extract was administered orally to treat the mice on days 15–27. Briefly, the mice were given 100 µg of OVA through intraperitoneal (IP) injection on day 0, and subsequently, 50 µg of OVA was administered intranasally on days 14, 25, 26, and 27 to induce asthma. Militaris could be used as an immune activator or antitumor agent. Militaris was prepared and orally administered to mice at a dose of 20 mg/kg (Kim et al., 2008). THE SCIENCE OF CORDYCEPS FUNGI Mark J. Kaylor is a passionate advocate for holistic health and natural remedies, with a focus on extending both lifespan and healthspan.Finally, the fruiting body and the caterpillar parts of CS are claimed to be similar in chemical composition and hence anti-oxidant activity because the fungus had presumable replaced the insect constituents with fungal (Li et al., 2002).Duggan G, Joan Miller B, Jirik F, Vogel H. Metabolic profiling of vitamin C deficiency in Gulo−/− mice using proton NMR spectroscopy.The levels of testosterone and DHT in culture media samples were also assayed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which was carried out by ASKA Pharmaceutical Co. (Kanagawa, Japan).In this study, we investigate the metabolomics profile of patients affected by relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS)and primary progressive MS (PPMS), in order to find potential biomarkers to distinguish between the two forms.89) Ye L, De Iorio M, Ebbels T M D. Bayesian estimation of the number of protonation sites for urinary metabolites from NMR spectroscopic dataJ.The considerable amounts of cordycepin and fatty acids observed in CM7, CM8, CM9 and CM10 fractions by this study noticed that these compounds obtained in C. Results show that intraperitoneal administration of cordycepin (40 mg/kg) for 7 days significantly increases plasma testosterone concentration in mice, compared to the control group . These results illustrate that cordycepin stimulates MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cell steroidogenesis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner 40,41. The well-studied MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cell line produces progesterone as the major steroid in response to both trophic hormones (LH and hCG) and cAMP analogues due to the low activity of 17α-hydroxylase 34,35. Yin tonifying herbs, however, apart from possessing antioxidant properties, exert mainly immunomodulatory functions that may boost a weak immune system and may also suppress overreactive immune responses.Although more research is needed, Cordyceps extract has shown some anti - cancer potential.Composition and distribution of the main active components in selenium-enriched fruit bodies of Cordyceps militaris link.This result is in agreement with the study of Sohn who reported the positive effect of cordycepin in spermatogenesis-related parameters in middle-aged rats.Several scientific evidences related to the mechanisms and efficacy of this fungus, such as anticancer, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and hypoglycemic effects, have been reported 9, 10, 12–14. Those seeking asylum form a group at higher risk of suffering adverse mental health outcomes, with higher needs for psychosocial and therapeutic care. These differential metabolites were linked to the degradation of valine, leucine, and isoleucine, as well as pyruvate metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. Furthermore, a total of 27 volatile and 29 non-volatile differential metabolites were identified between inoculated and uninoculated YGP. Beta diversity analysis revealed improved similarity of fermented microbial community structure, while co-occurrence network analysis showed that L. Plantarum-inoculated YGP exhibited increased Lactiplantibacillus abundance and significant alterations in color and texture characteristics when compared to naturally fermented YGP. A growing demand exists for nutraceuticals, which seem to reside in the grey area between pharmaceuticals and food. Currently, nutraceuticals do not have a specific definition distinct from those of other food-derived categories, such as food supplements, herbal products, pre-and probiotics, functional foods, and fortified foods. Various countries, including the U.S., Japan, and European regions, have implemented specific regulatory frameworks to manage health claims and product validation, reflecting a global trend towards stricter control in the nutraceutical market. In a mouse model of D-galactose-induced aging, PCT-1 (100–400 mg/kg) demonstrated the ability to enhance the proliferation of mouse T and B lymphocytes, along with an increase in IgG expression . Cordyceps taii is an entomogenous fungus native to South China , from which two pure polysaccharides with immunomodulatory effects, PCT-1 and CTP, are extracted. Moreover, the Cordyceps gunnii polysaccharide fraction (50–200 mg/kg) could elevate the thymus and spleen indices, enhance macrophage phagocytosis capacity, stimulate splenocyte proliferation, and increase the expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α in H22 tumor-bearing mice. These effects were attributed to the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway . When the HW fraction (150 mg/kg/d) was given to rats for 8 d including a 48 h stress period, the weight changes of the adrenal gland, spleen, thymus, and thyroid, which is an index of stress, were suppressed. The swimming endurance capacity of mice orally administered with the HW fraction (150 and 300 mg/kg/d, respectively) was significantly prolonged from 75 to 90 min with a lessening of fatigue. Condyloma AcuminatumEffect of Cordyceps sinensis on the Th1/Th2 cytokines in patients with condyloma acuminatumZhong Yao Cai. The available evidence suggests that efficacy of Cs as an anti-neoplastic therapeutic agent is related to a role as an activator of innate immune responses. Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus that has been used for over 2,000 years in China as a treatment for a variety of conditions including neoplasms. "NMR-based plasma metabonomics in hyperlipidemia mice." Analytical Methods (2020) 145) Graham, Stewart F., et al. "Targeted metabolomics highlights perturbed metabolism in the brain of autism spectrum disorder sufferers." IRB 2014 (2020) 139) Prideaux, M., et al. "Taurine, an osteocyte metabolite, protects against oxidative stress-induced cell death and decreases inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway." Bone (2020) 130) Kirkup, Benjamin M., et al. "Antibiotic-induced disturbances of the gut microbiota result in accelerated breast tumour growth via a mast cell-dependent pathway." bioRxiv (2020) Polysaccharide extract of Cordyceps sobolifera attenuates renal injury in endotoxemic rats.Subsequently, a multivariate statistical analysis was performed; the resulting significant variables underwent U-Mann–Whitney test and correction for multiple comparisons.TH is an enzyme that’s crucial for the production of dopamine.Detection of succinate by intestinal tuft cells triggers a type 2 innate immune circuitJ.Always consult a healthcare provider if you’re on medication or managing chronic health conditions.Efficient production of cordycepin by engineered Yarrowia lipolytica from agro-industrial residues.561) Partula, Valentin, et al. "Associations between untargeted plasma metabolomic signatures and gut microbiota composition in the Milieu Intérieur population of healthy adults." British Journal of Nutrition 126.7 (2021) These studies demonstrate that the polysaccharide fraction of Cordyceps sinensis activates macrophage immune activity, promotes the expression of immune substances, and induces differentiation, with the NF-κB pathway activation playing a key role in this process. Chen et al. and Meng et al. reported that the Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide fraction (30–300 μg/mL) enhanced the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 macrophages. Evidence suggested that the Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide fraction (25–100 μg/mL) induced a shift in the M2 phenotype of Ana-1 macrophages to the M1 phenotype. On account of the diversities in raw materials, extraction and purification methods, different cordyceps polysaccharides with diverse structures and bioactivities have been extracted and identified from C. Militaris have diverse pharmacological activities, including antitumor (Ukai et al., 1983; Kim et al., 2001), anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities (Yu et al., 2004a). Once this approach is verified, we can try to apply it to the construction of mannitol cell factories. However, lactic acid bacteria fermentation requires a large amount of fructose, which is costly, and undesirable metabolites are difficult to remove. For LAB, it is an important group of microorganisms for fermentation of a large range of products, such as yogurt, soy sauce, antiseptic substance and so on. "Determining predictive metabolomic biomarkers of meniscal injury in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture." Journal of Small Animal Practice (2023). "Investigating the role of SIRT3 in doxorubicin induced dilated cardiomyopathy." (2023). "Metabolomics-derived insights into the metabolic regulation and control of centellosides in hairy root cultures of Centella asiatica." PhD diss., Autonomous University of Nuevo León, 2023. "Characterization of the serum metabolomic profile of patients with grades III and IV hepatic encephalopathy." PhD diss., Autonomous University of Nuevo León, 2023. Men need more zinc than women, especially for sexual functionality and prostate health (19). Nettle is also considered to be an overall restorative for the body, as well as a natural diuretic and anti-inflammatory remedy (16). Prostate health is essential for men, no matter how young or old. It is a rich source for the amino acid taurine, which is used for cardiac health and nerve transmission. Clinically its effects have been proved with experimental animals (5,15). The latest research indicates that Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides demonstrate immunomodulatory effects across diverse animal models. Additionally, CMPB90-1 induced an upregulation in T-cell subsets, as evidenced by an increased CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio . Immunological experimental results revealed that CMPB90-1 (250–500 μg/mL) demonstrated the ability to stimulate the proliferation of mouse spleen lymphocytes, augment the cytotoxicity of mouse natural killer cells, and enhance the secretion of IL-2 by mouse lymphocytes. 29) Wang X, Shao Z, Zhang Y, Vu T, Wu Z, Xu J, Deng M. A 1H NMR based study of hemolymph metabonomics in different resistant silkworms, Bombyx mori (Lepidotera), after BmNPV inoculation. Metabolic signatures suggest o-phosphocholine to UDP-N-acetylglucosamine ratio as a potential biomarker for high-glucose and/or palmitate exposure in pancreatic β-cells Metabolomics (2019) 23) Santiago G, Contreras J, Camargo M, Vallejo L. NMR-based metabonomic approach reveals changes in the urinary and fecal metabolome caused by resveratrol. Quantitative methods for metabolomic analyses evaluated in the Children’s Health Exposure Analysis Resource (CHEAR). Tang, S. Multi organ assessment via a 9.4 Tesla MRS evaluation of metabolites during the embryonic development of cleft palate induced by dexamethasone. "Effects of enteral nutrition with different energy supplies on metabolic changes and organ damage in burned rats." Burns & Trauma 10 (2022). "NMR‐and LCMS‐metabolomics studies on non‐organic versus organic soybeans (Glycine max), and their fermentation by Rhizopus oligosporus." Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (2022). "Metabolic effects of various carbohydrates and fibre in dog food." (2022). "Acute heat stress amplifies exercise‐induced metabolomic perturbations and reveals variation in circulating amino acids in endurance‐trained males." Experimental Physiology (2023). "Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based profiling and phytochemical screening revealed industrially important metabolites in wild seabuckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia D. Don) berries." (2023). However, noting trends that suggested a difference between in Cs-4 and placebo in key variables, and given that this was a small exploratory study, we proceeded to perform univariate analysis on a limited number of these variables. Because of the popularity of Cordyceps among the older population in China,2 but recognizing the advantages of Cs-4, we chose to conduct a pilot study to examine the effect of Cs-4 on aerobic capacity in healthy elderly volunteers. It was suggested that Cordyceps helped improve exercise capacity in these athletes via antioxidant effects.