Cordyceps militaris (ophiocordyceps sinensis) mushrooms are thought to increase the production of the molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the body, which plays a key role in delivering energy to the muscles. This may help to explain cordyceps’s ability to improve physical performance and to fight fatigue and lethargy (1). In a study of 37 healthy adults, participants who consumed cordyceps for six weeks showed a significant improvement in oxygen uptake (a measure of physical fitness) during exercise, while the oxygen uptake of participants given a placebo was unchanged (2)(3). Traditionally, these powerful mushrooms are also known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.
Referenced sources:
Xu, YF. (2016) Effect of Polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes) on Physical Fatigue Induced by Forced Swimming.
Hawkins, M, Raven, P, et al. (2007) Maximal oxygen uptake as a parametric measure of cardiorespiratory capacity.
Yi, X, Xi-zhen, H, et al. (2004) Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers.