Excerpt from Dr. Earl Mindell's Russian Energy Secret, pp. 21-22:
Cordyceps is particularly protective of the kidneys and is an effective treatment for renal disease. The herb exhibits protective effects against aminogylcoside nephrotoxicity in geriatric patients and protects against cyclosporine A-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Cordyceps has been shown to increase hemoglobin and stimulation of reticulocytes in the blood count and also decrease blood urea nitrogen (BUN). It is antiasthmatic, assists smooth muscle relaxation and can potentiate the effects of epinephrine (Huang).
The main activities of Cordyceps include the following:
Oxygen-free radical scavenger.
Antisenescent (retards the aging process).
Endocrine modulator
Hypolipidemic (cholesterol lowering)
Antiatherosclerotic
Immunomodulator
Restorer of sexual function and replenisher of sperm.
Renal, hepatic, respiratory, nervous system and cardiovascular tonic
Stress reducer
Promoter of endurance, vigor and energy; enhanced training and performance in athletic competition