The “Caterpillar Fungus”

Why the Caterpillar Fungus Could Be More Valuable Than Gold

After researching some major ingredients in some of my anti-aging products, I became particularly fascinated with the Cordyceps mushroom. “Cordyceps sinensis” is a species of parasitic fungi found mainly in the Tibetan plateaus and Himalayan region among the alpine grasslands. 

 

The spores of this parasitic fungus infect a larva of a ghost moth, and eventually take over the inside of its host during the caterpillar’s normal, vertically-positioned hibernation period. The larva becomes mummified, and only the exoskeleton remains. The fungus then sprouts a brown stalk from the caterpillar’s head. This long stalk (called a “stroma”) then emerges a few inches above the soil. 

 

For obvious reasons, this particular species of fungus is referred to in English as “caterpillar fungus.” Cordyceps sinensis originates from the Latin words “cord” (club), “ceps” (head), and “sinensis” (from China). In Tibetan, it is called “yartsa gunbu” (summer grass, winter bug) and in Chinese, “Dōng chóng xià cǎo” (winter worm, summer grass). 

 

It has been used in Chinese medicines for thousands of years as a healing tonic. Yartsa was given to many emperors of the ancient dynasties. Although it was formerly common to have a duck stuffed with the mushroom, it is now extremely expensive, and mostly used in smaller quantities for its medicinal purpose. Among the rich, it is considered to be a prestigious gift or a symbol of status at a fancy dinner party. 

 

Although the use of Cordyceps dates back to the 14th century, it wasn’t until the 1993 Olympics in Beijing when the Chinese women’s track and field broke multiple world records that this “secret weapon” began receiving a lot of attention. They attributed their victory to their intense training, coupled with a Cordyceps sinensis concoction that they consumed regularly. 

 

It has since become scarce due to over harvesting. Economically speaking, this scarcity has led to a monumental price increase. Currently, scientists have not been able to propagate the Cordyceps sinensis strain in the lab using caterpillars as it occurs naturally in Tibet, but alternative methods have been used to make synthetic forms of Cordyceps.

 

Currently, synthetically-made Cordyceps sinensis is marketed and sold by many nutraceutical/health food companies as a supplement. Although there are still not a plethora of scientific studies that have been done proving its effectiveness, many anecdotal claims have been made regarding the benefits of Cordyceps sinensis. It is said to promote vitality and stamina, healthy lung function, and reduce fatigue. It has been cited for its aphrodisiacal and libidinous properties, and has been said to help with impotency. Since it binds to the same receptors as caffeine, many have experienced a boost in energy levels without the jittery feeling/crash associated with a lot of other stimulants. Scientists think it may help increase ATP production, which would explain the increased endurance many have claimed to have felt. Various people have claimed to have seen improvement in cases of tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, bronchitis, anemia, renal disease, and back pain after taking Cordyceps sinensis. One study done on mice with tumors using cordycepin (extracted component of Cordyceps sinensis) was shown to inhibit the metastasis of the tumors. 

 

As with all mushroom strains, it is important to purchase your Cordyceps sinensis products from a reputable source to guarantee the efficacy and safety. More research needs to be done before any claims can be made and potentially beneficial drugs can be developed. But from my experience, I believe Cordyceps sinensis to be a valuable addition to your daily regimen. 

Heat Mapping Shows Epigenetic Science In Action

How Epigenetics Can Help Us Add Life to Our Years

Have you ever wondered why some people look much younger than their age, while some look much older than their age? Until recently, people thought that aging gracefully was only for those with “good genes”. It turns out that aging is dependent on not only on our genes, but also our gene expression. Genes cannot be altered because they are a fixed genetic code. The way our genes express themselves, however, is an entirely different story.

The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 gave scientists a better understanding of how specific genes affect specific functions of the body. A 2010 article in TIME magazine, titled “Why Your DNA Isn’t Your Destiny” explains how the new field of epigenetics goes beyond our DNA and looks at how our environment and diet choices can affect the way our genes express themselves.

Epigenetics is the study of how our genes change expression as we age. The change of expression does not mean the DNA sequence is altered. Unlike changes to the DNA that affect the genotype, changes to the gene expression affect only the phenotype, or the observable, outward appearance of specific traits. “Epi” comes from a Greek work meaning “on top of, over” thus epigenetics is the study of factors on top of, or in addition to, basic genetics.

In the book titled “The Aging Myth,” Dr. Joseph Chang discusses the clusters of genes that control certain aspects of aging. He refers to them as “Youth Gene Clusters” (YGCs). Scientists then looked at these groups of genes and found natural ingredients in plants, herbs, botanicals, etc. that “reset” the gene expression. Think of this like reprogramming your computer. Although your computer may be a few years old, you can update it or make simple changes to make it run more efficiently. Just as you did not alter the actual components of the computer itself, applying these natural products does not alter our genes. It just helps them to perform like they did when they were younger- more efficiently.

Currently, Pharmanex has introduced a few different products that implement this epigenetic research under the “ageLOC” brand. Included in this brand are anti-aging facial and body sculpting skincare products, a natural energy-boosting supplement that helps to repair mitochondrial function, and most recently, a weight management system that works to reset the gene expression of those genes involved with fat storage, metabolism, and lean muscle mass.

These scientific discoveries and products are exciting to me because the way we age is no longer completely predetermined! Diet, exercise habits, lifestyle choices, and high-quality, anti-aging products now give us the ability to live youthfully, longer. I hope this article inspires you to utilize the tools available so that you, too, can add more life to your years.

Intro to Antioxidants/Free Radicals

What are antioxidants, and why are they getting so much attention?

Antioxidants: Molecules that stabilize free radicals and defend our cells from free radical damage (oxidative damage).

Free Radicals: highly reactive, unstable molecules that cause damage to cells and genetic material such as DNA.

Normal body functions such as breathing and physical activities require energy. The normal byproduct of energy production is free radicals. Free radicals are also caused by smoking, pollution, exposure the the sun’s UV rays, X-Rays, chemicals in foods, etc.

Like I said before, free radicals are unstable, highly reactive molecules. They steal electrons from other molecules in the body, creating a destructive chain.

Antioxidants stop this chain reaction by donating an electron, and thus stabilizing the free radical.

The best defense against aging and diseases is to maintain high levels of antioxidants.

How can you maintain the “Antioxidant Advantage” and protect yourself from free radical damage?

Antioxidants can be produced by the body or ingested through the foods we eat or the supplements we take.

So by increasing our intake of fruits and vegetables, dark chocolate, green tea, etc., you can increase the antioxidant levels in your tissues and create a defense against aging and diseases.

Since most Americans do not get the recommended 8-10 servings of fruits and vegetables / day, supplementing with high quality, scientifically-tested, bioavailable antioxidant products can help boost your antioxidant levels, even if you are not eating as well as you should.

I will get more into what it means to be “Bioavailable” later on.

What are new studies revealing about antioxidants in regards to the aging process and the onset of disease?

A German study published in 2011 in European Journal of Nutrition:

“According to an important study appearing in a recent issue of the European Journal of Nutrition, individuals who were taking antioxidant supplements at the start of the 11-year study period had a 48 percent reduction in the risk of cancer mortality. In addition, the risk of dying from all causes (all-cause mortality) was 42 percent lower among antioxidant supplement users.Of interest is the fact that taking only a basic multiple vitamin and mineral supplement (i.e. one not enriched with meaningful doses of antioxidants) did NOT confer any protection against cancer or all-cause mortality. These findings suggest that antioxidant supplements provide an important defense against cancer and death from other causes.”

So we see here:

It is not basic vitamin and mineral supplements like you might buy at the grocery store or even health food store that are beneficial. It is antioxidant supplements. I will talk more about our supplements later.

“The amount of antioxidants that you maintain in your body is directly proportional to how long you will live.” -Dr. Richard Cutler, Director of Anti-Aging Research, National Institute of Health

 

Solutions!

Problems:

1. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Heart Disease and Cancer are the top 2 leading causes of death in adults in the United States.

2. The USDA recommends eating 6-8 servings of fruits and vegetables / day, but the average American only eats 2.

3. The Nutritional/ Dietary Supplement Industry is highly unregulated. With this being said, one must wonder when purchasing supplements, how to tell what you’re actually getting, and how to know if your supplements are actually working.

The Solutions:

1. Heart Disease, Cancer, and most other age-related diseases can be prevented by maintaining the “Antioxidant Advantage.”

2. If the American diet is lacking in fruits and vegetables, we must supplement to make up for deficiencies. Fortunately Pharmanex has developed the most comprehensive and bioavailable formula available on the market, conveniently packaged for individual use, for roughly the price of a coffee drink/ day. This nanotechnology is unlike anything else any other company has developed.

3. The Nu Skin/Pharmanex 6S Quality Process allows peace of mind that you are receiving on the highest quality products. “Not one product that was examined had a USP grade disintegration and dissolution rating which is a sign of a Pharmaceutical-grade supplement.”