While there is speculation that caffeine could reduce the effectiveness of cordyceps, there is no solid evidence that supports this fact. Despite this, some individuals recommend not to consume them simultaneously to ensure the effectiveness of cordyceps. While this practice may have other benefits, it may not be completely neccesary to ensure the effectiveness of the product. This article discusses this speculation and why there is limited evidence that supports it.
How Does Caffeine Work and Why Would It Interfere With Cordyceps?
Caffeine is stimulating thanks to its slight resemblance to a compound we naturally produce called adenosine. Adenosine has many different functions on our bodily processes, and one of them is precisely making us feel sleepy when it comes in contact with adenosine receptors in our brain. Caffeine is considered an “adenosine antagonists”, because thanks to its similar chemical structure it also adheres to adenosine receptors. The difference is that instead of activating these receptors, it blocks them, thus preventing them from making us feel sleepy.
What does this have to do with cordyceps? Well, I’m glad you asked.
The main bioactive compound in Cordyceps militaris is Cordycepin which is very similar to adenosine and is believed to interact with the adenosine receptors. So what many individuals concluded is that since caffeine is an adenosine antagonist, perhaps it is also an antagonist towards cordycepin.
Figure Source: Hu, Zhenzhen, et al. “Cordycepin increases nonrapid eye movement sleep via adenosine receptors in rats.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013 (2013).
No literature examines this exact subject, but there is one that touches on it briefly. The article “Suppressing effect of cordycepin on the lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells” used adenosine antagonists, including caffeine, to further understand how cordycepin functions. In their study, they showed that adenosine antagonists failed to nullify the effects of cordycepin, likely because it works independently from the adenosine receptors. They suggest the role of cordycepin is not directly tied to adenosine receptors which make you feel sleepy but with an intracellular process distinct from those antagonized by caffeine.
Some Other Quick Thoughts
Another interesting consideration made by some is that 50-100 mg of caffeine present in a single cup of coffee probably would not be enough to block all receptors. This is reflected by the fact that doses of 150, 200, and more mg of caffeine continue to have greater and greater effects. So there will still be plenty of receptors for cordycepin to bind to even if it was interacting with the same ones as caffeine.
Another thing to consider is that if cordycepin interacted with the same receptors that caffeine blocks, its likely cordycepin would also make us sleepy. If you’ve ever consumed cordyceps, you know that is far from true. I’m no neuro-scientist though, so that itself is just speculation. If you are, feel free to drop a comment.
In conclusion, further study is necessary to further understand how cordycepin functions and how it may be affected by caffeine. This being said, there is no current evidence that caffeine would significantly inhibit the effects of cordycepin.
Is It Safe To Mix Cordyceps With Coffee?
There is no known immediate health risk or contradictions between cordyceps and caffeine. Many people consume them both regularly with no negative side effects. This being said, both are powerful and anyone with existing health conditions should always consult their doctor before adding a supplement into their routine.
Reccomended Cordyceps Supplements
There are many different brands and cordyceps products out there on the market. Consider reading our guide on how to choose a quality mushroom supplement before making any purchases. Below are several brands that have been vetted for quality and ethical practices.
Transparency Disclosure
Blog articles like this are meant to educate and inform our readers about the potential benefits and functions of medicinal mushrooms based on scientific research. We aim to empower individuals with knowledge so they can make informed decisions when incorporating these products into their wellness routines. It’s important to note that while medicinal mushrooms have shown promising health benefits in studies, we do not make claims that they can cure or treat specific diseases.
We strongly recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, including medicinal mushrooms. These products should be used as part of a holistic approach to wellness, which includes maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other practices recommended by healthcare professionals.
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