Keywords: Cordyceps high blood pressure, ACE inhibitor, cordycepin heart, Cordyceps affect heart, cardiovascular health

Addresses: Can Cordyceps cause high blood pressure? How does Cordyceps affect the heart?

Debunking the Myth: High Blood Pressure Concern

The evidence concerning C. militaris and blood pressure regulation directly counters the concern that it may cause hypertension. Research strongly suggests that the extract acts as a natural Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.  

ACE is a critical component of the body’s primary mechanism for regulating blood pressure. By inhibiting ACE, C. militaris reduces the production of the potent vasoconstricting hormone, angiotensin II, which narrows blood vessels. Cordycepin is the key bioactive component responsible for this effect. The documented mechanism indicates that C. militaris supports the management of hypertension, rather than posing a risk of elevated blood pressure.  

How Does Cordyceps Affect the Heart?

Cordyceps demonstrates therapeutic potential for cardiovascular health:

• Heart-Protective Compounds: The fungus contains adenosine, a naturally occurring nucleoside credited with heart-protective effects.  

   

• Lipid Metabolism: C. militaris has been shown to regulate blood fats, specifically triglycerides. By maintaining healthy lipid metabolism, it may indirectly contribute to a reduced risk of cardiovascular issues, as high triglyceride levels are a known risk factor for heart disease.  

   

• Rhythm Regulation: Traditional use has included managing irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia). A 2022 review of human trials involving arrhythmia subjects did indicate certain improvements in relevant health markers in some studies, supporting the need for further exploration into its cardiac benefits.