The science behind Sporing
Let’s take you through the fascinating findings and advancements
that make our products possible.
MycoVeda Energy - Backed by Science.
Cordyceps increases VO2 max, which represents maximum oxygen consumption during intense physical activity; it’s an excellent indicator for endurance and heart health. Cordyceps also has a strong anti-fatigue effect which increases time to exhaustion and shortens recovery time, an effect that builds up with continued use.
Guarana provides an immediate energy boost. It also has an anti-fatigue effect, by reducing perceived exertion and allowing for an increased capacity to take on physical stress.
Ashwagandha reduces stress by lowering serum cortisol levels. Trials have shown Ashwagandha to reduce muscle damage, post-exercise, by stabilizing serum creatine kinase.
Cordyceps
Evidence related to stamina, endurance, pulmonary activity etc:
Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5236007/
This is a trial showing significant results for improvements in VO2max, total time to exhaustion and ventilatory threshold in 3 weeks. A higher VO2max indicates the level of oxygen consumption by the body and is experienced as higher stamina and endurance. Total time to exhaustion is the time it takes for the body to completely exhaust where that task can no longer be performed (cycling, sport, workout etc.). Cordyceps helps to increase that time allowing for longer and sustained energy and resistance to fatigue. Increase in ventilatory threshold essentially means that a person can go longer before the body begins to demand excess oxygen, therefore delaying the buildup of lactic acid. This allows for more endurance.
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.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02836405
A similar trial with healthy, but elderly individuals gave significant results as well. Improvement in VO2max and anaerobic threshold (similar to ventilatory threshold) after 6 weeks of administration as compared to placebo.
Chronic supplementation of a mushroom blend on oxygen kinetics, peak power, and time to exhaustion.
https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P45
This trial was with less number of participants but with a double-blind placebo control, indicating a significant increase in VO2max and increase in Time to Exhaustion.
Herbal Medicine Cordyceps sinensis Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Moderate-to-Severe Asthma.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2016/6134593/#discussion
Cordyceps sinensis improved the quality of life of the patients by reducing asthma-related symptoms and asthma onset frequency and severity, while it significantly attenuated asthma- induced inflammation at the 3-month intervention period, as demonstrated by decreased expression of inflammatory biomarkers.
Some prospective studies on mechanism of action:
Effects of Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris and their isolated compounds on ion transport in Calu- 3 human airway epithelial cells.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874108000524
Cordyceps Extracts and the Major Ingredient, Cordycepin: Possible Cellular Mechanisms of Their Therapeutic Effects on Respiratory Disease.
https://web.archive.org/web/20190304135415id_/http://pdfs.semanticscholar.
org/be93/a1371c8611dcc03e4d0f86a86853f7caae2b.pdf
Similar results in mouse models:
Studies on the Antifatigue Activities of Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract in Mouse Model.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4553310/
Evaluation of anti-fatigue property of the extruded product of cereal grains mixed with Cordyceps militaris on mice.
https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0171-1
Effect of Polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes) on Physical Fatigue Induced by Forced Swimming.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28094746/
Guarana
Guarana primarily helps to reduce fatigue. The effect can feel like a boost.
Guarana (Paullinia cupana) presents a safe and effective anti-fatigue profile in patients with chronic kidney disease: A randomized, double-blind, three-arm, controlled clinical trial.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464618305231?via
%3Dihub
Guarana helped to decrease fatigue and uplift mood/energy in these patients. The Effects of Supplementation with a Vitamin and Mineral Complex with Guaraná Prior to Fasted Exercise on Affect, Exertion, Cognitive Performance, and Substrate Metabolism: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4555111/
This study found the participants that consumed Guarana reported a small but significant reduction in Ratings of Perceived Exertion. This further indicated an anti-fatigue effect, here characterized as mental fatigue.
Guarana (Paullinia cupana) improves fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing systemic chemotherapy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21612429
Significant reduction in fatigue indicating it to be a good candidate for short term treatment from fatigue related to chemotherapy.
Ashwagandha
The primary action of Ashwagandha is stress reduction and anxiolytic. It reduces inflammation and overall stress, which leads to better recovery and overall vitality. There is some evidence to suggest that it may help in muscle growth and endurance as well.
Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/
This trial showed significant reduction in serum cortisol (reduced stress) and scores on the Perceived Stress Scale.
An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6750292/
This is another randomized placebo controlled trial showing significant reductions in anxiety scores, and significant reductions in cortisol as compared to placebo. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23439798/
On day 60, significant reductions in all measures of stress were recorded. Similarly, significant reduction in serum cortisol was also recorded. Effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) on physical performance and cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy young adults.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21170205/
Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/
These two trials show Ashwagandha having a significant effect on muscle growth as a result of resistance training and increase in overall power, speed and VO2max.
MycoVeda Sleep - Backed by Science.
Reishi mushrooms provide beta d-glucans and triterpenes that sooth nerves to help create a restful sleep. With long term use reishi can help reset your deep sleep cycle.
Valerian root likely impacts serotonin receptors, which are involved in mood and sleep. Valerian root has also been found to reduce brain activity in the motor cortex.
Skullcap positively impacts mood and reduces anxiety by stimulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm nerves. Skullcap was used in traditional medicine practices as a sedative and treatment for conditions like insomnia and anxiety.
Reishi
Scientific studies on Reishi have demonstrated its beneficial effects on various aspects of health. These studies collectively highlight Reishi's therapeutic potential in improving sleep quality and addressing conditions characterized by poor sleep and chronic fatigue.
A Randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Study of a Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Extract in Neurasthenia
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/jmf.2005.8.53
This is a study focusing on neurasthenia, which is essentially a set of symptoms like fatigue, lack of motivation, malaise, irritability, etc. It affects mood and sleep as well. This trial found overall improvement of symptoms in the Reishi administered group as compared with the group administered a placebo.
Extract of Ganoderma lucidum potentiates pentobarbital-induced sleep via a GABAergic mechanism
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S009130570700086X?via%3Dihub
This study found that Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) helped to increase sleeping time, reduce time to sleep and increase non-REM sleep. It also affected delta waves (deep sleep). The study indicates that this may be due to a similar mechanism of action as anti-anxiety medications, without the side effects and dependence
Research on the Capsule of Ganoderma lucidum and Zizhiphi spinozae Improving the Sleep in Mice
Similar study as the previous paper showing increase in sleeping time, reduced time to sleep and increase in non-REM sleep.
Extract of Ganoderma lucidum prolongs sleep time in rats
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874111008981
Another study indicating overall increase in total sleep time, and increase in non-REM sleep (deep sleep) without affecting other stages of sleep.
Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and sedative-hypnotic activities of lucidone D extracted from Ganoderma lucidum
https://cellmolbiol.org/index.php/CMB/article/view/2738
This study focuses on Lucidone D, one of the polysaccharides of Reishi, and found it to have significant anti-inflammatory effects along with sedative effects.
Study on dosage of oral solution of the complex prescription ganoderma lucidum for improvement of sleep function
https://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-YBYB200704019.htm
This study also found increase in sleep time and non-REM sleep. However, this uses other extracts along with Reishi.
Valerian Root
Studies have consistently shown that Valerian Root can significantly improve sleep for individuals experiencing poor sleep quality, with effects such as reduced time to fall asleep, increased overall sleep satisfaction, and reduced wakefulness after sleep onset.
Critical evaluation of the effect of valerian extract on sleep structure and sleep quality
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10761819/
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study involving 16 patients with psychophysiological insomnia, long-term treatment significantly improved sleep efficiency and increased slow-wave sleep.
Double blind study of a valerian preparation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2678162/
Significant improvement in individuals reporting poor sleep. 44% participants reported their sleep to be perfect and 89% reported that their sleep was improved.
Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7122669/
In a study involving 128 participants, valerian root extract significantly reduced subjectively evaluated sleep latency scores and improved sleep quality, particularly among poor or irregular sleepers, smokers, and those with typically long sleep latencies.
Effect of valerian on human sleep
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3936097/
A study on the effects of aqueous valerian root extract on sleep in two groups of healthy, young subjects showed that both doses (450 and 900 mg) reduced perceived sleep latency and wake time after onset of sleep.
Kava and valerian in the treatment of stress-induced insomnia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11536390/
This study measured stress in social, personal and life events and insomnia in the areas of time to fall asleep, hours slept and waking mood. They found significant on stress reduction and insomnia.
The scientific basis for the reputed activity of Valerian
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10411208/
Valerians varied constituents, including bornyl acetate, valerenic acid, and valepotriates, contribute to its sedative effects through mechanisms like inhibition of GABA breakdown and binding to benzodiazepine receptors. GABA is the primary neurotransmitter that helps reduce anxiety.
GABA A receptors as in vivo substrate for the anxiolytic action of valerenic acid, a major constituent of valerian root extracts
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18602406/
Constituents of valerian root bind to GABA A receptors which results in the anti-anxiety and sedative action.
Skullcap
Scientific studies on Skullcap have highlighted its beneficial effects on sleep, mood, and anxiety. Additionally, several comprehensive review studies have confirmed Skullcap's efficacy as a sedative agent, supporting its use in treating depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Biphasic effects of baicalin, an active constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, in the spontaneous sleep-wake regulation
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21419210/
Baicalin shows biphasic effects on sleep regulation, decreasing slow wave sleep (SWS) during the light period and increasing SWS and REM sleep during the dark period, through mechanisms that involve inhibition of IL-1 action and activation of GABA(A) receptors, respectively.
Phytochemical and biological analysis of Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): A medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711304702767
Identification of baicalin and baicalein in skullcap, the constituents which have an anxiolytic and sedative effect.
American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23878109/
In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study involving 43 healthy participants, Scutellaria lateriflora (350 mg, three times daily) significantly improved global mood without affecting energy or cognition.
Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21601431/
A systematic review of controlled clinical trials revealed neurochemical, endocrinological, and epigenetic effects of 21 phytomedicines.
Plant-based medicines for anxiety disorders, Part 1: a review of preclinical studies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23436255/
This article highlights 32 herbal medicines with preclinical evidence of anxiolytic activity, with common mechanisms involving modulation of GABA, among others.
Plant-based medicines for anxiety disorders, part 2: a review of clinical studies with supporting preclinical evidence
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23653088/
This review in herbal psychopharmacology has identified Skullcap’s efficacy in treating anxiety disorders.
Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
https://europepmc.org/article/med/10711131?utm_medium=27156&client=bot&client=bot&client=bot
This review study has indicated Skullcap to be effective for its anti-anxiety and sedative effect.