Best Nootropics for Fertility

Using Nootropics for Fertility, Pregnancy, and Conception

Of the many benefits nootropics can offer, some provide excellent boosts to fertility and libido. And while improving fertility is a sensitive topic and all nootropics are different, these herbs are classified as such for their ability to offer improvements that are still generally considered safe for consumption when free of contaminants and interactions with other drugs (Bent, 2008). Still, it is important to remember fertility (and the creation of life) is such a sensitive topic that it is imperative to consult a physician before adding any vitamin, nootropic, or supplement to a daily regimen.  The nootropics on this list have been isolated as some of the safest, most widely utilized herbs for fertility.

Top Nootropics for Fertility

Out of the many nootropics for fertility, a handful stand out as clear winners.  They are both generally regarded as safe for human consumption, have a lot of history in terms of use, and are easily accessible as a dietary supplement.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful, natural fertility boosters for men, with the purported ability to improve semen content and quality (Chevallier, 2016).  The herb has been proven to help with erectile dysfunction (Weil, 2004). Several studies and clinical trials exist which highlight the plant’s ability to improve male infertility, increase serum testosterone, and increase luteinizing hormones (Murray & Pizzorno, 1998).  Generally, the herb achieves its improved fertility (in both men and women) by increasing blood circulation throughout the body (Ambiye et al., 2013).  For these reasons it is also one of the best natural aphrodisiacs (2013).

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is a strong herb in the treatment of inferility and libido in women (Chevallier, 2016).  Still, the plant has been used for thousands of years to treat sex-related ailments in men, including impotence, premature ejaculation, infertility, and general libido (2016).  While the herb may offer these benefits, however, it is important to note it could come at the cost of sperm production count and quality (Mishra et al., 2018).  For this reason, it is more commonly used for its ability to promote libido and sexual function in females (2018).

Honorable Mentions

Although there are many nootropics which can help with fertility, conception, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and libido, a couple others shine under the spotlight.  Tongkat Ali is a well-known aphrodisiac, boosting libido and promoting healthy sexual activity (Tambi & Imran, 2010).  The herb is able to reduce stress and stabilize sex drive (2010).  It has also been suggested to improve testosterone and overall sexual performance in men (Ang et al., 2000). It even bears the traditional nickname “Ali’s Walking Stick,” playing on its purported aphrodisiac properties (Rehman et al., 2016).

Another honorable mention goes out to the Cordyceps Mushroom.  This mushroom is also well known for its ability to improve fertility in both men and women alike (Panda & Swain, 2011).  It has been purportedly able to increase sperm count, improve erectile dysfunction, and extend erectile capacity.  Cordyceps is even suggested to have the ability to increase physical endurance during sex. Many studies have outlined its potential as a general aphrodisiac, and it has been called a powerful female aphrodisiac, even delaying muscle fatigue (2011).

Closing Notes on Using Nootropics for Fertility

Finding the right nootropic for any stack can mean a lot of trial and error, however, the nootropics on this list have proven themselves to stand out from the rest when it comes to fertility and conception.  Specific nootropics obviously provide varying effects from individual to individual, but depending upon the desired outcome, usually the choice is rather obvious.  For instance, a male is more likely to use Ashwagandha for its purported abilities to improve erectile dysfunction, while a female is more likely to use Bacopa Monnieri for its purported abilities to improve libido and treat infertility.  For these reasons, it is worth reading up on all the nootropics on this list before deciding upon the perfect choice for any nootropic stack.

A Note From NooFiles

This article is intended to be used for information only.  We want to remind you that consulting your physician is recommended before adding any dietary supplement of any kind to your daily regimen.

Sources

Ambiye, V., Langade, D., Dongre, S., Aptikar, P., Kulkarni, M., and Dongre, A. (2013). Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine. PMID: 571420. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/571420

Ang, H., Cheang, H., and Yusof, A. (2000). Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) on the initiation of sexual performance of inexperienced castrated male rats. Exp Anim.  Vol. 49(1). Pp. 35-8. DOI: 10.1538/expanim.49.35

Bent S. (2008). Herbal medicine in the United States: review of efficacy, safety, and regulation: grand rounds at University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. Journal of general internal medicine, 23(6), 854–859. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-008-0632-y

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Third Edition. DK Publishing. New York, New York. ISBN 978-1-4654-4981-8

Mishra, R. K., Singh, S., & Singh, S. K. (2018). Natural products in regulation of male fertility. The Indian journal of medical research. Vol. 148(Suppl). Pp. S107–S114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1968_17

Murray, M., and Pizzorno, J. (1998). The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Third Edition. Atria Paperback. ISBN 978-1-4516-6300-6

Panda, A. K., & Swain, K. C. (2011). Traditional uses and medicinal potential of Cordyceps sinensis of Sikkim. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 2(1), 9–13. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.78183

Rehman, S. U., Choe, K., and Yoo, H. H. (2016). Review on a Traditional Herbal Medicine, Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali): Its Traditional Uses, Chemistry, Evidence-Based Pharmacology and Toxicology. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), Vol. 21(3). Pp. 331. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21030331

Tambi, M. I., & Imran, M. K. (2010). Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility. Asian journal of andrology, 12(3), 376–380. https://doi.org/10.1038/aja.2010.7 Weil, A. (2004). Natural Health, Natural Medicine. Houghton Mifflin Publishing. New York, New York. ISBN 978-0-618-47903-0

The Nootropics Library: Cordyceps Mushroom

Everything You Need To Know About Cordyceps Mushrooms

General Information

Scientific Name: Cordyceps militaris (and Cordyceps sinensis)

Any Other Names: Caterpillar Fungus, Caterpiller Mushroom, CS-4, Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, Chinese Caterpillar Mushroom, Tochukaso, Dong Chong Xia Cao, Dong Chong Zia Cao, and Champignon Chenille

Primary Constituents: Cordycepin, or 3′-deoxyadenosine [derivative of the nucleoside adenosine]

Country or Region of Origin: Abundant in Humid Temperate and Tropical Forests, Prevalent in Asia, Found Worldwide

Known Uses: Anti-Fatigue, Energy, Endurance, Anti-Tumor, Increased Testosterone, Management of Type 2 Diabetes, [purportedly] Anti-Aging, and More

General History & Introduction

The Cordyceps Mushroom is one of the many fungi popular for use in Chinese, Tibetan, and other Asian medicines (Sung et al., 2007). Sometimes they grow in plentiful quantities, even in clusters, and other times they grow independent of one another and more sparsely apart. There are hundreds of species of the Cordyceps Mushroom. Some species of Cordyceps actually grow on caterpillars (Carroll, 2019). The Cordyceps militaris contains the most cordycepin, making it one of the most desirable species of the genus (Cunningham et al., 1950). It has been promoted as a nootropic in recent years for its possible ability to boost energy and combat aging (Paterson, 2008).  

The Mushroom’s nucleosides include adenosine, allowing the body to authenticate Cordyceps and its benefits (Paterson, 2008). Basically, cordycepin is so similar to adenosine that some enzymes will treat them the same.  This lack of discrimination means cordycepin can enjoy many of the same biochemical reactions as Adenosine (Kondrashov et al., 2012). Cordyceps sinensis is another species within the Cordyceps Mushroom genus which has many well-studied benefits (Panda & Swain, 2011). These purported benefits include increased longevity, erectile dysfunction treatment, aphrodisiac, infertility, energy, and as a holistic treatment for many diverse illnesses, ailments, and diseases (2011).

Nootropic Benefits of Cordyceps Mushrooms

Anti-Fatigue

EXERCISING-MAN

The Cordyceps Mushroom has traditionally been known for its use as an energy and endurance booster.  In fact, one study has concluded that the mushroom has the direct ability to increase energy, promote greater aerobic and anaerobic exercise benefits, and improve the consumption and use of oxygen in the body (Hirsch et al., 2017). Another recent study has suggested that the mushroom can improve exercise endurance capacity and athletic power (Kumar et al., 2011). Additionally, supplementation of healthy doses of antioxidants can have a great impact on the body’s energy production (Takami et al., 2019). The bioactive constituents of which produce the mushroom’s anti-fatigue properties can be narrowed down to nucleosides, peptides, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids (Geng et al., 2017). And although natural and cultured samples of Cordyceps Mushrooms vary, both provide excellent antioxidant capacity (Wang et al., 2015).

Anti-Tumor Effects

Although the research is minimal, there is some rather promising data in terms of the Cordyceps Mushroom’s possible capacity for treating and preventing tumors. For instance, the mushroom’s nucleosides provide excellent anti-tumor activities (Paterson, 2008). Many recent studies have revealed its potential effects on tumors and the prevention of growth (Panda & Swain, 2011). Some recent test-tube studies revealed the mushroom’s potential to inhibit the growth of a variety of cancer cells in humans (Nakamura et al., 1999; Wu et al., 2007; Ng & Wang, 2005).  This includes cancers of the colon, liver, lung, and skin (1999; 2007; 2005).

Increased Testosterone

Cordyceps Mushrooms offer common, holistic solutions for infertility in both men and females, even offering increased sperm production (Panda & Swain, 2011). It has been suggested that the mushroom can extend erectile capacity, resolve erectile dysfunction, and improve physical endurance in men (2011). The mushroom is used for its purported general aphrodisiac properties and is especially useful as a female aphrodisiac.  Studies reveal the Cordyceps Mushroom can also delay muscle fatigue (2011). 

Anti-Aging

YOUTH-AGE

Although there is no rock-solid, empirical data that supports this plant prevents aging, some studies do support some claims that the Cordyceps Mushroom can produce some superior, health-inspiring benefits. For example, the fungi’s powerful antioxidant properties may have the clinical capacity to prevent many age-related diseases (Paterson, 2008). The potency of the mushroom’s polysaccharides offers an enhancement by increasing the speed and duration of the immune response development (2008).  Modern studies have also revealed the mushroom’s exciting potential to combat aging changes in gene expression throughout brain and muscle tissues (Wood, & Mastaloudis, 2010).  This study also outlined the fungi’s potentially positive impact on overall healthy lifespan (2010).

Other Benefits

There are clinical trials and studies which support the use of Cordyceps Mushrooms for the treatment and regulation of Type 2 Diabetes, alcoholic hepatitis, liver diseases, and kidney diseases (Panda & Swain, 2011).  The fungi have been shown to improve coronary heart disease, prostate enlargement, low blood pressure, and dizziness. It is used to fight inflammation, for hormone regulation, and jaundice.  It has even been used to treat bronchitis and tuberculosis.  And finally, there are studies which support the use of the mushroom to treat cough, colds, and chronic pain (2011).

Dosing and Usage Information

A typical dose of a Cordyceps Mushroom extract in a dietary supplement is around 200-300 mg. These extracts are anywhere from 2:1 to 10:1 in terms of strength.  Traditionally, although inconvenient and fowl tasting, the mushroom would be brewed into an herbal tea.

Side Effects

Although the Cordyceps Mushroom is typically considered safe for short-term use, there are some rare, mild side effects for some users.  These side effects may include: stomach ache, light nausea, diarrhea, or dry mouth (Carroll, 2019). It could also create issues for hypoglycemics and diabetics (whom are encouraged to speak to their physicians before adding the mushroom to their daily regimen), as it can have an effect on blood sugar (2019).  Additionally, there is a possibility it could increase the effects of blood-thinning medication (2019).

Other Important Information

TEA-BREWING

It is important to remember that there are many varieties of species within the Cordyceps genus, and that they do offer different variations of benefits.  Some of the species possess higher contents of the primary constituents responsible for significant medicinal benefits.  While the administration methods of the plant have changed from primitive brewing techniques to modern extractions, the way the constituents work within the human body have not changed.  Cordyceps Mushrooms are an important part of the nootropics world for their incredible energizing and general antioxidant properties.

Conclusion

In the end, there are many medicinal mushrooms, and the Cordyceps Mushroom genus is rather diverse.  There are a lot of ways the mushrooms have been used in traditional holistic healing throughout many cultures.  Many of these traditional uses are still effective and popular in modern times, with the exception that they are offered in the form of Codyceps nootropic supplements rather than herbal teas.  The mushrooms do boast a large number of studies and clinical trials (some of which are used as evidence throughout this article) which support a good portion of its purported benefits and general safety.

A Note from NooFiles

This article is intended to be used for information only.  We want to remind you that consulting your physician is recommended before adding any dietary supplement of any kind to your daily regimen.

Sources:

Carroll, P. (2019). Cordyceps: Benefits and Side Effects. Lifestyle. Retrieved from: https://www.forhims.com/blog/cordyceps-benefits-side-effects

Cunningham, K., Manson, W., Spring, F., & Hutchinson, S. (1950). Cordycepin, a Metabolic Product isolated from Cultures of Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Nature. Vol. 166(4231). Pp. 949. DOI:10.1038/166949a0

Geng, P., Siu, K. C., Wang, Z., & Wu, J. Y. (2017). Antifatigue Functions and Mechanisms of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms. BioMed research international. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9648496

Hirsch, K. R., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Roelofs, E. J., Trexler, E. T., & Mock, M. G. (2017). Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. Journal of dietary supplements. Vol. 14(1). Pp. 42–53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386

Kondrashov, A., Meijer, H., Barthet-Barateig, A., Parker, H., Khurshid, A., and Tessier, S. (2012). Inhibition of polyadenylation reduces inflammatory gene induction. RNA. Vol. 18(12). Pp. 2236–50. DOI:10.1261/rna.032391.112

Kumar, R., Negi, P., Singh, B., Ilavazhagan, G., Bhargava, K., Sethy, N., (2011). Cordyceps sinensis promotes exercise endurance capacity of rats by activating skeletal muscle metabolic regulators. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. Vol. 136(1). Pp. 260-266. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.04.040.

Nakamura K, Yamaguchi Y, Kagota S, Kwon YM, Shinozuka K, Kunitomo M. (1999). Inhibitory effect of Cordyceps sinensis on spontaneous liver metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma and B16 melanoma cells in syngeneic mice. Jpn J Pharmacol. Vol. 79(3). Pp. 335-41. DOI: 10.1254/jjp.79.335. PMID: 10230862.

Ng, T. and Wang, H. (2005). Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine. J Pharm Pharmacol. Vol. 57(12). Pp. 1509-19. DOI: 10.1211/jpp.57.12.0001

Panda, A. K., & Swain, K. C. (2011). Traditional uses and medicinal potential of Cordyceps sinensis of Sikkim. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 2(1), 9–13. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.78183

Paterson, R. (2008). Cordyceps: a traditional Chinese medicine and another fungal therapeutic biofactory?. Phytochemistry. Vol. 69(7). Pp. 1469–1495. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2008.01.027

Sung, G., Hywel-Jones, N., Sung, J., Luangsa-ard, J., Shrestha, B., and Spatafora, J. (2007). Phylogenetic classification of Cordyceps and the clavicipitaceous fungi. Stud Mycol. Vol. 57(1). Pp. 5–59. DOI:10.3114/sim.2007.57.01

Takami, M., Aoi, W., Terajima, H., Tanimura, Y., Wada, S., & Higashi, A. (2019). Effect of dietary antioxidant-rich foods combined with aerobic training on energy metabolism in healthy young men. Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition, 64(1), 79–85. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.18-40

Wood, S. & Mastaloudis, A. (2010). New Studies Show Significant Anti-Aging Benefits of Cordyceps: Chinese Mushroom Improves Youthful Genetic Expression. Cision PR Newswire. Nu Skin Enterprises. PROVO, Utah. Retrieved from: multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/nuskin/46586/

Wu, J., Zhang, Q., Leung, P. (2007). Inhibitory effects of ethyl acetate extract of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium on various cancer cells in culture and B16 melanoma in C57BL/6 mice. Phytomedicine. Vol. 14(1). Pp. 43-9. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2005.11.005