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Q. Cordyceps Cs-4 Featured in Sports Illustrated Women (USA)

A. Each issue of Sport Illustrated Women includes a section called What's New, featuring several product endorsements. In this issue, under the subtitle 'Supplements,' the following was written about Cordyceps.

"For years the Chinese women's marathon team famously claimed to power themselves with dried fungus. Now science agrees with them. A study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Salt Lake City in the fall of 2001 found that cyclists and walkers who ingested Cordyceps sinensis, the mushroom fungus, increased endurance and speed by as much as 5.5%. Pharmanex sells a purified version of the Cordyceps called Cordyceps Cs-4."

Q. Why doesn't Pharmanex standardize Cordyceps Cs-4 to cordysepic acid?

A. There is no proof that cordycepic acid is the active ingredient for cordyseps sinensis. Currently we standardize Cordyceps to 0.14% adenosine and 6% mannitol. This standardization has shown to be very beneficial in clinical trials. We have no plans to use it to standardize Cordyceps unless research concludes that using the ingredient to standardize would make our product more effective.

Q. What is Cordyceps intended to do, and how does it work?

A. Cordyceps Cs-4 is an all-natural, exclusive Cordyceps sinensis formula that promotes energy, vitality, and lung function, and reduces fatigue without the use of stimulants.

Numerous scientific studies suggest that Cordyceps Cs-4 can promote natural vitality through its ability to enhance healthy lung function and increase the body's resistance to daily environmental and occupational stress.

Q. What ingredients does Cordyceps Cs-4 have?

A. Cordyceps Cs-4 provides a proprietary strain of Cordyceps sinensis Cs-4 mushroom mycelia.

Q. Who should take Cordyceps?

A. As a food supplement for use by individuals with busy, hectic lifestyles, athletes and the elderly, and those desiring increased vitality without the use of stimulants.

Q. Why is Cordyceps unique?

A. Our exclusive Cordyceps formula is recognised in China as fermented Cordyceps mushroom product offering health benefits most comparable to the rare and protected wild mushroom of the Tibetan high plateau. Over 15 years of extensive scientific research have resulted in this exclusive Cs-4 strain. In fact, Cordyceps Cs-4 has been placed under intellectual property protection, and only Pharmanex has an exclusive license outside of China. Cordyceps Cs-4 is manufactured according to the 6S Quality Process.

Q. How are the ingredients in Cordyceps standardised?

A. Each 525 mg capsule of proprietary Cordyceps Cs-4 is standardised by HPLC to guarantee potency and consistent results by supplying minimum levels of 0.14% adenosine. An additional test method is used to standardise to less than 6% mannitol, which is an indicator of polysaccharide content.

Q. Is there anyone who should not use Cordyceps?

A. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant or lactating, or taking a prescription medication, consult a physician prior to use.

Q. Is this product safe?

A.Cordyceps Cs-4 appears to be very safe at recommended dosages. In 1987, Cordyceps Cs-4 was the first "Class One" Traditional Chinese Medicine approved by the Chinese Ministry of Health. "Class One" Traditional Chinese Medicines are rigorously evaluated for safety and efficacy in pharmacology, toxicology and clinical trials.

Q. How long will it take before I feel the health benefits of supplementation with Cordyceps?

A. Cordyceps should be taken regularly for consistent results. Mild benefits may be evident within one week, while significant effects may take 3-6 weeks to become evident.