What should not be consumed with Cordyceps sinensis?

Cordyceps sinensis is a precious traditional Chinese medicinal herb known for its tonic and energy-enhancing properties. Cordyceps should not be consumed together with foods such as glutinous rice, tofu, tea, grapefruit, or pomegranate, or with medications including warfarin sodium tablets, dexamethasone tablets, propafenone tablets, diazepam tablets, and metformin hydrochloride tablets. If any adverse symptoms occur, prompt medical consultation and treatment are necessary. Specific details are as follows:

I. Foods

1. Glutinous Rice

Cordyceps contains abundant proteins and alkaloids, while glutinous rice contains large amounts of tannic acid. Tannic acid can react with proteins and alkaloids, reducing the herb's efficacy.

2. Tofu

Tofu contains high levels of phytic acid and tannic acid, which may react with the proteins and alkaloids in Cordyceps, thereby diminishing its therapeutic effects.

3. Tea

Tea is rich in tannic acid and caffeine, both of which can interact with proteins and alkaloids in Cordyceps, potentially affecting its efficacy.

4. Grapefruit

        Grapefruit contains significant amounts of naringin and furanocoumarins, substances that inhibit the activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver, potentially reducing the effectiveness of Cordyceps.

5. Pomegranate

Pomegranate contains high levels of tannic acid and flavonoids, which can react with proteins and alkaloids in Cordyceps, leading to reduced efficacy.

II. Medications

1. Warfarin Sodium Tablets

Warfarin sodium is an anticoagulant, and certain components in Cordyceps may interfere with its anticoagulant effect, increasing the risk of bleeding and other adverse reactions.

2. Dexamethasone Tablets

Taking dexamethasone tablets together with Cordyceps may suppress immune system function, increasing the risk of infection.

3. Propafenone Tablets

Propafenone is an antiarrhythmic medication; consuming it with Cordyceps may increase cardiac load and potentially trigger arrhythmias.

4. Diazepam Tablets

Diazepam is a sedative-hypnotic; taking it with Cordyceps may enhance sedative effects and increase risks of drowsiness and other adverse reactions.

5. Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets

Metformin hydrochloride is an antidiabetic drug; when taken with Cordyceps, it may enhance glucose-lowering effects, potentially causing hypoglycemia and other adverse reactions.

All the above medications should be used only under a doctor’s advice and supervision and must not be self-prescribed. When consuming Cordyceps, caution should be exercised regarding potential interactions with specific foods and medications, which may affect its efficacy or lead to adverse effects. Appropriate food and medication combinations should be carefully selected based on individual health conditions.