Researchers from Capital Medical University, in Beijing, China, tested the effectiveness of Cordyceps sinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine derived from fungi, on the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. They followed 120 subjects, divided into two groups of 60. One group received a capsule containing 1,200 milligrams of Cordyceps sinensis three times daily for three months. The control group was treated with conventional medications.

Health-related quality of life was measured, along with the incidence of asthma exacerbation, pulmonary function and inflammation indicators in both groups. The Cordyceps sinesis group reported reduced asthma symptoms, improved lung function, a better inflammatory profile and an overall better quality of life when compared to the conventional treatment group.