tuneTypical Dose
1,000-3,000 mg per day
Mushroom
Cordyceps
Ophiocordyceps sinensis / Cordyceps militaris
Evidence TierBWADA NOT PROHIBITED
watchEffect Window
1-3 weeks for aerobic and fatigue benefits.
check_circleCompliance
WADA NOT PROHIBITED
Overview
Clinical Summary
Cordyceps mushrooms contain compounds that influence immune and energy metabolism pathways. They are used for fatigue resistance and endurance-related goals, with effects dependent on species and extract.
Some trials suggest modest improvements in VO2 max and fatigue scores, potentially through mitochondrial and oxygen utilization mechanisms. A recent randomized beverage trial also found modest innate-immune marker changes without meaningful effects on glucose, lipids, or safety labs, which supports cautious immune-modulation framing rather than broad metabolic claims. Minority research explores libido, glucose metabolism, and anti-inflammatory effects, with inconsistent results. Differences in Cordyceps species and cultivation lead to large variability in observed benefits.
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) enhances mitochondrial ATP production and oxygen utilization. Beta-glucans modulate immune function. Promotes vasodilation via NO pathway.
Outcomes
What This Is Expected To Influence
Primary Outcomes
- Improved aerobic capacity (VO2max) and time to exhaustion
- Reduced subjective fatigue in elderly populations
Secondary Outcomes
- Immune modulation via beta-glucans
- Traditional use for libido and vitality support
Safety
Contraindications and Interactions
Contraindications
- Autoimmune diseases
- Active bleeding disorders
- Pre-surgical (discontinue 2 weeks prior)
Side effects
- GI upset
- Diarrhea
Interactions
- Immunosuppressants (antagonism)
- Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (additive bleeding risk)
Avoid if
- Autoimmune disease
- Active bleeding disorders
- Pre-surgical patients
Evidence
Study-level References
cordyceps-SRC-001RCT (Double-blind)
Sourceopen_in_newChen S, et al. "Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial." J Altern Complement Med. 2010.
Population: Healthy older adults (ages 50-75)
Dose protocol: 3,000 mg/day CS-4 for 6 weeks
Key findings: After 6 weeks, VO2 max increased significantly by 7% in the CS-4 group, while subjects in the placebo group showed no change. Demonstrates enhanced aerobic capacity and metabolic threshold.
Notes: Source quality is moderate with favorable objective endpoints and manageable bias risk.
Paper content
After 6 weeks, VO2 max increased significantly by 7% in the CS-4 group, while subjects in the placebo group showed no change. Demonstrates enhanced aerobic capacity and metabolic threshold.
cordyceps-SRC-002Randomized controlled clinical trial
Sourceopen_in_newOntawong A, Pengnet S, Thim-Uam A, Munkong N, Narkprasom N, Narkprasom K, Kuntakhut K, Kamkeaw N, Amornlerdpison D. A randomized controlled clinical trial examining the effects of Cordyceps militaris beverage on the immune response in healthy adults. Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):7994. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-58742-z. PMID:38580687.
Population: Healthy adult men and women in Thailand.
Dose protocol: Cordyceps militaris beverage containing 2.85 mg cordycepin for 8 weeks
Key findings: Increased NK cell activity in sex-specific analyses and reduced selected cytokines, with no meaningful glucose, lipid, or safety-lab changes.
Notes: Supports modest immune modulation, not broad endurance or metabolic claims.
Paper content
This randomized controlled trial tested a Cordyceps militaris beverage containing 2.85 mg cordycepin for 8 weeks in healthy adults. The beverage increased natural killer cell activity in sex-specific analyses and lowered IL-1 beta or IL-6 within groups, but did not change blood sugar, lipid measures, or safety indices. The study gives Cordyceps a modest human immune-modulation signal while also reinforcing that broad metabolic claims are not established.