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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Mushroom

Cordyceps

aka Cordyceps militaris · Cordyceps sinensis

Medicinal fungus studied for aerobic capacity and immune modulation.

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Overview

Medicinal fungus studied for aerobic capacity and immune modulation.

Natural sources
  • Cordyceps militaris (lab-grown)
Common forms
  • CS-4 strain
  • Cordyceps militaris extract

Forms & variants of Cordyceps

Different chemical forms of Cordyceps behave differently. Browse each form's mechanism, bioavailability, and best-use context.

CS-4 mycelium
Cordyceps CS-4

Standardized cultivated cordyceps for kidney and energy support.

Mechanism of action

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) modulates ATP and immune signaling.

Pathways
  • · Adenosine signaling
  • · Immune modulation

Effects on the body

Supports
VO2max & time-to-exhaustion

Organ system effects

Immune System

Modulates NK cell activity.

Evidence-based benefits

Modestly improves aerobic capacity in untrained

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
    Rare
      Serious

        Drug interactions

        Anticoagulants
        Mild platelet effects.
        minor
        Immunosuppressants
        Immune stimulation.
        moderate

        Safety & non-supplemental interactions

        Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

        Avoid if you are
        • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
        • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)
        Avoid with these conditions
        • ·Autoimmune disease (theoretical immune activation)
        Avoid / monitor with these medications
        • ·Immunosuppressants

        Supplement interactions

        Pairs well with

        None listed.

        Avoid combining with

        No specific avoidances listed.

        Dosing & bioavailability

        Typical dose
        1–3 g/d standardized

        Where to buy

        Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

        Mushroom
        Cordyceps
        Amazon
        Wide selection · fast shipping
        Mushroom
        Cordyceps
        iHerb
        Global delivery · curated brands
        Mushroom
        Cordyceps
        Thorne
        Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

        Scientific evidence (8)

        RCTJ Altern Complement Med · 2010

        Cordyceps sinensis and exercise performance

        Chen S, et al.

        12-week RCT of CS-4 Cordyceps in healthy older adults.

        Key findings

        Improved VO2 max and metabolic threshold vs placebo.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Cordyceps — Modestly improves aerobic capacity in untrained

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Cordyceps Modestly improves aerobic capacity in untrained" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cordyceps and "Modestly improves aerobic capacity in untrained". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Cordyceps — randomized controlled trial

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Cordyceps randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cordyceps and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Cordyceps — meta-analysis

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Cordyceps meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cordyceps and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Cordyceps — pharmacokinetics

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Cordyceps pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cordyceps and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Cordyceps — safety adverse events

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Cordyceps safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cordyceps and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

        PubMed: Cordyceps — dose response

        Live PubMed search

        Live results for "Cordyceps dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

        Key findings

        Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Cordyceps and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

        Open study
        Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

        Google Scholar: Cordyceps — clinical evidence

        Live Scholar search

        Cross-database citation index for Cordyceps as it relates to "clinical evidence".

        Key findings

        Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

        Open study
        Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.