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Cordyceps

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Cordyceps. Medicinal fungus studied for aerobic capacity and immune modulation.

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

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Modestly improves aerobic capacity in untrained (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 1–3 g/d standardized.

Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. Serious: Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing.

Stacking. Pairs well with Vitamin D3 + K2, Zinc.

Forms. 1 forms. Pick one to open its profile.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Cordyceps. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Cordyceps. Medicinal fungus studied for aerobic capacity and immune modulation.

Key compound: cordycepinC10H13N5O3 · 251.24 g/mol

What it is

Medicinal fungus studied for aerobic capacity and immune modulation.

Also called

Cordyceps militarisCordyceps sinensis

Food sources

Cordyceps militaris (lab-grown)

Goals

How it works

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

Pathways

  • Adenosine signaling
  • Immune modulation

Effects

  • +VO2max & time-to-exhaustion supports

What the research supports

Modestly improves aerobic capacity in untrainedmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
1–3 g/d standardized
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the cs-4 strain form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Cordyceps is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users

Serious

  • Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Medication interactions

Anticoagulantsminor

Mild platelet effects.

Immunosuppressantsmoderate

Immune stimulation.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Vitamin D3 + K2Foundational immune modulation.
  • ZincRequired cofactor for innate and adaptive immune function.

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Cordyceps — Modestly improves aerobic capacity in untrained ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

PubMed: Cordyceps — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

PubMed: Cordyceps — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

Discussion

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