Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
also known as Caterpillar fungus, Dong chong xia cao
A TCM fungus historically wild-harvested from the Tibetan plateau, now cultivated, used for exercise performance, energy, and adaptogenic support.
- May support exercise performance and oxygen utilization
- Adaptogenic energy support
- Used in TCM for centuries
- Studied in Chinese Olympic athletes
- Anti-fatigue action in clinical studies
Active in Cordycepin, Adenosine, Polysaccharides, Beta-glucans.
Use caution with blood thinners
Use caution with autoimmune disorders
Use caution with immunosuppressants
May lower blood sugar — caution with diabetes
Most modern products use cultivated C. militaris (not wild C. sinensis)
Research
- Biotransformation-derived metabolites from Astragalus membranaceus and Cordyceps militaris alleviate hyperuricemia via multi-target regulation.
- Efficient production of cordycepin in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Cordycepin-mediated protection against bisphenol A-induced male reproductive toxicity via PI3K/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling.
Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro
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Common questions
There's real research behind this one, including studies involving Chinese Olympic athletes. Cordyceps has shown anti-fatigue effects and may support how efficiently the body uses oxygen during exercise.
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Probably not, and that's a good thing. Most modern cordyceps products use cultivated Cordyceps militaris grown in controlled settings, rather than the traditionally wild-harvested Cordyceps sinensis from the Tibetan plateau, which is now scarce and expensive.
Use caution. Cordyceps can affect immune function, so it's worth checking with your provider if you have an autoimmune disorder or take immunosuppressant medication.
It may lower blood sugar, so if you're on diabetes medication, monitor levels and loop in your provider before adding it.