Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)

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)

Related literature · not reviewed for these claims

These papers were imported by topic. They may concern plants, laboratory work, or different preparations. Inclusion here does not establish a human health benefit or support the claims above. How to read our sources →

Biotransformation-derived metabolites from Astragalus membranaceus and Cordyceps militaris alleviate hyperuricemia via multi-target regulation.
Xia X, Song H, Meng Y · Bioorganic chemistry · 2026
Efficient production of cordycepin in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Zhang H, Chen P, Peng D · Bioresource technology · 2026
Cordycepin-mediated protection against bisphenol A-induced male reproductive toxicity via PI3K/mTOR/HIF-1α signaling.
Yang W, Guo J, Shuai Z · Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.) · 2026
Neomycin-sensitive gut bacteria-derived brassicasterol mediates the anti-obesity effects of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide.
Cai J, Huang A, You L · Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.) · 2026
Cordyceps Militaris Exopolysaccharides and Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum H8 Synergistically Improve Immune Function Damage in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice.
Xuan J, Bao S, Guo L · Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins · 2026

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.