What is it?

Cordyceps is a genus of entomopathogenic fungi known for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine. It is found predominantly in high-altitude regions like the Himalayan plateau and has been used for centuries due to its diverse bioactive components, including cordycepin, which is noted for its therapeutic potential.


What does science research say?

Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps with Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential

Summary: Cordycepin, a bioactive component of Cordyceps mushroom, has significant nutraceutical and therapeutic potential for maintaining good health and promoting overall well being.

Link: MDPI

The genus Cordyceps: a chemical and pharmacological review

Summary: Cordyceps, particularly Cordyceps sinensis and C. militaris, show potential as chemotherapeutic agents due to their chemistry and pharmacological activity in traditional Chinese medicine.

Link: Oxford Academic

Bidirectional regulatory effects of Cordyceps on arrhythmia: Clinical evaluations and network pharmacology

Summary: Cordyceps has a positive effect on treating arrhythmia, with its main mechanism being the regulation of adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Link: Frontiers

Effect of Cordyceps spp. and Cordycepin on Functions of Bones and Teeth and Related Processes: A Review

Summary: Cordyceps spp. and cordycepin show potential in developing regenerative medicines for bone and tooth health, potentially expanding treatment options for osteoporosis and other bone diseases.

Link: MDPI

Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials

Summary: Cordyceps species show potential in immune stimulation, nitric oxide production, and other pharmacological activities, with potential applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and aphrodisiacs.

Link: Frontiers

Morphology and Phylogeny Reveal Five Novel Species in the Genus Cordyceps (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) From Yunnan, China

Summary: Five new species of Cordyceps have been identified in Yunnan, China, with distinct morphologies and phylogenetic placement.

Link: Frontiers

Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis as an adjunctive treatment in kidney transplant patients: A systematic-review and meta-analysis.

Summary: Cordyceps as an adjuvant to routine immunosuppressant therapy may benefit kidney transplant patients, but better quality evidence is needed.

Link: ScienceDirect

Cordyceps industry in China

Summary: The Chinese cordyceps industry is a significant one, with Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps guangdongensis, and Isaria cicadae being well-known and commercialized, but a clear classification system is needed to enhance industry cooperation and quality control.

Link: Taylor and Francis Online

Bioactive compounds from Cordyceps and their therapeutic potential.

Summary: Cordyceps spp. produce over 200 bioactive compounds with diverse therapeutic properties, including anti-microbial, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.

Link: Taylor and Francis Online

Phylogenetic classification of Cordyceps and the clavicipitaceous fungi

Summary: This study revises the taxonomy of Cordyceps and the Clavicipitaceae fungi, focusing on texture, pigmentation, and stromata morphology to better align with the multi-gene phylogeny.

Link: Ingenta


What do user think?
Overall sentiment*

*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences, the higher it is the better overall opinions of users on efficiency, safety, availability, etc.

Category: Mostly Effective
Users often see improved endurance and stamina, though results depend strongly on product quality and individual response.


Main insights

Effects

  • Enhanced Physical Performance: The majority of users report significant improvements in endurance, stamina, and energy levels, leading to better athletic and workout performance.
  • Improved Mental Clarity: Many users experience increased focus, reduced brain fog, and better verbal fluency.
  • Increased Libido: Some users notice an increase in libido and sexual drive, especially when cordyceps is combined with other supplements.
  • Lung Health Support: Users, including ex-smokers, report minor improvements in lung health and respiratory function.
  • Variable Mood Effects: A minority experience mood changes at high doses, such as aggression or irritability.

Effectiveness

  • Effective for Enhancing Endurance: Most users find cordyceps effective in boosting physical performance and reducing fatigue.
  • Quality-Dependent Results: Effectiveness is influenced by product quality; high-quality, properly sourced cordyceps yields better results.
  • Individual Variability: Some users experience significant benefits, while others notice minimal effects; responses vary among individuals.
  • Enhanced When Combined: Users often combine cordyceps with other supplements to enhance its effectiveness.
  • Limited Cognitive Benefits: Cordyceps is perceived as less effective for cognitive enhancements compared to some other supplements.

Dosage & Administration

  • Dosage Varies: Users take between 250 mg to 2 grams per day, adjusting based on personal experience and desired effects.
  • Flexible Timing: Preferences differ; some take cordyceps in the morning to avoid sleep disturbances, while others prefer nighttime dosing.
  • Combining with Other Supplements: Cordyceps is often stacked with supplements like Reishi, Maca, or pre-workout products for synergistic effects.
  • Preferred Forms: High-quality extracts from the fruiting body (Cordyceps militaris) are favored, available in capsules or powders.
  • Administration Methods: Users consume cordyceps consistently, cycle usage, or mix it with beverages, tailoring intake to their routines.

Side Effects

  • Generally Well-Tolerated: The majority report minimal or no side effects when using cordyceps.
  • Potential Sleep Disturbances: Some users experience sleep issues when taking cordyceps at night.
  • Hormonal Effects: A minority report libido fluctuations and concerns about testosterone levels.
  • Mood Changes at High Doses: High doses or prolonged use may lead to aggression, irritability, or emotional changes in some individuals.
  • Quality-Related Risks: Side effects may be linked to low-quality products; sourcing from reputable brands helps minimize adverse effects.

Availability & Sourcing

  • Widely Available: Cordyceps supplements are accessible from various suppliers and come in multiple forms.
  • Importance of Reputable Brands: Users emphasize sourcing from trusted brands like Nootropics Depot and Real Mushrooms for purity and effectiveness.
  • Preferred Extracts: There is a preference for extracts from Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies over mycelium-based products.
  • Caution Against Misleading Products: Users advise caution with low-quality or mislabeled products, highlighting the need for reliable suppliers.
  • Cost Considerations: High-quality cordyceps may be more expensive; users balance cost with the desire for effective, trustworthy supplements.

How Our community rates it?

0.0
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

0.0
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

0.0
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

0.0
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
Excellent0%
Very good0%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

If you want to get new nootropics/peptides updates once researched, enter your email down. No spam.

Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products discussed are not approved for human use unless explicitly stated. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any supplements, medications, or research compounds. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use at your own risk.