II. Background
- Cordyceps is a parasitic Fungus that grows on caterpillars in the mountains of China
- Cordyceps has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for several centuries
- Wild Cordyceps is rare and expensive
- Cordyceps found in commercial supplements are grown in labs
III. Indications
- Cordyceps has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Boost energy and stamina
- Improve Renal Function
- Current evidence for specific medical indications is lacking
- Does not appear to improve athletic performance
- No high quality studies for use in the various conditions it is proposed to treat
- Cancer treatment
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Dysrhythmias
- Sexual Dysfunction
IV. Adverse Effects
- Appears well tolerated at doses of 3-6 g/day
- Mild gastrointestinal symptoms
- Antiplatelet effects
- Increased bleeding risk
V. Safety
- Unknown safety in pregnancy
- Unknown safety in Lactation
VI. Drug Interactions
- Antithrombotic medications (antiplatelet agents, Anticoagulants)
- Increased bleeding risk
-
Immunosuppressants
- Cordyceps may alter Immunosuppressant activity
VII. References
- (2025) Presc Lett 32(6): 36
- Lin (2011) Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug, In: Benzie, Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd ed, Boca Raton, CRC Press