Cordyceps
Research reviewed: up until 08/2023
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 389 participants, researched for Lifespan, Cognitive health/Neuroprotective effects, Performance enhancement and 3 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Lifespan
WeakCognitive health/Neuroprotective effects
ModeratePerformance enhancement
ModerateImmune system
ModerateKidney health
ModerateTestosterone
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Lifespan
To investigate the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on the lifespan of fruit flies.
Study Type
Fruit fly study
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on the lifespan of fruit flies.
Dose
0.02, 0.06, 0.20 mg/ml of Cordyceps sinensis oral liquid or control
Duration
55 days
Results
The results showed that lifelong treatment with Cordyceps sinensis significantly prolonged the lifespan of fruit flies. Fruit flies typically live 40-50 days, but the average lifespan of the fruit flies was extended by 44, 46 and 47 days with Cordyceps sinensis at doses of 0.02, 0.06, 0.20 mg/ml, respectively. The maximum lifespan (the average lifespan of the longest surviving 10% of fruit flies) was extended by 67-69 days with the highest effect observed at the 0.06 mg/ml dose (69 days).
Cognitive health/Neuroprotective effects
To explore the anti-neuroinflammatory (the ability to reduce or counteract neuroinflammation, which is the inflammation of neural tissue in the brain or nervous system, often associated with various neurological disorders) activities of medicinal mushrooms, including Cordyceps in various laboratory studies and animal studies.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To explore the anti-neuroinflammatory (the ability to reduce or counteract neuroinflammation, which is the inflammation of neural tissue in the brain or nervous system, often associated with various neurological disorders) activities of medicinal mushrooms, including Cordyceps in various laboratory studies and animal studies.
Results
Cordyceps militaris is known for its bioactive compound, cordycepin. Numerous studies have highlighted cordycepin's positive effects, especially in the central nervous system (which consists of the brain and spinal cord), where it demonstrates anti-neuroinflammatory properties, meaning that they have properties that counteract inflammation in the brain and nervous system. One rodent study revealed that cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris offers advantages against chronic unpredictable mild stress in mice with behavioural deficits. Other research found that it reduced depressive-like behaviours and decreased inflammation in mice. Further studies suggest that cordycepin, along with a hot water extract from Cordyceps militaris, has exhibited the ability to shield brain cells during reduced blood flow, reducing damage from harmful molecules and lowered the activation of certain brain cells, indicating neuroprotective effects.One study on rodents demonstrated that cordycepin, derived from Cordyceps militaris, countered the effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress, improving the behaviour of the mice. It has also been found that cordycepin reduced depressive-like behaviours and decreased inflammation in mice. Further studies found that cordycepin, in combination with a hot water extract from Cordyceps militaris, protected brain cells during periods of reduced blood flow, reducing damage from harmful molecules, indicating neuroprotective effects.
Performance enhancement
To determine the effects of Cordyceps militaris on high intensity exercise in healthy adults
Study Type
Randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To determine the effects of Cordyceps militaris on high intensity exercise in healthy adults
Dose
4 g/day of mushroom blend containing Cordyceps militaris (3 x 1.3 g capsules) or placebo (4 g of maltodextrin)
Participants
28 recreationally active adults aged 18-35 years for Phase 1 (week 1); 10 volunteered to complete phase II (additional 2 weeks).
Duration
1-3 weeks
Results
The study revealed that one week of supplementation with Cordyceps militaris did not lead to significant improvements in performance compared to the placebo. However, during a three-week period of taking the supplements, the researchers noticed that the participants' maximal oxygen consumption improved. This means that their aerobic capacity, or their body's ability to perform endurance activities, improved. There were also indications of potential improvements in the ventilatory threshold and time to exhaustion, indicating improved endurance and the ability to sustain higher exercise intensities for a longer duration. These findings suggest that longer-term or chronic supplementation with Cordyceps militaris may benefit exercise performance.
To examine the effect of cordyceps sinensis on exercise performance in healthy elderly subjects.
Study Type
Double-blinded, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical trial
Purpose
To examine the effect of cordyceps sinensis on exercise performance in healthy elderly subjects.
Dose
999 mg/day of cordyceps sinensis (3 x 333 mg capsules) or placebo
Participants
20 males and females, aged 50-75 years
Duration
12 weeks
Results
After 12 weeks of cordyceps sinensis supplementation, there was a significant 10.5% increase in the metabolic threshold and an 8.5% increase in the ventilatory threshold. The metabolic threshold represents the point during exercise when the body starts using more anaerobic energy due to insufficient oxygen supply, leading to fatigue. The ventilatory threshold represents the point when the breathing rate increases to meet the increased oxygen demands of the muscles, allowing for better endurance during exercise. These improvements in both thresholds indicate an enhanced ability to sustain higher levels of exercise intensity. These improvements were not observed in the placebo group, suggesting that cordyceps sinensis supplementation specifically contributed to the enhanced thresholds. On the other hand, no notable changes were observed in the maximum oxygen uptake, maximum heart rate, maximum work rate, or maximum ventilation in either group when compared to baseline.
Immune system
To assess the immune-enhancing effects of Cordyceps militaris in healthy male adults.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical trial
Purpose
To assess the immune-enhancing effects of Cordyceps militaris in healthy male adults.
Dose
1.5 g/day of Cordyceps militaris or placebo
Participants
80 healthy men aged 19-64 years
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Cordyceps militaris supplementation had positive effects on the immune system of healthy adult males. Participants who took a daily dose of 1.5 g of Cordyceps militaris showed increased levels of cytokines, which are small proteins that regulate the immune response. Specifically, it increased the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system and elevated levels of T-helper cell 1 cytokines, which enhance immune responses. Notably, Cordyceps militaris was found to be safe with no reported side effects.
To investigate the efficacy and safety of a cordyceps mycelium extract in healthy Korean adults.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate the efficacy and safety of a cordyceps mycelium extract in healthy Korean adults.
Dose
1.68 g/day of Cordyceps mycelium culture extract (2 x 1.34 g capsules taken after breakfast and dinner) or placebo
Participants
79 males and females, aged 20-75 years
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Cordyceps mycelium supplementation was associated with a significant increase in natural killer cells (21.2% to 56.4%). Natural killer cells are immune cells that are crucial for protecting the body against viral infections and cancer, and an increase in natural killer cell levels signifies a stronger immune response and enhanced ability to fight infections and diseases. Although slight increases were observed in other cytokines (small proteins involved in regulating immune responses) like TNF-α and IL-12, the differences were not statistically significant compared to the placebo group. No serious adverse events were reported during the study period.
Kidney health
To investigate whether Cordyceps sinensis can regulate the immune system in kidney transplant patients.
Study Type
Randomised clinical trial
Purpose
To investigate whether Cordyceps sinensis can regulate the immune system in kidney transplant patients.
Dose
3.0 g/day of Cordyceps sinensis (3 x 1.0 g capsule)
Participants
182 transplant recipients with an average age of 38 years
Duration
12 months
Results
The group treated with Cordyceps sinensis reported having fewer complications after the transplant compared to the group that didn't take Cordyceps. Additionally, the group treated with Cordyceps exhibited higher levels of IL-10, a substance known for its anti-inflammatory properties. No serious side effects were observed.
Testosterone
To investigate the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in Leydig cells from male mice. Leydig cells are specialised cells found in the testes and are responsible for the synthesis and release of testosterone.
Study Type
Cellular study (in-vitro)
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in Leydig cells from male mice. Leydig cells are specialised cells found in the testes and are responsible for the synthesis and release of testosterone.
Dose
3 mg/ml of Cordyceps sinensis
Results
The study showed that Cordyceps sinensis at a concentration of 3 mg/mLl significantly increased the production of testosterone in Leydig cells. The researchers also investigated when the stimulation of testosterone production by Cordyceps sinensis was at its peak and found that it occurred between 2 to 3 hours after administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cordyceps research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), involving 389 total participants. Research covers Lifespan, Cognitive health/Neuroprotective effects, Performance enhancement and 3 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Cordyceps has been researched for: Lifespan, Cognitive health/Neuroprotective effects, Performance enhancement, Immune system, Kidney health, Testosterone. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 8 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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