Mushrooms · Medicinal fungus
Orange cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris · also called Orange cordyceps, cordyceps (the word is also used for other species)
Orange cordyceps is the cultivated fungus Cordyceps militaris, grown on grain or similar material and sold as capsules, powders, extracts and drinks. Small trials in healthy adults found higher natural killer cell activity, but no trial shows fewer infections or better health. Cordycepin, its best-known compound, has been tested in cells and mice, not in people. The main cautions are contamination, possible bleeding with blood thinners and no pregnancy data.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Orange cordyceps
Orange cordyceps is the cultivated fungus Cordyceps militaris. It is a different species from the wild caterpillar fungus. Human research is small and uses different products. Natural killer cell activity rose in two small trials in healthy adults, exercise results are mixed, one trial found no sleep benefit in depression, and cordycepin has been studied in cells and mice, not in people. The main cautions are contaminated powders, a possible bleeding risk with blood thinners and no data for pregnancy.
What it is
Cordyceps militaris is a fungus that grows on insects. GBIF lists the name as accepted. Because it is easy to cultivate, it is the type used in most supplements. The wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a different species that is costly and hard to collect.
The word cordyceps on a label can mean either, or a lab-grown mycelium product. This page only uses results that name C. militaris and says so where a source is vague.
Cordycepin: lab work, not human trials
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) is the best-known compound in C. militaris. In dishes it slows or kills cancer cells, and in nude mice with a grafted tongue-cancer cell line it gave a 56% tumour inhibition rate with no organ tissue changes. A review of this work says there is no successful clinical trial yet.
We found no human trial of purified cordycepin. One Thai trial used a fermented drink with a measured cordycepin content, but it tested a whole product. A 2026 review says cordycepin blood levels after swallowing stay in the nanomolar range, so it is debated how far lab results apply to people.
What the research shows
Healthy adults: a trial in 79 Korean men found higher NK-cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2 and interferon-gamma after 4 weeks of capsules, and a small Thai trial of a fermented drink found higher NK activity. These are lab markers. No trial measured infections.
Exercise: results are mixed, from a blend trial with a gain in 10 people at 3 weeks to a single-serving trial with no change in peak oxygen uptake. Other uses: one kidney trial with few details, one small COVID-19 trial with a non-significant main result, and a depression trial in which sleep did not improve.
Capsules, drinks, extracts and powders are different
Trials tested ethanol-treated capsules, a fermented drink, a standardised extract, a mushroom blend and a powder of mycelium, stroma and fruiting body grown on oats. Results from one product cannot be applied to another. A 2026 review says preparations differ widely and asks for better standardisation.
Legal and regulatory status
We did not read statements from EMA, the FDA, LiverTox, LactMed or WHO on C. militaris, so none is stated here. MSK, a cancer centre rather than a regulator, has a page on the wild fungus. Rules differ by country and change.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Cordyceps in general is called "winter-worm summer-grass" in East Asia and is used to lift energy and immune activity (2026 review).
- Cultivated Cordyceps militaris became the common commercial type because it is easy to grow, while the wild caterpillar fungus is costly and hard to collect (2026 review).
Studied for research
- NK-cell activity and other immune lab markers in healthy adults, low
- Exercise capacity (one blend trial, one single-serving trial), mixed
- Reaction time after one serving (12 men), very low
- Kidney disease and blood fats (one trial with few details), very low
- COVID-19 recovery time as an add-on (one small trial, not significant), very low
- Sleep in people with depression, against (no benefit shown)
- Cancer and cordycepin, insufficient (cells and mice only)
- COPD, insufficient (trial planned, no results)
Main compounds
- Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), the best-known compound
- Adenosine and other nucleosides
- Polysaccharides, peptides, proteins, sterols and cordycepic acid
Common forms
- Fruiting body, stroma or mycelium, powdered or extracted
- Ethanol-treated material in capsules
- Fermented drinks
- Mycelium and fruiting body grown on grain such as oats
- Standardised extracts, and blends with other mushrooms
Research links: Memorial Sloan Kettering: Cordyceps (wild fungus) · Healthy men, NK-cell trial (abstract) · Fermented drink trial (abstract) · Sleep trial in depression (abstract) · Cordycepin in cancer research, review (abstract) · Lead poisoning case report (abstract) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Cordyceps militaris
- Naming authority
- (L.) Fr. (GBIF)
- Synonyms
- None checked this round. GBIF lists the name as ACCEPTED.
- Common names
- Orange cordyceps (English); Cordyceps (English (also used for other species)); Winter-worm summer-grass (dong chong xia cao) is the name for cordyceps in general (Chinese (2026 review))
- Family or group
- A fungus in the insect-infecting group, not a plant
- Classification
- Fungi > Ascomycota > Sordariomycetes > Hypocreales > Cordycipitaceae > Cordyceps > Cordyceps militaris
- Native range
- Not checked in the sources read.
- Habitat
- Described as a fungus that grows on insects. A 2026 review says C. militaris is the type most used commercially because it is easy to grow artificially, while Ophiocordyceps sinensis is expensive and difficult to collect.
- What it looks like
- Fruiting body: Not described in the sources read. The product is often called "orange cordyceps", but we did not read a source that describes the fruiting body.
- Cultivation
- Grown commercially (2026 review). One commercial powder in the toxicity study was grown on oats. Other substrates were not checked.
- Harvest and processing
- Not checked. Products include capsules of ethanol-treated material, fermented drinks, extracts and powders.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Other insect-infecting fungi; Note: Not studied in the sources read. Do not forage for cordyceps.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not checked.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| East Asia | Cordyceps, called "winter-worm summer-grass", has been used as a medicinal mushroom to lift energy and immune activity (2026 review). | p41432716 |
| Modern supplements | C. militaris is the type most used commercially because it is easy to cultivate (2026 review). Older traditional use mainly concerns the wild fungus. | p41432716 |
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) PubChem 6303 | nucleoside | Not stated in the abstracts read Amount in products not verified here; one trial reports a measured cordycepin content in its drink. | Studied in cells and animals for immune, anti-inflammatory and cancer-cell effects. Blood levels after swallowing stay in the nanomolar range, and its action in the body is debated (2026 review). 19 12 8 16 | Laboratory research |
| Adenosine and other nucleosides | nucleoside | Not stated Not stated | Listed with cordycepin as nucleosides in C. militaris (2026 review); their role in effects is not established. 15 11 | Laboratory research |
| Polysaccharides (including galactomannan), peptides and proteins | polysaccharide and protein | Not stated Varies by product and by whether grain is included. | Studied for immune effects in cells and animals. 11 15 | Laboratory research |
| Cordycepic acid, sterols (ergosterol, beta-sitosterol), glycolipids, carotenoids | mixed | Not stated Not stated | Listed as constituents in a trial abstract and a 2026 review; activity in people is not established. The trial abstract also lists protein, vitamins and minerals as present in C. militaris, with no amounts. 11 15 | Laboratory research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innate and cell-mediated immune cells | NK cells, IL-2, interferon-gamma | In healthy adults, C. militaris products raised NK-cell activity and some cytokines in small trials. In cells and animals, extract, cordycepin and polysaccharides can both raise and calm immune responses (2026 review). 6 11 15 | Human biomarker |
| Cell signalling networks | PI3K-Akt, AMPK-mTOR, MAPK, NF-kappaB | A 2026 network-pharmacology review links the fungi and cordycepin to these pathways. This is computer and lab modelling, not proof of an effect in people. 12 | In silico |
| Cancer-cell death pathways | Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-12, endoplasmic reticulum stress | In nude mice with a grafted human tongue-cancer cell line, cordycepin shrank the tumours (56.09% inhibition rate) and raised cell-death markers without changing organ tissue. This is a mouse finding. 16 8 | Animal research |
| Kidney inflammation signal | TLR4 / NF-kappaB | In kidney cells, cordycepin lowered TLR4, NF-kB, COX2, TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, and the effect disappeared when TLR4 was silenced (the kidney trial paper). This is a cell finding. 13 | Laboratory research |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- A 2026 review says systemic cordycepin levels after swallowing stay in the nanomolar range.
- Distribution
- Not found in the sources read.
- Metabolism
- Not found in the sources read.
- Elimination
- Not found in the sources read.
- Bioavailability
- Debated for cordycepin (2026 review).
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Trial products differ: ethanol-treated C. militaris capsules, a fermented drink with a measured cordycepin content, a standardised extract, a mushroom blend, and a mycelium, stroma and fruiting-body powder grown on oats. Cordycepin itself has been tested in cells and mice, not in the trials we found. Results for one product do not carry over to another.
Nutritional composition
Cordyceps militaris is sold mainly as a supplement; no nutrition claim is made. A trial abstract lists protein, vitamins (E, K, B1, B2, B12) and minerals as present in it, with no amounts, and we did not read a food-composition table.
1 mixed findings1 low certainty3 very low certainty2 not enough evidence1 evidence against
What was looked at
The 8 benefits and uses checked for Orange cordyceps, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Immune system markers in healthy adultsLow certainty
- Exercise capacity and enduranceMixed findings
- Reaction time after exercise (one serving)Very low certainty
- Kidney disease and blood fats (chronic kidney disease)Very low certainty
- Mild to moderate COVID-19 (add-on to standard care)Very low certainty
- Sleep in people with depressionEvidence against
- Cancer, and cordycepin as an anti-cancer compoundNot enough evidence
- COPD (lung disease)Not enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Natural killer (NK) cell activityLymphocyte proliferation indexInterleukin-2 and interferon-gammaInterleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6VO2max (maximum oxygen uptake)Stroop reaction timeUrine protein, BUN and creatinineTriglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, HDLAthens Insomnia Scale (sleep questionnaire)Time to clinical recovery from COVID-19
What is Orange cordyceps good for?
The uses people ask about and how strong the human evidence is for each. None is proven. Read this together with the Safety tab.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Immune system markers in healthy adults
Low certaintyTwo small trials in healthy adults found higher natural killer (NK) cell activity after C. militaris products (capsules for 4 weeks, a fermented drink for 8 weeks). These are lab markers. No trial counted infections or measured how healthy people stayed.
3 studiesEthanol-treated C. militaris capsules in one trial and a fermented dr…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
In 79 healthy Korean men, 4 weeks of ethanol-treated C. militaris capsules raised NK-cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2 and interferon-gamma more than placebo. In a Thai trial of a fermented C. militaris drink for 8 weeks (about 10 per sex group), NK activity rose in men at 4 weeks and in women at 8 weeks versus placebo, and some interleukins (IL-1 beta, IL-6) fell against their own baseline.
Results
Kang 2015: NK200 P = .0010, lymphocyte proliferation P <= .0001, IL-2 P = .0096, IFN-gamma P = .0126 versus placebo. Ontawong 2024: NK activity p = 0.049 (men, versus baseline) and p = 0.023 (women, versus placebo).
Effect sizes as reported
Higher NK-cell activity and some cytokines; sizes not given in the abstracts
Why this rating
Two small randomised trials agree on NK activity, but they used different products, enrolled healthy people only, ran 4 to 8 weeks and measured lab markers, not infections.
Form and dose studied
Ethanol-treated C. militaris capsules in one trial and a fermented drink with a measured cordycepin content in the other; the products differ.
Who was studied
Healthy adults (men in one trial, men and women in the other)
Limits
No illness outcomes; small trials; short; different products. Higher immune-test values are not the same as better protection.
Why researchers looked
In East Asia the cultivated orange cordyceps is used as an immune tonic, and most animal and cell work looks at immune cells.
Traditional use
Cordyceps is called "winter-worm summer-grass" in East Asia and is used to lift energy and immune activity (2026 review).
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
In cells and animals, C. militaris extract, cordycepin and polysaccharides change immune cell activity and cytokines, sometimes raising and sometimes calming the response (2026 review). This is laboratory work, not proof of an effect in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No significant adverse reaction was reported in either trial. See the Safety tab for cautions that come from other sources.
Exercise capacity and endurance
Mixed findingsResults are mixed and thin. One trial of a mushroom blend that contained C. militaris reported a gain in oxygen uptake after 3 weeks in a 10-person subset, a single-serving trial found no change in peak performance measures, and a 2026 review found the studies inconsistent.
3 studiesA mushroom blend in one trial and a standardised extract in another.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 28-person trial of a mushroom blend containing C. militaris found no difference after 1 week. After 3 weeks, 10 people who continued had a rise in VO2max of 4.8 ml/kg/min versus 0.9 with placebo (p = 0.042). In 12 young men, one serving of a standardised C. militaris extract raised resting oxygen uptake but did not change peak oxygen uptake. A 2026 narrative review of 5 studies in 321 young people called the findings inconsistent.
Results
Hirsch 2017: 3-week VO2max +4.8 vs +0.9 ml/kg/min (p = 0.042); time to exhaustion +28.1 s (1 week) and +69.8 s (3 weeks) by confidence interval. Farzan 2026: peak VO2 p = 0.490; resting VO2 0.37 vs 0.24 L/min (p = 0.022).
Effect sizes as reported
Small gains in one subset; no change in peak performance in another trial
Why this rating
Few, small trials with different products, one of them a blend; the review calls the findings inconsistent.
Form and dose studied
A mushroom blend in one trial and a standardised extract in another.
Who was studied
Healthy, recreationally active young adults
Limits
The positive trial was a blend and the result came from a 10-person subset; one serving tells little about use over time.
Why researchers looked
Cordyceps has a reputation as a stamina tonic, and the fungus is sold to athletes.
Traditional use
Used as an energy and stamina tonic in East Asia (review and MSK for the wild fungus).
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
No mechanism in people has been shown. Ideas such as effects on energy metabolism are lab and animal findings.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Not an issue in these short trials, but see the Safety tab.
Reaction time after exercise (one serving)
Very low certaintyIn 12 young men, reaction time on a Stroop test was faster after exercise when they had taken a C. militaris extract than when they had taken a placebo. The overall pattern of change was not different, so this is a tentative signal only.
1 studiesA standardised C. militaris extract, one serving before exercise.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Reaction time after exercise was 963.92 ms with the extract and 1034.33 ms with placebo (p = 0.042, d = 0.88). Accuracy was near the ceiling in both. The Condition-by-Time test was not significant.
Results
Post-exercise Stroop reaction time p = 0.042; interaction p = 0.337.
Effect sizes as reported
About 70 ms faster after exercise; d = 0.88
Why this rating
One crossover trial in 12 people with one serving and a non-significant interaction test.
Form and dose studied
A standardised C. militaris extract, one serving before exercise.
Who was studied
Recreationally active young men
Limits
Tiny sample; one occasion; not repeated.
Why researchers looked
Animal work suggests C. militaris protects nerve cells; the trial asked whether one serving changes thinking speed.
Proposed mechanism In vivo
Not shown. The trial authors link it to nerve-protecting findings in animals.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No adverse effects were described in the abstract.
Kidney disease and blood fats (chronic kidney disease)
Very low certaintyOne trial reported lower urine protein, BUN, creatinine and blood fats after 3 months of a C. militaris product in people with chronic kidney disease. The abstract does not give the number of patients or how they were assigned, so this is a lead, not proof.
2 studiesA C. militaris product; details not in the abstract.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Patients with chronic kidney disease took a C. militaris product or a placebo for 3 months. The C. militaris group had lower urine protein (-36.7%), BUN (-12.5%) and creatinine (-18.3%), and lower triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL with higher HDL, all P < 0.05 against the placebo group.
Results
Sun 2019: urine protein -36.7%, BUN -12.5%, creatinine -18.3%, TG -12.8%, TC -15.7%, LDL -16.5%, HDL +10.1%.
Effect sizes as reported
Percent differences as printed in the abstract
Why this rating
One trial with unreported size and design details in the abstract; a 2026 review says add-on kidney benefits are seen in meta-analyses of cordyceps products but with large differences between preparations (mostly not C. militaris).
Form and dose studied
A C. militaris product; details not in the abstract.
Who was studied
People with chronic kidney disease
Limits
Number of patients unknown; the abstract credits cordycepin though patients took a whole product; not repeated.
Why researchers looked
Cordyceps products are widely used in China for kidney problems, mostly the wild fungus and lab-grown mycelium.
Traditional use
MSK says cordyceps is used to help kidneys work better (wild fungus).
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
In kidney cells, cordycepin lowered TLR4 and NF-kB signals, and the effect was lost when TLR4 was silenced (the trial paper). This is a cell finding.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
People with kidney disease take many medicines; ask a kidney doctor or pharmacist before adding any supplement.
Mild to moderate COVID-19 (add-on to standard care)
Very low certaintyA small Indian trial found no statistically significant difference in time to recovery between Cordyceps capsules and placebo. The authors still call it a safe add-on. Treat it as a hint that needs a larger study.
1 studiesCordyceps capsules (the title names C. militaris; the abstract says "…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
65 adults with mild or moderate COVID-19 (33 Cordyceps, 32 placebo; 58 evaluable) took capsules with standard care. Recovery took 6.6 days with Cordyceps and 7.3 with placebo (p > 0.05). Some inflammation markers moved against baseline (MCPIP, CXCL10, IL-1 beta), but IL-6, ferritin, LDH, CRP and D-dimer did not differ between groups.
Results
Time to clinical recovery 6.6 vs 7.3 days, p > 0.05.
Effect sizes as reported
Not significant for the main outcome
Why this rating
One small trial; the main result was not significant; many other comparisons.
Form and dose studied
Cordyceps capsules (the title names C. militaris; the abstract says "Cordyceps capsules").
Who was studied
Adults with mild to moderate COVID-19
Limits
Small; the conclusion is more positive than the main result; product details not in the abstract.
Why researchers looked
Animal studies suggest cordyceps boosts immune cells and survival in flu.
Proposed mechanism In vivo
Not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not use a supplement in place of medical care for COVID-19.
Sleep in people with depression
Evidence againstA 6-week trial found that adding C. militaris to duloxetine did not improve sleep in people with depression and insomnia. Sleep scores improved more in the placebo group.
1 studiesC. militaris added to duloxetine.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
59 outpatients (28 C. militaris, 31 placebo) took duloxetine plus C. militaris or placebo for 6 weeks. Athens Insomnia Scale scores fell more with placebo (p < 0.05). Depression scores did not differ. Adverse events did not differ.
Results
AIS fell more in the placebo group (p < 0.05); HAMD-17 no difference (p > 0.05).
Effect sizes as reported
No benefit
Why this rating
A randomised trial found no sleep benefit; it is small and single-centre but points the wrong way.
Form and dose studied
C. militaris added to duloxetine.
Who was studied
Outpatients with major depression and insomnia
Limits
Single trial; 59 people; people also took duloxetine.
Why researchers looked
C. militaris was thought to have the potential to treat insomnia.
Proposed mechanism In vivo
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Adverse events were not different from placebo in this trial. Anyone on an antidepressant should ask a doctor before adding supplements.
Cancer, and cordycepin as an anti-cancer compound
Not enough evidenceCordycepin kills or slows cancer cells in dishes and shrinks grafted tumours in mice. A review of this work says there is no successful clinical trial yet. We found no human trial of C. militaris or cordycepin for cancer, so there is no evidence it helps people with cancer.
4 studiesIsolated cordycepin in the lab and mouse work; not the same as a supp…
Studies, doses and limits
Results
Mouse study: tumour inhibition rate 56.09% (16 mice). Review: "no successful clinical trial yet".
Why this rating
Only cell and animal evidence.
Form and dose studied
Isolated cordycepin in the lab and mouse work; not the same as a supplement.
Limits
Lab and mouse work often does not carry over to people.
Why researchers looked
Cordycepin is a nucleoside, a compound that looks like a natural building block of cells, and the lab effects drew interest.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
In cancer cells, cordycepin triggers cell death and slows cell division (review). In mice with a grafted human tongue-cancer cell line, cordycepin gave a 56.09% tumour inhibition rate with no organ tissue changes. Blood levels of cordycepin after swallowing stay in the nanomolar range, so doubts remain about whether lab doses can be reached in the body (2026 review).
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
MSK advises people with blood-cell (myelogenous) cancers not to use cordyceps, based on animal findings with the wild fungus. Tell the cancer team before using any cordyceps product.
COPD (lung disease)
Not enough evidenceA placebo-controlled trial of C. militaris capsules in 160 people with COPD has been planned and registered. We found no results yet, so there is no evidence either way.
1 studiesC. militaris capsules (planned).
Studies, doses and limits
Results
No results.
Effect sizes as reported
Not available
Why this rating
Only a trial plan.
Form and dose studied
C. militaris capsules (planned).
Who was studied
Planned: adults 40 to 85 with mild to moderate stable COPD
Limits
A protocol is not a result.
Why researchers looked
The protocol says earlier work without a placebo suggested lung-function gains.
Proposed mechanism In vivo
Not shown.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not replace COPD medicines with a supplement.
Connections to the rest of health
How Orange cordyceps connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immune Support | Low certainty | Immune system markers in healthy adults: Two small trials in healthy adults found higher natural killer (NK) cell activity after C. militaris products (capsules for 4 weeks, a fermented drink for 8 weeks). These are lab markers. No trial counted infections or measured how healthy people stayed. Mild to moderate COVID-19 (add-on to standard care): A small Indian trial found no statistically significant difference in time to recovery between Cordyceps capsules and placebo. The authors still call it a safe add-on. Treat it as a hint that needs a larger study. | 6 11 15 2 | |
| Physical Stamina | Mixed findings | Exercise capacity and endurance: Results are mixed and thin. One trial of a mushroom blend that contained C. militaris reported a gain in oxygen uptake after 3 weeks in a 10-person subset, a single-serving trial found no change in peak performance measures, and a 2026 review found the studies inconsistent. | 4 3 5 | |
| Endurance Support | Mixed findings | Exercise capacity and endurance: Results are mixed and thin. One trial of a mushroom blend that contained C. militaris reported a gain in oxygen uptake after 3 weeks in a 10-person subset, a single-serving trial found no change in peak performance measures, and a 2026 review found the studies inconsistent. | 4 3 5 | |
| Cognitive Performance | Very low certainty | Reaction time after exercise (one serving): In 12 young men, reaction time on a Stroop test was faster after exercise when they had taken a C. militaris extract than when they had taken a placebo. The overall pattern of change was not different, so this is a tentative signal only. | 3 | |
| Mental Clarity | Very low certainty | Reaction time after exercise (one serving): In 12 young men, reaction time on a Stroop test was faster after exercise when they had taken a C. militaris extract than when they had taken a placebo. The overall pattern of change was not different, so this is a tentative signal only. | 3 | |
| Metabolic Health | Very low certainty | Kidney disease and blood fats (chronic kidney disease): One trial reported lower urine protein, BUN, creatinine and blood fats after 3 months of a C. militaris product in people with chronic kidney disease. The abstract does not give the number of patients or how they were assigned, so this is a lead, not proof. | 13 12 | |
| Lung Support | Very low certainty | Mild to moderate COVID-19 (add-on to standard care): A small Indian trial found no statistically significant difference in time to recovery between Cordyceps capsules and placebo. The authors still call it a safe add-on. Treat it as a hint that needs a larger study. | 2 | |
| Better Sleep | Evidence against | Sleep in people with depression: A 6-week trial found that adding C. militaris to duloxetine did not improve sleep in people with depression and insomnia. Sleep scores improved more in the placebo group. | 17 | |
| Mood Balance | Evidence against | Sleep in people with depression: A 6-week trial found that adding C. militaris to duloxetine did not improve sleep in people with depression and insomnia. Sleep scores improved more in the placebo group. | 17 | |
| Cellular Protection | Not enough evidence | Cancer, and cordycepin as an anti-cancer compound: Cordycepin kills or slows cancer cells in dishes and shrinks grafted tumours in mice. A review of this work says there is no successful clinical trial yet. We found no human trial of C. militaris or cordycepin for cancer, so there is no evidence it helps people with cancer. | 8 16 12 18 | |
| Breathing Support | Not enough evidence | COPD (lung disease): A placebo-controlled trial of C. militaris capsules in 160 people with COPD has been planned and registered. We found no results yet, so there is no evidence either way. | 9 | |
| Lung Support | Not enough evidence | COPD (lung disease): A placebo-controlled trial of C. militaris capsules in 160 people with COPD has been planned and registered. We found no results yet, so there is no evidence either way. | 9 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood clotting | Drug or supplement interaction | Very low certainty | Possible added bleeding risk with blood thinners; not tested for C. militaris. Preparation or compound: Cordyceps (wild fungus, per MSK); cordycepin in the lab |
18 |
| Immune system | Drug or supplement interaction | Not enough evidence | Raised NK activity and some cytokines in healthy adults; no trial in people on immune medicines. Preparation or compound: C. militaris products |
6 11 |
| Immune system | Biological association | Low certainty | Higher NK-cell activity in two small trials of healthy adults; no infection outcomes. Studied for: Immune system markers in healthy adults Preparation or compound: C. militaris capsules and fermented drink |
6 11 15 2 8 16 12 18 |
| Musculoskeletal System | Biological association | Mixed findings | Studied for: Exercise capacity and endurance | 4 3 5 |
| Nervous System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Reaction time after exercise (one serving) Studied for: Sleep in people with depression | 3 17 |
| Urinary System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Kidney disease and blood fats (chronic kidney disease) | 13 12 |
| Respiratory System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Mild to moderate COVID-19 (add-on to standard care) Studied for: COPD (lung disease) | 2 9 |
C. Body parts and organs
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liver | Adverse effect or risk | Very low certainty | One case of hepatoportal sclerosis; improved after stopping. One case of a liver blood-vessel disorder; improved after stopping. Preparation or compound: Cordyceps supplement, species not stated |
7 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | Contraindication | Not enough evidence | No safety data found. Preparation or compound: All C. militaris products |
|
| Children | Adverse effect or risk | Very low certainty | One child with epilepsy had seizures and hallucinations; recovered after stopping. Preparation or compound: Mixed medicinal fungi supplement (labelled C. sinensis and reishi) |
10 |
| Insomnia in depression | Evidence against | Sleep scores improved more with placebo. Preparation or compound: C. militaris added to duloxetine |
17 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural killer (NK) cell activity | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 11 |
| Lymphocyte proliferation index | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 |
| Interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 |
| Interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 11 |
| VO2max (maximum oxygen uptake) | Biological association | Mixed findings | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 4 3 |
| Stroop reaction time | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 3 |
| Urine protein, BUN and creatinine | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 13 |
| Triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, HDL | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 13 11 |
| Athens Insomnia Scale (sleep questionnaire) | Biological association | Evidence against | Measured in trials: no-clear-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 17 |
| Time to clinical recovery from COVID-19 | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: no-significant-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 2 |
J. Genes, receptors and enzymes
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TLR4 | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Cordycepin effect on kidney cells was lost when TLR4 was silenced. | 13 |
K. Biological pathways
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) | Biological association | In vitro | Studied in cells and animals for immune, anti-inflammatory and cancer-cell effects. Blood levels after swallowing stay in the nanomolar range, and its action in the body is debated (2026 review). | 19 12 8 16 |
| Adenosine and other nucleosides | Biological association | In vitro | Listed with cordycepin as nucleosides in C. militaris (2026 review); their role in effects is not established. | 15 11 |
| Polysaccharides (including galactomannan), peptides and proteins | Biological association | In vitro | Studied for immune effects in cells and animals. | 11 15 |
| Cordycepic acid, sterols (ergosterol, beta-sitosterol), glycolipids, carotenoids | Biological association | In vitro | Listed as constituents in a trial abstract and a 2026 review; activity in people is not established. The trial abstract also lists protein, vitamins and minerals as present in C. militaris, with no amounts. | 11 15 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what changed in 8 lab markers
Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.
The evidence
The research centre for Orange cordyceps. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We read PubMed records and abstracts for 17 papers (eight trials or trial plans, four reviews, two animal studies, and three case reports), the Memorial Sloan Kettering page in full, and checked the species name in GBIF and cordycepin in PubChem. Only abstracts were read for papers, so numbers come from abstracts. Results for the wild fungus and lab-grown mycelium products are not used as evidence for C. militaris. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. EMA, LiverTox, LactMed and WHO were not read.
Study library: every study we checked 20
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysostomou 2024 A toxicological assessment of Ganoderma lucidum and Cordyceps militaris mushroom powders. Frontiers in toxicology · PMID 39539985 · DOI |
Animal study rat and lab |
Rats and lab genotoxicity assays | Organic Cordyceps powder made from C. militaris mycelial biomass, stroma and fruiting body grown on oats (one commercial product) mycelium, stroma and fruiting body Not shown here Acute and subchronic rat studies · vs Untreated animals |
The powder was not acutely toxic, caused no subchronic toxicity in rats up to the highest dose tested, and showed no genotoxic potential in lab and animal assays. The paper also tested a reishi powder. No toxicity signal in rats and lab tests (n/a) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Acute toxicity, subchronic toxicity, genotoxicity Limitations: Animal and lab data on one product; says little about long-term human use. Funding and conflicts: Declares funding from M2 Ingredients, Inc., which was involved in study design, the decision to publish and manuscript preparation; one author is listed with that company. Industry-funded. Read: abstract |
| Dubhashi 2023 Early Trends to Show the Efficacy of Cordyceps militaris in Mild to Moderate COVID Inflammation. Cureus · PMID 37727187 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
65 Adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 (33 given Cordyceps, 32 placebo; 58 evaluable) |
Cordyceps capsules as an add-on to standard care (the title names C. militaris; the abstract says "Cordyceps capsules") Not shown here · vs Placebo |
Time to clinical recovery was 6.6 days with Cordyceps and 7.3 days with placebo, a difference that was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Some inflammation markers changed from baseline (MCPIP, CXCL10, IL-1 beta) but IL-6, ferritin, LDH, CRP and D-dimer did not change significantly between groups. The authors call it a safe adjuvant, but call for larger studies. No significant difference in the main recovery measure (p > 0.05 for recovery time) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Time to recovery, chest X-ray, inflammation markers, RT-PCR Limitations: Very small; many comparisons; the authors' positive wording goes beyond the non-significant main result; product details are not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests; funding not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Farzan 2026 Acute Cordyceps militaris supplementation and elevated resting oxygen uptake with faster reaction times: A randomized crossover trial. PloS one · PMID 42455764 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
12 Recreationally active young men (crossover, 7-day washout) |
Standardised Cordyceps militaris extract, single serving 30 minutes before a maximal cycling test Not shown here One occasion per condition · vs Cornstarch placebo |
Resting oxygen uptake was higher with the extract (0.37 vs 0.24 L/min; p = 0.022) but peak oxygen uptake did not change (p = 0.490). After exercise, reaction time was faster with the extract (963.92 vs 1034.33 ms; p = 0.042, d = 0.88). The Condition-by-Time interaction was not significant, and blood sugar, blood pressure and heart rate did not differ. Faster post-exercise reaction time and higher resting oxygen uptake after one serving; no change in peak performance measures (p values as printed) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Stroop reaction time and accuracy, oxygen uptake, blood sugar, blood pressure, heart rate Limitations: 12 men, one serving, short-term lab tests; the key interaction test was not significant. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Hirsch 2017 Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. Journal of dietary supplements · PMID 27408987 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
28 Healthy young adults (28 in the first week, 10 continued to week 3) |
A mushroom blend that contains Cordyceps militaris (blend, not C. militaris alone) Not shown here 1 week; 10 people continued to 3 weeks · vs Maltodextrin placebo |
After 1 week no significant difference between groups for any measure. After 3 weeks (10 people) VO2max rose by 4.8 ml/kg/min in the blend group (p = 0.042) against 0.9 with placebo; the authors' confidence-interval analysis also showed longer time to exhaustion (+28.1 s at 1 week, +69.8 s at 3 weeks). Small gains after 3 weeks in a 10-person subset; none at 1 week (p values and mean changes as printed) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: VO2max, time to exhaustion, ventilatory threshold, power output on a cycle test Limitations: Blend of mushrooms, so the effect cannot be put down to C. militaris; only 10 people reached week 3; the key finding rests on confidence-interval analysis. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Jędrejko 2026 Current Evidence of Ergogenic and Post-Exercise Recovery Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Cordyceps militaris in Humans-A Narrative Review. Nutrients · PMID 41829950 · DOI |
Narrative review |
321 Healthy people aged 16 to 35 in 5 intervention studies (2017 to 2024) |
Cordyceps militaris, alone or in multi-ingredient products Not shown here 1 to 16 weeks · vs Placebo or control |
Some studies reported better selected performance and recovery measures, but the findings were inconsistent. The authors name small samples, mixed participants and exercise tests, poor reporting of randomisation, no registration in most studies, no standardised preparations and multi-ingredient products. Inconsistent (n/a) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Aerobic performance, time to exhaustion, power output, muscle damage and inflammation markers Limitations: Narrative review with a risk-of-bias check; includes products that were not C. militaris alone. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Kang 2015 Cordyceps militaris Enhances Cell-Mediated Immunity in Healthy Korean Men. Journal of medicinal food · PMID 26284906 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
79 Healthy Korean men (39 given C. militaris, 40 placebo) |
Ethanol-treated Cordyceps militaris in capsules Not shown here 4 weeks · vs Identical capsules with microcrystalline cellulose and lactose |
Compared with placebo, NK-cell activity (NK200) rose more (P = .0010), as did lymphocyte proliferation (P <= .0001), IL-2 (P = .0096) and interferon-gamma (P = .0126). The authors say Th1 cytokines rose only partly. No statistically significant adverse reaction was reported. Higher immune lab values at 4 weeks; no illness outcome (P values as printed; no confidence intervals in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: NK-cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation, Th1 cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-12, IL-2, TNF-alpha), safety tests Limitations: Healthy men only; lab markers, not infections or health outcomes; 4 weeks; the abstract does not say who paid. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Kaur 2023 Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps, Related to Hepatoportal Sclerosis. ACG case reports journal · PMID 38033616 · DOI |
Case report |
1 An 81-year-old woman who took a "Cordyceps" supplement |
Cordyceps (species not stated in the abstract) Not shown here |
Hepatoportal sclerosis (loss of small portal veins in the liver) was confirmed on biopsy. Other causes were excluded and the condition was attributed to the supplement. Her features improved when she stopped it. One reported liver-vessel disorder linked in time to the supplement (n/a) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Liver biopsy findings, course after stopping Limitations: Single case; species and product not stated, so it may not involve C. militaris; cause is a judgement, not proven. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Khan 2020 Cordycepin in Anticancer Research: Molecular Mechanism of Therapeutic Effects. Current medicinal chemistry · PMID 30277143 · DOI |
Narrative review cells and animals |
Review of cordycepin cancer research (cells and animals) | Cordycepin (isolated compound) Not shown here |
Says cordycepin kills or slows cancer cells in the lab through cell-death, cell-cycle and DNA-damage effects, and that there are many successes in cells and animals, but "no successful clinical trial yet". Lab and animal evidence only (n/a) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Mechanisms of anticancer activity Limitations: Narrative review; no human data; the authors hope for future drug development. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Lin 2026 Evaluating Cordyceps militaris capsules on post-bronchodilator FEV1 decline in patients with COPD: a study protocol for double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Frontiers in pharmacology · PMID 42266370 · DOI |
Trial protocol human (planned) |
160 Planned: adults aged 40 to 85 with mild to moderate stable COPD |
Cordyceps militaris capsules Not shown here Planned 24 weeks plus 24 weeks follow-up · vs Placebo capsules |
A trial plan, not a result. It says earlier work without a placebo suggested C. militaris capsules might improve FEV1, which is why a placebo-controlled trial is being run. No results (n/a) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Planned main outcome: change in post-bronchodilator FEV1 Limitations: Protocol only; no data on whether capsules help. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Registration: ChiCTR2400086743 Read: abstract |
| Melek Arsoy 2026 Acute neurotoxicity in a child following multi-component medicinal fungi supplementation: a case report. BMC complementary medicine and therapies · PMID 42063068 · DOI |
Case report |
1 A 9-year-old boy with prematurity, cerebral palsy and well-controlled epilepsy |
Several medicinal fungi supplements including Ganoderma lucidum and Cordyceps sinensis (named so in the report; not C. militaris) Not shown here |
He had generalised myoclonic seizures, hallucinations and altered mental status after the supplement dose was raised. Infectious, structural and metabolic causes were excluded, and he recovered when the supplements were stopped. Suspected supplement-related neurotoxicity in one child (n/a) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Seizures, hallucinations, work-up, course Limitations: Single case; a mix of fungi, so the cause cannot be put on one; the supplement says C. sinensis, not C. militaris. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Ontawong 2024 A randomized controlled clinical trial examining the effects of Cordyceps militaris beverage on the immune response in healthy adults. Scientific reports · PMID 38580687 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
Healthy men and women in Thailand (abstract: n = 10 for each gender) | Fermented Cordyceps militaris drink (submerged fermentation) with a measured cordycepin content Not shown here 8 weeks · vs Placebo drink |
NK-cell activity rose from baseline in men at 4 weeks (p = 0.049) and was higher than placebo in women at 8 weeks (p = 0.023). IL-1 beta fell in men (p = 0.049) and IL-6 fell in women (p = 0.047) compared with their own baseline. Blood sugar, blood fats and safety indices did not differ between groups, and the authors report no liver, kidney or blood-count toxicity. Some NK-cell and interleukin changes; no change in blood sugar, fats or safety tests (p values as printed) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: NK-cell activity, immune cells, immunoglobulins, interleukins, blood sugar, blood fats, safety tests Limitations: Very small groups; several results are against the group's own baseline rather than against placebo; lab markers only; a fermented drink is not the same as capsules or powder. Funding and conflicts: National Innovation Agency (Thailand) grant; authors declare no competing interests. Read: abstract |
| Panossian 2026 Pleiotropic Bioactivity of Caterpillar Fungus, Orange Cordyceps, and Cordycepin: Insight from Integrated Network Pharmacology and Food and Drug Regulatory Framework. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) · PMID 41901364 · DOI |
Narrative review review of cell, animal and human studies |
Review of chemical, animal and human studies of O. sinensis, C. militaris and cordycepin | Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) Not shown here |
Says the two fungi and cordycepin link to signalling pathways (PI3K-Akt, AMPK-mTOR, MAPK, NF-kB) in network modelling. Says there is controversy about how much cordycepin reaches the body, and that blood levels after swallowing stay in the nanomolar range. Says clinical meta-analyses show consistent add-on benefits in kidney and lung disorders, but with large differences in preparations and methods, and asks for a new regulatory category. Narrative review; mostly modelling (n/a) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, clinical meta-analyses, regulation Limitations: Narrative review; its "adaptogen" idea is the author's hypothesis; the kidney and lung meta-analyses it mentions mostly cover the wild fungus and lab-grown mycelium. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Sun 2019 Cordyceps militaris Improves Chronic Kidney Disease by Affecting TLR4/NF-κB Redox Signaling Pathway. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity · PMID 31049139 · DOI |
Clinical trial |
People with chronic kidney disease (number not stated in the abstract) | Cordyceps militaris product (abstract credits cordycepin for the effects) Not shown here 3 months · vs Placebo group |
After 3 months the C. militaris group had lower urine protein (-36.7%), BUN (-12.5%) and creatinine (-18.3%) than the placebo group (P < 0.05). Triglycerides (-12.8%), total cholesterol (-15.7%) and LDL (-16.5%) were lower and HDL higher (+10.1%). Cystatin-C, MPO and MDA were lower and nitric oxide and SOD higher. The cell-line part of the paper found cordycepin lowered TLR4/NF-kB signals in kidney cells. Better kidney and blood-fat lab values in an uncertain-quality trial (P < 0.05 as printed; no confidence intervals) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Urine protein, BUN, creatinine, blood fats, redox and inflammation markers Limitations: Number of patients and randomisation method are not in the abstract; the abstract attributes effects to cordycepin although patients took a whole product; funding not stated. Treat as a lead, not proof. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Wu 1996 Lead poisoning caused by contaminated Cordyceps, a Chinese herbal medicine: two case reports. The Science of the total environment · PMID 8854946 · DOI |
Case report |
2 Two people with lead poisoning from a Chinese herbal "Cordyceps" powder (Taiwan, 1996 report) |
Cordyceps powder (species not stated in the abstract) Not shown here |
The powder held up to 20,000 ppm lead. Blood lead was 130 microg/dl in one patient (loss of appetite, anaemia signs) and 46 microg/dl in the other (no symptoms). Levels returned to normal after stopping, with chelation treatment in the symptomatic patient. Lead poisoning from a contaminated powder (n/a) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood lead, symptoms, powder lead content Limitations: Old report of two cases; species not stated; shows the risk of contaminated herbal products, not of the fungus itself. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Yang 2026 An Immunomodulatory Mushroom, Cordyceps militaris, and Its Constituents: A Review of In Vitro/In Vivo Studies and Clinical Trials. Phytotherapy research : PTR · PMID 41432716 · DOI |
Narrative review review of cell, animal and human studies |
Review of cell, animal and human studies of C. militaris extract, cordycepin and polysaccharides | Cordyceps militaris extract, cordycepin, polysaccharides Not shown here |
Says C. militaris is the type most used commercially because it is easy to grow, lists nucleosides (cordycepin, adenosine), polysaccharides, peptides, proteins, sterols, glycolipids and carotenoids, and says extract, cordycepin and polysaccharides can both raise and calm immune responses in cells and animals. Concludes that cell, animal and clinical results indicate C. militaris is safe and promising. Narrative review; immune effects shown mostly in cells and animals (n/a) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Immune effects, constituents, safety statements Limitations: Narrative review, not systematic; the safety conclusion is the authors' view and is stronger than the small trials support. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Zheng 2023 [Cordycepin, a metabolite of Cordyceps militaris, inhibits xenograft tumor growth of tongue squamous cell carcinoma in nude mice]. Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University · PMID 37439158 · DOI |
Animal study mouse |
16 Nude mice carrying a human tongue-cancer cell graft |
Cordycepin (isolated compound) Not shown here 4 weeks · vs Saline |
Tumour inhibition rate was 56.09%, with more cancer-cell death and no pathological change in heart, spleen, liver, kidney or lung tissue. Smaller grafted tumours in mice (n/a) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Tumour weight, cell death markers, organ tissue Limitations: Mouse study with 16 animals; human cancer cells grown in mice; says nothing about people. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Zhou 2021 Efficacy and Safety of Cordyceps militaris as an Adjuvant to Duloxetine in the Treatment of Insomnia in Patients With Depression: A 6-Week Double- Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Frontiers in psychiatry · PMID 34858228 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
59 Outpatients with major depression and insomnia (28 C. militaris, 31 placebo; 11 dropped out) |
Cordyceps militaris added to duloxetine Not shown here 6 weeks · vs Placebo added to duloxetine |
Depression and sleep scores fell over time in everyone. AIS scores fell more in the placebo group than in the C. militaris group (p < 0.05). HAMD-17 totals did not differ. Adverse events did not differ between groups. The authors conclude it did not improve sleep. No benefit for sleep; if anything, sleep scores improved less with C. militaris (p values as printed) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), HAMD-17 depression score, adverse events Limitations: Single centre, 59 people, 6 weeks; people were also taking duloxetine. Funding and conflicts: Funding not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| n/a 2022 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Cordyceps (About Herbs), last updated 10 February 2022 n/a · Source |
Authoritative guidance n/a |
n/a | n/a |
See outcomes. Species covered is O. sinensis; whether each caution applies to C. militaris is not stated. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: The page is about the wild fungus, named there Ophiocordyceps sinensis (renamed 2007), Cordyceps sinensis, not C. militaris. It says "No major side effects have been reported", warns that cordyceps can lower blood sugar (people on insulin or other blood-sugar medicines should talk to their provider) and may raise bleeding risk (blood thinners such as warfarin), says laboratory studies suggest cordycepin slows platelet clumping, lists one case of excessive bleeding after a tooth extraction in a daily user, says animal studies showed red-cell precursors multiplying so it should not be used in myelogenous-type cancers, and says it raised testosterone in mice with unknown relevance to people. Limitations: Information page from a cancer centre, not a regulator. It covers the wild fungus, so it is indirect evidence for C. militaris. Funding and conflicts: Independent hospital information source Read: full text |
| n/a 2026 PubChem compound record: Cordycepin (CID 6303), checked 2026-10-25 n/a · Source |
Database record n/a |
n/a | n/a |
CID 6303; C10H13N5O3. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: CID 6303, title Cordycepin, molecular formula C10H13N5O3, IUPAC name (2R,3R,5S)-2-(6-aminopurin-9-yl)-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-3-ol. Limitations: A chemistry record; says nothing about effects in people. Funding and conflicts: Independent public database Read: full text |
| n/a 2026 GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match: Cordyceps militaris (API checked 2026-10-25) n/a · Source |
Database record n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr. is ACCEPTED (key 7567077). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr. is ACCEPTED (key 7567077; Fungi, Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae; genus key 2560661; match confidence 99, exact). Limitations: A database record; names change as research updates. Index Fungorum was not read. Funding and conflicts: Independent public database Read: full text |
What we do not know yet
- No trial shows fewer infections or better health outcomes; immune results are blood markers in healthy adults.
- No human trial of purified cordycepin was found; cordycepin results come from cells and mice.
- How often liver or other problems happen is unknown; the case reports do not name the species.
- The blood-thinner, blood-sugar and blood-cancer cautions come from guidance on the wild fungus, not from C. militaris trials.
- No safety data for pregnancy, breastfeeding, children or allergy; no test of metals or pesticides in retail C. militaris products was read.
- EMA/HMPC, LiverTox, LactMed and WHO statements were not read.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording. New publications never change ratings automatically.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 10
Natural killer (NK) cell activity
Raised in trials
A lab test of how strongly a type of white blood cell kills target cells. It shows how the immune system performs in the test, not whether someone is protected from illness.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Often used as a stand-in for immune function.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Statistically significant in both small trials, but not tied to any health outcome.
Safety implication
A higher value does not show better protection.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | NK200 rose more than with placebo (P = .0010) after 4 weeks. | 79 healthy Korean men | Ethanol-treated C. militaris capsules versus placebo |
| 11 | Rose in men from baseline at 4 weeks (p = 0.049) and in women versus placebo at 8 weeks (p = 0.023). | Healthy Thai adults, about 10 per sex group | Fermented C. militaris drink versus placebo |
Lymphocyte proliferation index
Raised in trials
A lab measure of how well white blood cells multiply when stimulated.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma
Raised in trials
Chemical messengers that immune cells use to signal each other.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Part of the Th1 (cell-mediated) immune response.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
One trial only.
Safety implication
More cytokine activity could matter for people on immune medicines; no trial tested this.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | IL-2 rose (P = .0096) and IFN-gamma rose (P = .0126) more than with placebo. The authors say Th1 cytokines rose only partly. | 79 healthy Korean men | Ethanol-treated C. militaris capsules, 4 weeks |
Interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6
Lowered in trials
Messengers linked to inflammation.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Checked to see whether the product calms inflammation.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Within-group changes in a very small trial.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | IL-1 beta fell in men (p = 0.049) and IL-6 fell in women (p = 0.047) compared with their own baseline, not against placebo. | Healthy Thai adults, about 10 per sex group | Fermented C. militaris drink, 8 weeks |
VO2max (maximum oxygen uptake)
Mixed results in trials
The most oxygen the body can use during hard exercise; a common measure of fitness.
Mixed findingsResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Used to test endurance supplements.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Different products and designs; no consistent change in peak performance.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | No change at 1 week. At 3 weeks, +4.8 ml/kg/min with the blend versus +0.9 with placebo (p = 0.042), in the 10 people who continued. | Healthy young adults | Mushroom blend containing C. militaris |
| 3 | Peak oxygen uptake did not change (p = 0.490); resting oxygen uptake was higher (0.37 vs 0.24 L/min, p = 0.022). | 12 young men | One serving of standardised C. militaris extract |
Stroop reaction time
Lowered in trials
A computer test of how fast someone can name a colour when the word spells a different colour.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A simple test of attention and thinking speed.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Small crossover trial.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Faster after exercise with the extract (963.92 vs 1034.33 ms; p = 0.042). The interaction was not significant. | 12 young men | One serving of C. militaris extract |
Urine protein, BUN and creatinine
Lowered in trials
Blood and urine tests of how well the kidneys filter. Lower BUN and creatinine and less protein in urine usually mean less kidney strain.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Standard tests used to follow kidney disease.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
One trial with limited detail in its abstract.
Safety implication
Kidney patients should not change treatment on this basis.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Urine protein -36.7%, BUN -12.5%, creatinine -18.3% versus placebo after 3 months (P < 0.05). | People with chronic kidney disease (number not in the abstract) | C. militaris product versus placebo |
Triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, HDL
Mixed results in trials
Blood fat measures linked to heart risk.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Often checked in people with kidney disease.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A change in the kidney trial; none in healthy adults.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Triglycerides -12.8%, total cholesterol -15.7%, LDL -16.5%, HDL +10.1% versus placebo in people with kidney disease. | People with chronic kidney disease | C. militaris product, 3 months |
| 11 | Blood sugar and blood fats did not differ between groups. | Healthy Thai adults | Fermented C. militaris drink, 8 weeks |
Athens Insomnia Scale (sleep questionnaire)
No-clear-change in trials
A short questionnaire that scores how badly someone is sleeping. Lower is better.
Evidence againstResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The main sleep measure in the depression trial.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
No benefit from C. militaris.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Scores fell in everyone, but fell more in the placebo group (p < 0.05). | 59 outpatients with depression and insomnia | C. militaris plus duloxetine versus placebo plus duloxetine |
Time to clinical recovery from COVID-19
No-significant-change in trials
How many days until symptoms resolve.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The main outcome of the COVID-19 trial.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Not statistically significant.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6.6 days with Cordyceps versus 7.3 days with placebo (p > 0.05). | 65 adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 | Cordyceps capsules plus standard care versus placebo |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 5
- Trials found few side effects, but they were small and short. In 79 healthy men taking C. militaris capsules for 4 weeks, no statistically significant adverse reaction was reported. In a Thai trial of a fermented drink (8 weeks), blood sugar, blood fats and safety tests, including liver, kidney and blood counts, did not differ from placebo. In 59 people with depression, adverse events were not different from placebo. None of these trials was big or long enough to find rare problems. Controlled trial 6 11 17
- Contamination can poison: lead in one old cordyceps powder. Two people were poisoned in 1996 by a "Cordyceps" herbal powder with up to 20,000 ppm lead; both recovered after stopping, one with chelation treatment. The report does not name the species, and it was an unusual case, but it shows why unlabelled or untested powders are a risk. Case report 14
- A liver-vessel disorder was reported in one older woman. A case report describes hepatoportal sclerosis in an 81-year-old woman taking a "Cordyceps" supplement. Other causes were excluded, and she improved when she stopped. The species and product were not stated, and it is one case. Case report 7
- Blood thinners and blood-sugar medicines: cautions come from the wild fungus. MSK, writing about the wild fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, says cordyceps may raise bleeding risk with blood thinners and may add to blood-sugar medicines. It cites lab findings that cordycepin slows platelet clumping, and one case of heavy bleeding after a tooth extraction in a daily user. No trial tested C. militaris with these medicines. Authoritative guidance 18
- No safety data for pregnancy, breastfeeding or children. None of the sources we read tested C. militaris in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and we found none that did. In a child with epilepsy, seizures and hallucinations followed several medicinal fungi supplements (including Ganoderma lucidum and Cordyceps sinensis); he recovered when they were stopped. Insufficient 10
Side effects 5
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| No significant adverse reaction in trials Short trials; rare effects would not show. | None reported as significant in 79 men over 4 weeks; no difference from placebo in two other trials | none reported n/a | Controlled trial 6 11 17 |
| Lead poisoning from a contaminated powder Species not stated. | Two cases in one report (1996) | high Blood lead returned to normal after stopping; chelation was given in the symptomatic case | Case report 14 |
| Hepatoportal sclerosis (liver blood-vessel disorder) Species not stated. | One case | high Features improved after stopping | Case report 7 |
| Seizures and hallucinations in a child with epilepsy Mix of fungi, labelled C. sinensis not C. militaris. | One case | high Recovered after stopping | Case report 10 |
| Excessive bleeding after a tooth extraction MSK reports it for cordyceps used as a daily tonic; the species is not confirmed to be C. militaris. | One case (wild fungus, per MSK) | moderate Not stated | Authoritative guidance 18 |
Liver
We found one case report of a liver blood-vessel disorder (hepatoportal sclerosis) in an 81-year-old woman taking a "Cordyceps" supplement; she improved after stopping. The species was not stated. In the fermented-drink trial, the authors reported no liver, kidney or blood-count toxicity. The rat study of one oat-grown powder found no toxicity, but it was paid for by its maker. Nothing here tells us how often liver problems happen. We did not read the LiverTox entry. 7 11 1
How often. Unknown. One case report; no controlled liver-safety study of C. militaris.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was read. If you have liver disease, ask a doctor first. Stop and get medical help for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or severe belly pain.
- p38033616.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Orange cordyceps supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 5
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood thinners (for example warfarin) and antiplatelet medicines prescription | Cordycepin slowed platelet clumping in the lab; MSK reports a bleeding case (guidance for the wild fungus). | MSK says cordyceps may increase the risk of bleeding with these drugs. No trial tested C. militaris with them. | Pharmacological theory Very low certainty 18 | Tell your prescriber or pharmacist before using any cordyceps product, especially before dental work or surgery. |
| Insulin and other blood-sugar medicines prescription | Lab studies suggest additive blood-sugar lowering (MSK, wild fungus). | MSK says it may cause harm with these medicines; clinical relevance has not been determined. In healthy adults taking a C. militaris drink for 8 weeks, blood sugar did not change. | Pharmacological theory Very low certainty 18 11 | Ask your doctor or pharmacist; people on these medicines may need closer sugar checks. |
| Immune-suppressing medicines (for example after a transplant or for autoimmune disease) prescription | C. militaris raised NK-cell activity and some cytokines in healthy adults, so an effect on the immune response is plausible. | No trial tested this combination. We did not find a source that gives a rule either way. | Pharmacological theory Not enough evidence 6 11 | Ask the transplant or specialist team before using it. |
| Treatment for blood-cell (myelogenous) cancers prescription | Animal studies of the wild fungus showed red-cell precursors multiplying (MSK). | MSK says it should not be used by people with myelogenous-type cancers. Whether this applies to C. militaris is not stated. | Authoritative guidance Very low certainty 18 | Tell the cancer team before using it. |
| Testosterone-related conditions (for example prostate cancer) condition | MSK says cordyceps raised testosterone in mice, with unknown relevance to people. This was reported for the wild fungus. | Not studied in people for C. militaris. | Animal research Not enough evidence 18 | Ask a doctor if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer. |
Who should check first 9
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Taking blood thinners or having surgery or dental work soon | Talk to the prescriber first (MSK, wild fungus). | Authoritative guidance 18 |
| Diabetes treated with insulin or other blood-sugar medicines | Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using it (MSK, wild fungus). | Authoritative guidance 18 |
| Blood-cell (myelogenous) cancers | MSK says it should not be used; applies to the wild fungus, not confirmed for C. militaris. | Authoritative guidance 18 |
| Immune-suppressing medicines, transplant or autoimmune disease | Ask the specialist team first; C. militaris changed immune markers in healthy adults and no trial tested these groups. | Pharmacological theory 6 11 |
| Liver disease | Ask a doctor first; a liver blood-vessel disorder has been reported in one user. | Case report 7 |
| Pregnancy | No safety data were found. Ask a clinician rather than assume it is safe. | Insufficient |
| Breastfeeding | No safety data were found. Ask a clinician. | Insufficient |
| Children, especially with epilepsy | Safety in children has not been studied. One child with epilepsy had seizures after a mixed fungi supplement; ask a paediatrician first. | Case report 10 |
| Kidney disease | Do not add it without asking the kidney team; the one kidney trial is too thin to rely on. | Controlled trial 13 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Poisoning from C. militaris itself has not been described in the sources we read. The harms in the record come from contamination (lead), unclear case reports and a child's mixed-fungi exposure. A rat study of one oat-grown powder found no toxicity at the highest dose tested.
Animal. One commercial C. militaris powder (mycelium, stroma and fruiting body grown on oats) was not acutely toxic, caused no subchronic toxicity in rats and showed no genotoxic potential in lab and animal assays. The study was funded by the powder's maker.
Human doses studied. Trials ran from a single serving to 3 months. This page gives no amounts and none are advised.
High dose or long term signals. In the child's case, symptoms began after the supplement amount was increased. Long-term safety beyond 3 months in trials is not known.
Overdose response. No overdose description was found. Seek medical help for the urgent signs below.
Genotoxicity. No genotoxic potential in assays of one commercial powder (industry-funded).
Toxic or hazardous parts. Fungus: the fruiting body, stroma and mycelium are all used. No source we read compared toxicity between parts. Do not forage insect-infecting fungi: they are hard to tell apart and we read no source on look-alikes.
Cordyceps is sold as a supplement, not an approved medicine. The record shows lead in one old powder and many different preparations under one name. We read no test of metals, pesticides or mould toxins in retail C. militaris products.
Lead in a contaminated powder. Two people were poisoned in 1996 by a "Cordyceps" powder holding up to 20,000 ppm lead. 14
Which fungus, which form. Cultivated C. militaris, the wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis and lab-grown mycelium products are different fungi or forms, and a 2026 review notes large differences between preparations. The cell and animal work on cordycepin does not tell us which retail product holds how much. 12
Grown on grain. The rat toxicity study used a powder made from mycelium, stroma and fruiting body grown on oats, so some products include the growing material. 1
Metals, pesticides and mould toxins. We did not read any test of these in cultivated C. militaris products, so we state no figure for them.
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (United States) | Information page on the wild fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (not C. militaris): says no major side effects have been reported, lists blood-thinner and blood-sugar medicine cautions and advises against use in myelogenous-type cancers. Not a regulator. source | 2022-02-10 |
When to get medical help
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or severe belly pain after a cordyceps product: stop it and get medical help now.
- Unusual bleeding, black stools or large bruises, especially if you take blood thinners: get medical help now.
- Loss of appetite, stomach pain, weakness or pale skin after a long course of a powder you cannot trace: ask about a lead test.
- Swelling of the face or throat, wheeze or trouble breathing after taking a mushroom product: call emergency services.
- Seizures, hallucinations or confusion, especially in a child: call emergency services.
If someone may be poisoned or in a crisis, contact a clinician or emergency service straight away. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is orange cordyceps?
Is Cordyceps militaris the same as Cordyceps sinensis?
What is cordycepin?
Has cordycepin been tested in people?
Is orange cordyceps safe?
Trials found no significant side effects, but they were small and short. There are case reports of lead poisoning from a contaminated cordyceps powder and of a liver blood-vessel disorder, and cautions for blood thinners. No data exist for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first.
Does it boost the immune system?
Does it improve exercise or stamina?
Does it help with sleep?
Not in the one trial we read. In 59 people with depression and insomnia, sleep scores improved more with placebo than with C. militaris added to duloxetine.
Does it help with cancer?
Does it interact with blood thinners or diabetes medicines?
Is it safe in pregnancy, breastfeeding or for children?
Unknown. We found no safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding. A child with epilepsy had seizures after several medicinal fungi supplements and recovered after stopping. Ask a clinician.
What is the difference between fruiting body, mycelium and fermented products?
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We read PubMed records and abstracts for 17 papers (eight trials or trial plans, four reviews, two animal studies, and three case reports), the Memorial Sloan Kettering page in full, and checked the species name in GBIF and cordycepin in PubChem. Only abstracts were read for papers, so numbers come from abstracts. Results for the wild fungus and lab-grown mycelium products are not used as evidence for C. militaris. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. EMA, LiverTox, LactMed and WHO were not read.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. This page is information, not a recommendation to use orange cordyceps.
Sources 20
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Chrysostomou PP, Freeman E, Murphy MM, et al. A toxicological assessment of Ganoderma lucidum and Cordyceps militaris mushroom powders.. Frontiers in toxicology. 2024. PMID 39539985. DOI 10.3389/ftox.2024.1469348. (abstract)
- Dubhashi S, Sinha S, Dwivedi S, et al. Early Trends to Show the Efficacy of Cordyceps militaris in Mild to Moderate COVID Inflammation.. Cureus. 2023. PMID 37727187. DOI 10.7759/cureus.43731. (abstract)
- Farzan H, Koushkie Jahromi M. Acute Cordyceps militaris supplementation and elevated resting oxygen uptake with faster reaction times: A randomized crossover trial.. PloS one. 2026. PMID 42455764. DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0351725. (abstract)
- Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, et al. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation.. Journal of dietary supplements. 2017. PMID 27408987. DOI 10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386. (abstract)
- Jędrejko M, Jędrejko K, Granda D, et al. Current Evidence of Ergogenic and Post-Exercise Recovery Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Cordyceps militaris in Humans-A Narrative Review.. Nutrients. 2026. PMID 41829950. DOI 10.3390/nu18050781. (abstract)
- Kang HJ, Baik HW, Kim SJ, et al. Cordyceps militaris Enhances Cell-Mediated Immunity in Healthy Korean Men.. Journal of medicinal food. 2015. PMID 26284906. DOI 10.1089/jmf.2014.3350. (abstract)
- Kaur B, Vipani A, Trivedi H, et al. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps, Related to Hepatoportal Sclerosis.. ACG case reports journal. 2023. PMID 38033616. DOI 10.14309/crj.0000000000001206. (abstract)
- Khan MA, Tania M. Cordycepin in Anticancer Research: Molecular Mechanism of Therapeutic Effects.. Current medicinal chemistry. 2020. PMID 30277143. DOI 10.2174/0929867325666181001105749. (abstract)
- Lin S, Liao T, Fan F, et al. Evaluating Cordyceps militaris capsules on post-bronchodilator FEV1 decline in patients with COPD: a study protocol for double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2026. PMID 42266370. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2026.1775068. (abstract)
- Melek Arsoy HE, Özdemi̇r Ö. Acute neurotoxicity in a child following multi-component medicinal fungi supplementation: a case report.. BMC complementary medicine and therapies. 2026. PMID 42063068. DOI 10.1186/s12906-026-05367-6. (abstract)
- Ontawong A, Pengnet S, Thim-Uam A, et al. A randomized controlled clinical trial examining the effects of Cordyceps militaris beverage on the immune response in healthy adults.. Scientific reports. 2024. PMID 38580687. DOI 10.1038/s41598-024-58742-z. (abstract)
- Panossian A. Pleiotropic Bioactivity of Caterpillar Fungus, Orange Cordyceps, and Cordycepin: Insight from Integrated Network Pharmacology and Food and Drug Regulatory Framework.. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland). 2026. PMID 41901364. DOI 10.3390/ph19030519. (abstract)
- Sun T, Dong W, Jiang G, et al. Cordyceps militaris Improves Chronic Kidney Disease by Affecting TLR4/NF-κB Redox Signaling Pathway.. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2019. PMID 31049139. DOI 10.1155/2019/7850863. (abstract)
- Wu TN, Yang KC, Wang CM, et al. Lead poisoning caused by contaminated Cordyceps, a Chinese herbal medicine: two case reports.. The Science of the total environment. 1996. PMID 8854946. DOI 10.1016/0048-9697(96)05054-1. (abstract)
- Yang EJ, Jin L, Jiang HH, et al. An Immunomodulatory Mushroom, Cordyceps militaris, and Its Constituents: A Review of In Vitro/In Vivo Studies and Clinical Trials.. Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2026. PMID 41432716. DOI 10.1002/ptr.70144. (abstract)
- Zheng Q, Shao Y, Zheng W, et al. [Cordycepin, a metabolite of Cordyceps militaris, inhibits xenograft tumor growth of tongue squamous cell carcinoma in nude mice].. Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University. 2023. PMID 37439158. DOI 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2023.06.01. (abstract)
- Zhou J, Chen X, Xiao L, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Cordyceps militaris as an Adjuvant to Duloxetine in the Treatment of Insomnia in Patients With Depression: A 6-Week Double- Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.. Frontiers in psychiatry. 2021. PMID 34858228. DOI 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.754921. (abstract)
- n/a. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Cordyceps (About Herbs), last updated 10 February 2022. n/a. 2022. (full text)
- n/a. PubChem compound record: Cordycepin (CID 6303), checked 2026-10-25. n/a. 2026. (full text)
- n/a. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match: Cordyceps militaris (API checked 2026-10-25). n/a. 2026. (full text)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- Fruiting body versus mycelium on grain: the label should say which
- The extract type and the beta-glucan amount, if stated
- A third-party testing mark
- Interactions: ask a pharmacist if you take medicines or blood thinners
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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