Cordyceps (C. militaris / C. sinensis)New
A medicinal fungus traditionally used for stamina and vitality. Modern supplements use cultivated Cordyceps militaris or the fermented C. sinensis (CS-4) mycelium. Aerobic-capacity data are promising but small and inconsistent, and most trials use proprietary preparations.
Mechanism of Action
Contains cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), adenosine and polysaccharides. Proposed effects include increased cellular ATP availability, AMPK activation, improved oxygen utilisation, and immune modulation. Most mechanistic data are from cell and animal studies.
Dosing Protocol
2000mg per day of standardised fruiting-body or mycelium extract (cordycepin content varies widely by product)
Standard starting dose based on research
Therapeutic Range
1000
Minimum
3000
Maximum
Morning or before training, with food; judge effect after 3-8 weeks
Cycling Protocol
Trials ran 2-16 weeks; a common practice is 8-12 weeks on followed by a 2-4 week break, although this is not evidence-based
Dosages are general guidelines. Individual requirements vary based on body weight, health status, and specific goals. Start with lower doses and adjust based on response.
Benefits
Primary Benefits
- Modest improvement in endurance performance, ventilatory threshold and VO2peak in athletes (C. sinensis, pooled RCT data)
- Reduced subjective fatigue in small trials
Secondary Benefits
Safety Information
Contraindications
Do not use if any of the following apply:
- •Autoimmune disease or organ transplant unless supervised
- •Bleeding disorders or planned surgery — stop about 2 weeks prior
- •Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient data)
- •Hormone-sensitive cancers (theoretical, limited data)
Drug/Supplement Interactions
May interact with the following. Consult a healthcare provider before combining:
Potential Side Effects
Some users may experience:
This is not a complete list of interactions or side effects. Individual responses vary. Always start with the lowest effective dose and monitor your response. Report any adverse effects to your healthcare provider.
Quality Markers
Look for these specific quality indicators when sourcing this compound:
- Species stated (C. militaris or cultured C. sinensis/CS-4), not wild-harvested C. sinensis
- Fruiting-body or mycelium specified; cordycepin and polysaccharide content disclosed
- Tested for heavy metals and arsenic
- Third-party tested
Trusted Certifications
Note: Supplement quality varies dramatically between brands. Cheap supplements often contain fillers, incorrect doses, or contaminants. Investing in quality products from reputable manufacturers is essential for safety and efficacy.
Evidence Profile
Evidence Score
4/10
Emerging/Anecdotal
Limited clinical data, primarily mechanistic studies or user reports
Evidence Scale
8-10
Strong
5-7
Moderate
1-4
Emerging
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