Cordyceps

What it is

Cordyceps is a genus of fungi (commonly Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps sinensis) used in supplements aimed at aerobic endurance and oxygen utilization. It is proposed to influence cellular energy production and oxygen kinetics, but the human performance evidence is preliminary and inconsistent.

Benefits

Endurance and VO2max evidence is mixed and early-stage. In one randomized controlled trial, three weeks of a 4 g/day cordyceps-containing mushroom blend improved VO2max and time to exhaustion, while one week of use produced no effect—suggesting any benefit needs several weeks and is not established for short-term use.

When to take it

Taken daily; in trials, performance benefits appeared after roughly three weeks of consistent supplementation rather than from a single pre-workout dose.

Side effects

Generally well tolerated in short studies, with occasional mild gastrointestinal upset. Long-term safety data are limited, and product potency varies by species and growing method.

Sources

• Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation (J Diet Suppl, 2017)

Products containing Cordyceps

No products in our database contain this ingredient yet.