Skip to content
Performance/Immunity/Heart

Cordyceps

Medicinal mushroom extract studied for modest fatigue and exercise-tolerance benefits in adults, though evidence remains mixed.

Cordyceps
40
score
C
evidence
Caution
risk

Our methodology: How we evaluate supplements and turn the underlying research into a single rating.

Read full methodology
Use with caution

This supplement may interact with medications, medical conditions or sensitive populations. Review safety before use.

Quick Take

Possible help for fatigue and exercise tolerance, but evidence is mixed and quality varies a lot by extract.

Cordyceps is a medicinal fungus genus that in nature grows parasitically on insect larvae; supplement products usually contain cultivated Cordyceps militaris or fermented Ophiocordyceps sinensis mycelium rather than wild-harvested fungus. Its key compounds, including beta-glucans and cordycepin-like nucleosides, may influence cellular energy use and immune signaling. Human evidence suggests modest benefits for exercise tolerance and fatigue, with much weaker data for immune and cardiometabolic markers.

Potential benefits

01
Improves exercise tolerance
02
May reduce fatigue
03
May support immune markers
04
May improve lipid profile
05
May support glucose control

Protocol

Amount
1-3 g
Frequency
Once daily or split into 2 doses
When
Morning or early afternoon with food; if it feels stimulating, avoid taking it close to bedtime.

Onset Time

4-8 weeks for fatigue/exercise effects; 8-12 weeks for labs

Who Should Consider

Adults with persistent non-medical fatigue
Recreational exercisers seeking a cautious trial
Older adults wanting to test exercise tolerance
People who prefer mushroom-based supplements

How It Works

Cordyceps appears to affect adenosine-related signaling, mitochondrial energy production, and nitric-oxide pathways, which may slightly improve oxygen use during exertion. Its beta-glucans and other fungal compounds also interact with immune cells, altering cytokine and NK-cell activity.

Updated 5/19/2026

Put Cordyceps in context.

Compare the closest evidence-ranked options, or see how this supplement fits your goals and what you already take.

Is Cordyceps right for your goals?

Answer four quick questions for recommendations that already account for the supplement you just reviewed.

Get recommendations