Cordyceps

IMPORTANT: There is a more up-to-date Cordyceps post on our blog - click the link to read it!

Cordyceps, also known as caterpillar fungus, is a parasitic mold that grows in high altitudes. It is a prized herb in Chinese medicine that has been used for hundreds of years. Most notably to treat infertility and sexual dysfunction,^[1] but also as a general aphrodisiac.

During our original research on this fungus, a massive alert went off in that no well-performed, human-based studies were found at the time. That has all changed with the launch of PeakO2, which is heavily-discussed in our aforementioned Cordyceps post on the blog!

Cordyceps gained worldwide recognition in 1993 when a group of Chinese athletes broke multiple world records in long distance running at the National Games in Beijing. Ma Junren, the coach of that particular team, told reporters that the reason for their enhanced performance was because he instructed his athletes to take cordyceps and turtle blood.

It's worth noting that the athletes failed to match the same performance levels when they were tested independently of the China's Olympics committee for anti-doping -- at events held outside of China. Regardless of whether cordyceps has a reputation that has withstood the test of time, it's still an integral component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and picking up some serious momentum in the world of health and fitness.

Benefits

Human studies may be lacking, but as a successful treatment in TCM over the past several centuries, cordyceps is a supplement worth looking into. While human studies are lacking, what really gives this ingredient its credentials is its successful use in TCM over the centuries.

Increases endurance

In 2003, researchers from the Obesity Research Center, Dongduk Women's University in Seoul, Korea, found that cordyceps supplements increased endurance in labortory mice. The animals were given 150mg to 300mg of the fungus per kg of bodyweight. The orally supplemented mice saw an increase in swimming endurance and fatigue reduction, versus those given placebo. Also, the supplemented group had a significantly increased capacity for staying in the water, from 75 minutes to 90 minutes.^[2]

Reduced stress levels

The same study also demonstrated that the mice had reduced stress levels. The rodents were given 150mg of cordyceps orally for eight days. The weight changes of the adrenal gland, spleen, thymus, and thyroid, which is an index of stress, were all suppressed. The extract also significantly inhibited the increase in total cholesterol and a decrease in alkaline phosphatase levels -- serving as markers for immobilized stress in rats.^[2]

Increased testosterone and sexual function

A study done on rats shows an increase in serum testosterone levels and sexual function. Ninety rats were divided into three groups of equal size. Some were fed a regular diet, while others were supplemented with 1% or 5% cordyceps. Sperm samples were collected and analyzed after six weeks, demonstrating significantly increased quality and quanity in the enhanced diet group.^[3]

Antioxidants

An in vivo and an in vitro study show that certain polysaccharides (carbohydrates, such as starches, cellulose, or glycogen) present in cordyceps have antioxidant properties.^{[4, 5]}

Who should use it

While cordyceps is not toxic and there have been no reported side effects -- at least for lab rats -- just a few in vivo (live) studies prove its effectiveness. And most of those were done on lab animals as well.

Considerations

You should really only think about supplementing with this fungus if you're in good health and consume a diverse, healthy diet. It's also important that you understand the product's uses, side effects, benefits, and other characteristics.

PricePlow editors would recommend cordyceps to advanced athletes who are fine-tuning their performance and are under a doctor's strict care. Until more studies are done -- specifically on humans -- standard gym-goers, children under the age of 18 and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use cordyceps without first talking to their doctor.

Forms

Cordyceps is available in bulk powder, capsules, and liquid extracts. An increasing number of supplement companies now include it as an ingredient in multipurpose endurance and energy formulas. Some have even built entire formulas around this fungus.

While there's no established RDA for cordyceps, dosages can vary dramatically depending on the form. Be sure to follow the directions on product labels and talk to your healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

Recommended dosage

There is no official RDA or upper tolerable limit for cordyceps. However, it's common for athletes to take between 5g to 10g daily in capsule or powder form. Powdered extracts are considerably different in strength, but are typically used in the range of 1g to 3g per day.

Liquid cordyceps extracts are commonly used in the range of 1ml to 3ml daily. Dosages can be consumed at once or broken down into two or three per day.

Toxicity

Cordyceps is considered to be non-toxic in lab rats.^[6] A lethal dose has yet to be established. There have been no studies on humans verifying the safety of this supplement.

Potential side effects

While reports of side effects are rare, and, based on animal studies, certain experts make the assumption that the supplement is generally considered safe, there have been a few documented side effects including digestive discomfort, diarrhea, dry mouth, and nausea.^[7]

Considerations

This article is a compilation of research and opinions. It is not in any way medical advice. You should always speak with your healthcare professional before using a new supplement. It is also worth noting the stunning lack of research, given the amount of press and marketing these products have received as of late.

Where to buy

At PricePlow, we understand the value of optimal health and performance. We want to help you get the best deals on all of your diet and fitness supplies. Come to PricePlow to compare prices on popular brands, and read unbiased, third-party reviews before you shell out your hard earned cash.

Best Cordyceps Products

Thanks to the new PeakO2 study, Scivation Xtend Perform is the top cordyceps-based product!

References

Das SK,et al.; Fitoterapia; "Medicinal uses of the mushroom Cordyceps militaris: current state and prospects;" December 2010
Koh JH, et al.; Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin; "Antifatigue and antistress effect of the hot-water fraction from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis;" May 2003
Chang Y, et al.; The American Journal of Chinese Medicine; "Effect of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on sperm production, sperm motility and hormones in Sprague-Dawley rats;" 2008
Zhang J, et al.; International Immunopharmacology; "Effect of polysaccharide from cultured Cordyceps sinensis on immune function and anti-oxidation activity of mice exposed to 60Co;" December2011
Wang Y, et al.; The American Journal of Chinese Medicine; "Structural determination and antioxidant activity of a polysaccharide from the fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis;" 2009
Meena, H., et. al.; Indian Journal of Experimental Biology; "Sub-acute toxicity of cultured mycelia of himalayan entomogenous fungus Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. in rats;" May 2013
Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K et al.; J Altern Complement Med; "The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis : part II" 1998

By Mike

Cordycep News on PricePlow

Blog Posts

Videos

New Products

Sep 30, 2021

Blog Post
5% Nutrition’s Liver & Organ Defender Brings ON Cycle Protection!
Rich Piana's Liver and Organ Defender from 5% Nutrition covers your body's needs with their that protects all your vital organs during "harsh" times

Jul 28, 2021

Product News
Force Factor Cordyceps was created.
Category: Cordyceps

Oct 22, 2020

Blog Post
TRUWILD Motion: A Pre-Workout That Fuels Your Outdoor Adventures
TRUWILD Motion is a pre-workout that's built for the outdoor athlete. In this post, we fully disclose the label and educate you on each ingredient!

Sep 16, 2020

Blog Post
Axe & Sledge Basics: Customize Your Supplement Stack!
Introducing Axe & Sledge Basics, a line of single-ingredient supplements, that allow you to customize your supp stack and take control of your results!

Nov 18, 2019

Blog Post
MFIT Peak Force: Testosterone, Strength, Power, and Brass…
MFIT SUPPS Peak Force: A Complete Strength & Testosterone Support Supplement from the brand fronted by champion Guy Cisternino built at A&Z Pharma!

Aug 01, 2019

Blog Post
Nutrex ALPHA PUMP: A Lower-Cost, Stackable Stim-Free Pump Chaser!
Nutrex Research has announced ALPHA PUMP, a stimiulant-free pre workout supplement with some unique and new ingredients, meant to be low-cost stacked!

Feb 18, 2019

YouTube Video
What's PeakO2?! Mushrooms in the Xtend Elite Workout Supplement?!

Feb 17, 2019

Blog Post
Muscle Building Supplements: The Next Generation (2019)
Muscle Building Supplements: The 2016 Guide. We all know about creatine, protein, and amino acids... but what are the NEXT generation muscle builders?

Feb 07, 2019

Blog Post
Chemix Pre Workout: Guerilla Chemist’s Cognitive Pre Has Risen!
Chemix Pre Workout is Guerilla Chemist's pre workout, and he's chasing the "KING OF STIMS" title, as it's packed with edgy stimulants and nootropics!

Dec 14, 2018

Blog Post
Xtend Elite Features 2g PeakO2 with New Research!
Xtend Elite is the PeakO2-powered successor to Scivation Xtend Perform, which is an intra workout supplement with a serious endurance-boosting blend!

Nov 28, 2018

Blog Post
Cordyceps Crackdown: Hit-or-Miss in Supplements.. Until Now!
Cordyceps is a medicinal fungus with tons of benefits, but cordyceps sinensis is an anomaly. We figure out WHY and instead prefer cordyceps militaris!

Nov 12, 2018

Blog Post
Genius Mushrooms: Three Species for Full-Spectrum Benefits
Genius Mushrooms: Three well-researched mushroom species to provide caffeine-free energy, boost immune function, and increase cognitive performance

Oct 31, 2018

YouTube Video
Best Supplements for ENDURANCE: EndurElite's Matt Mosman

Oct 16, 2018

Blog Post
The Genius Muscle Builder: Natural Muscle Gains Like a Genius
The Genius Muscle Builder is a human research backed muscle building powder that takes things to the next level AFTER your creatine/betaine basics.

Nov 18, 2017

Blog Post
MycoBotanicals Brain: Mushroom Nootropic by Paul Stamets
MycoBotanicals Brain is a mushroom-based nootropic supplement to support optimal function of the brain and nervous system. Made by Paul Stamets!

Nov 16, 2017

Blog Post
Condemned Labz DNA Dispatch: Greater Gains with Better O2 Delivery
Condemned Labz has created a non-stimulant pre workout add-on in DNA Dispatch that enhances oxygen delivery and nitric oxide production for better performance.

Sep 23, 2017

Blog Post
Ambrosia Mental Jewels: Daily Herbal-Driven Neuro Enhancer
Ambrosia Mental Jewels is a low stim, brain boosting nootropic supplement featuring Bacognize Bacopa Monnieri and Cordyceps, coming from Marc Lobliner

Mar 22, 2017

YouTube Video
Peak O2 Cordyceps Extract Straight to the HEAD (PrimaForce)

Nov 09, 2016

Blog Post
PrimaForce Peak O2: Enhance Your Workout with Mushrooms
PrimaForce Peak O2 has sixty 2g servings of the extract, straight from Compound Solutions to help with endurance athletes and long VO2 workouts!

Feb 05, 2016

Blog Post
Scivation Xtend Perform: BCAAs for ATHLETES!
Scivation Xtend Perform is a new BCAA Supplement for athletes - it contains PeakO2, a new ingredient that can raise VO2 levels for all kinds of gains!