6 Benefits of Cordyceps, All Backed by Science

Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on insect larvae. It contains various components that may be beneficial to your health in different ways. However, more research on humans is needed to confirm this.

When these fungi attack their host, they replace its tissue and sprout long, slender stems that grow outside the host’s body.

For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has used the remains of insects and fungi to treat fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low sex drive.

Supplements and products containing Cordyceps extract have become increasingly popular due to their many purported health benefits.

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However, much of this research is limited to animal or lab studies, so health experts currently can’t draw conclusions about their effects on people. However, their potential health benefits are promising.

This article highlights six potential benefits of Cordyceps based on science.

Cordyceps

For example, in a 2024 study, 14 young adults were given either a placebo or 1 gram (g) of Cordyceps before a high intensity interval exercise session. The researchers found that those who took Cordyceps had less muscle damage and faster cell repair, allowing for quicker recovery.

That said, this was a very small human study. Other recent studies involved animals. For instance, in a

But older

Cordyceps contains polyphenols, which can act as antioxidants or help boost antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are molecules that

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Cordyceps’ potential to slow tumor growth has generated significant interest in recent years. In test-tube studies, Cordyceps has been shown to inhibit the growth of many types of human cancer cells, including

Studies in mice have also shown that Cordyceps may have anti-tumor effects on

However, these studies were also performed in animals and test tubes, not humans, so health experts can’t currently draw conclusions.

This suggests that Cordyceps

However, as with other potential therapeutic uses of Cordyceps, these studies do not provide conclusive evidence about its effects on humans.

Cordyceps may have a beneficial effect on heart health.

For example, a

This matters because the buildup of harmful oxidative stress in the heart can lead to cardiac hypertrophy. Some researchers attribute this to Cordyceps containing adenosine, which is a naturally occurring compound that may have heart-protective effects.

In addition, the effect of Cordyceps on blood fats like triglycerides may be indirectly linked to a lower risk of heart disease because a higher level in the blood is a

That said, more human-based research evidence is needed for the fungus’s effect on heart health. A

Although short-term inflammation is important in the healing process, long-term inflammation can lead to diseases.

Because of these potential effects, researchers believe Cordyceps may serve as a useful anti-inflammatory supplement or drug.

For example, in a 2022 animal study, researchers found that the fungus helped reduce inflammation related to arthritis, while other research had similar findings in terms of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

That said, the potential inflammation-fighting properties of Cordyceps have yet to be observed in humans.

Cordyceps sinensis is difficult to harvest and can cost up to

Due to limited human research, there is no consensus on dosages. A 2018 study used a dosage of

The fungus’s ongoing history of use in traditional Chinese medicine suggests it’s nontoxic. In fact, the Chinese government approved Cordyceps CS-4 for use in hospitals and recognizes it as a safe, natural drug.

Research also seems to confirm this. In a 2021 study on mice, researchers found that giving up to 20 g per kg of Cordyceps orally for 14 days didn’t result in any deaths or abnormalities in organs or tissues.

Similarly, in a

That said, it’s not possible to completely exclude the possibility of serious adverse effects such as an allergic reaction. More safety testing in humans is needed.

Cordyceps are used in traditional Chinese medicine for various health issues, but there is limited research on their effects on humans.

Animal and lab studies show potential for improving heart health and fighting inflammation, cancer, diabetes, and aging. Studies have also shown a potential benefit during exercise.

However, more human research is needed to determine whether these benefits are legitimate and to determine the proper dosage and safety of Cordyceps supplements.

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