Cordyceps
A medicinal mushroom (Cordyceps militaris or Cordyceps sinensis) traditionally used in Chinese medicine for energy, endurance, and vitality. Cordyceps enhances cellular energy production by increasing ATP synthesis and oxygen utilization. It supports both physical and mental stamina, making it popular among athletes and knowledge workers. CS-4 (Cordyceps sinensis mycelium) and Cordyceps militaris fruiting body are the two main supplement forms.
Dosage
Standard: 1000-3000 mg daily of Cordyceps militaris fruiting body extract. CS-4 mycelium: 1000-3000 mg daily. Cordycepin content varies by product. Take in the morning — may be mildly stimulating. Effects build over 1-2 weeks.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
Bioactive compounds accumulate with daily use
Administration
Oral (capsules, powder, extract). Cordyceps militaris fruiting body preferred over CS-4 mycelium for cordycepin content.
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Mechanism of Action
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), the primary bioactive compound, increases ATP production by enhancing mitochondrial electron transport chain efficiency — it may act as an alternative substrate or modulator of Complex I and Complex III. Cordycepin activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) via increased AMP/ATP ratio or direct activation of the alpha subunit, promoting glucose uptake through GLUT4 translocation and fatty acid oxidation via CPT-1 and ACC inhibition. Cordyceps increases erythropoietin (EPO) production, likely through HIF-1alpha stabilization in hypoxic-sensitive tissues, improving oxygen-carrying capacity. Cordycepin has adenosine-like activity, modulating purinergic P1 (A1, A2A, A2B, A3) and P2 receptors. Anti-inflammatory effects occur through inhibition of NF-kB (reducing IKK degradation of IkB and nuclear translocation) and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha). Adenosine deaminase-resistant cordycepin may also affect RNA polyadenylation.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine ingredient. Not FDA-approved for any medical condition.
Risks & Safety
Common
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, dry mouth.
Serious
May lower blood sugar — caution with diabetes medications. May increase bleeding risk.
Rare
Allergic reaction in mushroom-sensitive individuals.
Compare Cordyceps With
Research Papers
9Published: October 28, 2024
AI Summary
Research indicates that polysaccharides exhibiting immunomodulatory activity are predominantly sourced from Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. In conclusion, Cordyceps polysaccharides exhibit significant immunomodulatory activity and merit further investigation.
Published: May 20, 2015
AI Summary
This review summarizes the cordyceps fungi currently used in the industry in China with a special reference to clarify Chinese cordyceps and associated fungi. The exploitation of the resources of cordyceps fungi and their quality control in the industry should be major topics for future studies.
Published: August 29, 2024
AI Summary
These components have been associated with a variety of pharmacological effects, including: anti-microbial, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. This review provides current knowledge on the bioactive potential of Cordyceps spp.
Published: August 27, 2020
AI Summary
This review summarises the current researches in the yield of Cordyceps polysaccharides. A mechanism for the biosynthesis of Cordyceps polysaccharides was proposed by referring to the polysaccharide synthesis in other species.
Published: March 6, 2024
AI Summary
Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of cordyceps in treating atherosclerosis through various pharmacological actions, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, lowering cholesterol, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and modulating apoptosis or autophagy in vascular endothelial cells.
Published: September 18, 2024
AI Summary
This review aims to describe specific and promising opportunities for the in-depth study and development of C. militaris as a new chassis cell. Additionally, to increase the practicability of this review, examples of the construction of cell factories are provided, and promising strategies for synthetic biology development are illustrated.
Published: October 3, 2022
AI Summary
It is rich in various active components, of which adenosine, cordycepin and polysaccharides have been confirmed with significant immunomodulatory and antitumor functions. Recent evidence has revealed that the signal pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), cysteine-aspartic proteases (caspases) ...
Published: June 11, 2020
AI Summary
Cordyceps is a rare naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus usually found at high altitudes on the Himalayan plateau and a well-known medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine. Additionally, it also summarizes the details of cordycepin based nutraceuticals predominantly available in the market with expected global value.
Published: October 4, 2024
AI Summary
Cordyceps has a long medicinal history as a nourishing herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Numerous studies have indicated that Cordyceps or its artificial substitutes have significant bioactivity on ischemic CCVDs, however, there is a lack of relevant reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cordyceps used for?
A medicinal mushroom (Cordyceps militaris or Cordyceps sinensis) traditionally used in Chinese medicine for energy, endurance, and vitality. Cordyceps enhances cellular energy production by increasing ATP synthesis and oxygen utilization. It supports both physical and mental stamina, making it popular among athletes and knowledge workers. CS-4 (Cordyceps sinensis mycelium) and Cordyceps militaris fruiting body are the two main supplement forms.
What are the side effects of Cordyceps?
Common: Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, dry mouth. Serious: May lower blood sugar — caution with diabetes medications. May increase bleeding risk. Rare: Allergic reaction in mushroom-sensitive individuals.
How is Cordyceps administered?
Cordyceps is administered via oral (capsules, powder, extract). cordyceps militaris fruiting body preferred over cs-4 mycelium for cordycepin content..
What is the half-life of Cordyceps?
The half-life of Cordyceps is Bioactive compounds accumulate with daily use.
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