Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that grow on insect larvae and are known from traditional Chinese medicine. Supplements mostly use cultivated strains.
Also listed as Cordyceps Sinensis, Cordyceps Militaris, Caterpillar Fungus, Cetepiller Mushroom
Does it improve endurance?
A 2026 narrative review identified five human intervention studies with 321 participants aged 16–35. Some performance and recovery measures improved, others did not. Small studies, varied exercise tests and multi-ingredient products made interpretation difficult. 1
The positive findings justify further research, but the present evidence does not identify a reliable performance benefit for a standard cordyceps product. 1
What happened in older adults?
A pilot trial enrolled 20 healthy adults aged 50–75 for 12 weeks. Some exercise thresholds improved within the Cs-4 group, while maximum oxygen uptake did not change in either group. The small pilot offers a specific lead, not a broad demonstration of increased fitness. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Longevity2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Weight Management1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Organ Function1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cardiovascular1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Energy1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Fitness1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cognition1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.