Cordyceps is a genus of functional mushrooms that has been used in Tibetan and Chinese traditional medicine for over 2,000 years. In nature, cordyceps is a fascinating organism — it is an entomopathogenic fungus that parasitizes insects. The two most important species: Cordyceps sinensis — a rare wild species from the Tibetan highlands (4,000-5,000m altitude). So rare that a kilogram can cost over 20,000 euros. Cordyceps militaris — a cultivable species containing the same bioactive compounds. Scientifically studied and an affordable alternative. Key bioactive compounds in cordyceps: Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) — a unique nucleoside found only in cordyceps Adenosine — an energy and cell signaling molecule Beta-glucans — immune system modulators Polysaccharides — with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties Sterols and ergosterol — a vitamin D precursor

Cordyceps: Energy, Endurance and Athletic

What is Cordyceps?

Cordyceps is a genus of functional mushrooms that has been used in Tibetan and Chinese traditional medicine for over 2,000 years. In nature, cordyceps is a fascinating organism — it is an entomopathogenic fungus that parasitizes insects.

The two most important species:

Cordyceps sinensis — a rare wild species from the Tibetan highlands (4,000-5,000m altitude). So rare that a kilogram can cost over 20,000 euros.
Cordyceps militaris — a cultivable species containing the same bioactive compounds. Scientifically studied and an affordable alternative.

Key bioactive compounds in cordyceps:

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) — a unique nucleoside found only in cordyceps
Adenosine — an energy and cell signaling molecule
Beta-glucans — immune system modulators
Polysaccharides — with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Sterols and ergosterol — a vitamin D precursor

How Does Cordyceps Boost Energy?

Cordyceps does not work like caffeine — it does not stimulate the nervous system. Instead, it raises energy at the cellular level.

ATP production:

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the body's primary energy molecule
Cordyceps contains adenosine — a precursor to ATP
Studies show that cordyceps increases ATP production in mitochondria
More ATP = more energy for every cell

Hirsch et al. (2017):

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 28 healthy adults
3 weeks of Cordyceps militaris supplementation
VO2max increased by 11% compared to placebo
Ventilatory threshold (the point between aerobic and anaerobic zones) rose significantly

Chen et al. (2010):

20 healthy elderly participants
12 weeks of cordyceps supplementation
Aerobic capacity and fatigue resistance improved significantly
Metabolic threshold increased

Does Cordyceps Improve Oxygen Uptake?

One of the most exciting properties of cordyceps is its effect on oxygen uptake.

Mechanisms:

Increases oxygen utilization in muscle tissue
Improves hemoglobin oxygen saturation
Supports mitochondrial efficiency
Dilates bronchi, improving airflow

Yi et al. (2004):

37 healthy elderly participants
6 weeks of cordyceps supplementation
Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) rose significantly
Aerobic threshold increased by 10.5%

This makes cordyceps particularly interesting for endurance athletes — runners, cyclists, swimmers, and cross-country skiers.

Cordyceps for Athletic Performance

Cordyceps is an increasingly popular supplement among athletes.

Why athletes use cordyceps:

1. Endurance boost — improved oxygen uptake and ATP production
2. Faster recovery — anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
3. Fatigue reduction — increased cellular energy
4. Natural and safe — unlike many stimulants
5. Not on the WADA banned list — permitted for professional athletes

Dudgeon et al. (2018):

7 days of Cordyceps militaris supplementation
HIIT training on a cycle ergometer
VO2max increased compared to the placebo group
Aerobic performance improved

Pre-Workout Use

Cordyceps is an excellent pre-workout supplement:

30-60 minutes before training
Increases energy without nervousness
Improves endurance and oxygen utilization
Pairs well with creatine and beta-alanine

Does Cordyceps Support the Immune System?

Like other functional mushrooms, cordyceps contains beta-glucans.

Immunomodulatory effects:

Activates NK cells and macrophages
Modulates cytokine production
Supports the adaptive immune response

Koh et al. (2002):

Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides stimulated immune cell activity
NK cell activity rose significantly
Anti-inflammatory cytokine production was regulated

This makes cordyceps a useful supplement during illness season, especially in autumn and winter. Also check out our echinacea products for additional immune support.

Cordyceps and Hormonal Health

Cordyceps has a potential role in supporting hormonal health.

Testosterone:

Hsu et al. (2003) showed that cordyceps stimulated testosterone production in Leydig cells in vitro
This does not mean artificial testosterone boosting — rather, it optimizes the body's natural production

Adrenal health:

Cordyceps supports adrenal function
Helps regulate cortisol levels
Adaptogenic action against stress

Forms of Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris Extract (Recommended)

Gold standard — most researched and accessible
Cultivable, affordable
Contains cordycepin, adenosine, beta-glucans
Available in capsules and powder

CS-4 (Cordyceps sinensis Fermentation)

Mycelium-based fermentation
Studied in Chinese clinical trials
Cheaper than wild C. sinensis
Drawback: Some studies show lower cordycepin content

Wild Cordyceps sinensis

Extremely expensive and rare
Gold standard of traditional medicine
Practically inaccessible to the average person
Most products on the market are counterfeit

Dosing

Goal	Dose	Notes
General energy	1-3g daily	Morning with food
Athletic performance	1-3g daily	30-60 min before training
Immune support	1-2g daily	Long-term use
Endurance	2-3g daily	At least 3-4 weeks

Dosing tips:

Start with 1g and increase gradually
Morning or before training (due to energy effects)
Do not take in the evening — may disrupt sleep
Results typically appear within 2-4 weeks
Long-term use is safe

Side Effects and Warnings

Cordyceps is generally a very safe supplement.

Possible mild side effects:

Digestive discomfort (rare)
Dry mouth
Mild nausea (especially on an empty stomach)

Cautions:

Blood thinners — cordyceps may have a mild anticoagulant effect. Consult your doctor.
Immunosuppressants — since cordyceps modulates the immune system, consult your doctor
Diabetes medications — may enhance blood sugar-lowering effects
Pregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient safety data available

Combining Cordyceps with Other Supplements

Cordyceps + creatine — ATP energy production + creatine phosphate system = excellent synergistic training effect. Browse our creatine selection.

Cordyceps + chaga — dual endurance and immune support. Explore our chaga products.

Cordyceps + ashwagandha — two adaptogens together — optimal combination for energy and stress tolerance. Browse our ashwagandha selection.

Cordyceps + beta-alanine — boosting endurance and buffering capacity.

Our Recommendation

For Athletes

Cordyceps militaris extract 2-3g daily
30-60 minutes before training
Combine with creatine for optimal effect
Use consistently for at least 4 weeks

For Energy and Endurance

1-2g Cordyceps militaris extract in the morning
Mix into coffee or smoothie
Excellent caffeine-free energy boost
Results within 2-3 weeks

For Immune Support

1-2g daily as a long-term course
Especially important during autumn-winter season
Combine with chaga and vitamin D

Summary

Cordyceps is one of the few supplements that boosts energy and endurance naturally, without stimulating the nervous system.

Key points:

Increases ATP production — the foundation of cellular energy
Improves oxygen uptake — VO2max increase of up to 11% (Hirsch 2017)
Not on the WADA list — permitted for professional athletes
Cordyceps militaris is the best affordable option
Dose of 1-3g daily, 30-60 min before training
Well-tolerated and safe for long-term use
Results within 2-4 weeks

Explore our cordyceps products to find the right form for you.

References

1. Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. (2017). Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(1), 42-53.
2. Chen S, Li Z, Krochmal R, Abrazado M, Kim W, Cooper CB. (2010). Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(5), 585-590.
3. Yi X, Xi-zhen H, Jia-shi Z. (2004). Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 10(3), 187-192.
4. Dudgeon WD, Thomas DD, Dauch W, Scheett TP, Webster MJ. (2018). The effects of high and low-dose Cordyceps militaris-containing mushroom blend supplementation after seven and twenty-eight days. American Journal of Sports Science, 6(1), 1-7.
5. Koh JH, Yu KW, Suh HJ, Choi YM, Ahn TS. (2002). Activation of macrophages and the intestinal immune system by an orally administered decoction from cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 66(2), 407-411.

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