Cordyceps mushrooms have been used since ancient times in Chinese Medicine and have recently become popular around the world. They are most commonly used to improve energy levels and athletic performance, but they may also be used to help treat a wide range of illnesses and diseases. The purpose of this article is to inform potential consumers of Cordyceps about the clinical trials that have been conducted on these supplements. These include trials for both Cordyceps militaris and Ophiocordyceps sinesnsis products.
Cordyceps Clinical Trials (as of Feb 2024)
Hirsch, Katie R., et al. “Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation.” Journal of dietary supplements 14.1 (2017): 42-53.
The study investigated the effects of supplementing with a mushroom blend containing Cordyceps militaris on high-intensity exercise performance after 1 and 3 weeks. Results showed that after 3 weeks of supplementation, there was a significant improvement in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and time to exhaustion (TTE) in the group receiving the mushroom blend compared to the placebo group. Additionally, acute supplementation did not show significant improvements, suggesting that consistent long-term supplementation may be necessary for optimal benefits in high-intensity exercise tolerance.
Yi, Xiao, Huang Xi-zhen, and Zhu Jia-shi. “Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers.” Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine 10 (2004): 187-192.
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) extract, specifically Cs-4, on exercise capacity in healthy elderly individuals through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. After 6 weeks of supplementation, those who took Cs-4 showed significant increases in maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and anaerobic threshold (VO2θ), indicating improved aerobic capacity and resistance to fatigue during exercise. These findings support the traditional use of Cs-4 in China for enhancing exercise performance and reducing fatigue in the elderly population.
Chen, Steve, et al. “Effect of Cs-4®(Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” The Journal of alternative and complementary medicine 16.5 (2010): 585-590.
The study aimed to investigate the effects of Cs-4® (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy elderly individuals through a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. After 12 weeks of supplementation, subjects taking Cs-4 showed significant increases in both metabolic threshold (10.5%) and ventilatory threshold (8.5%), indicating improved exercise capacity. No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. These findings suggest that Cs-4 supplementation may enhance exercise performance and contribute to overall wellness in healthy older individuals.
Thongsawang, Siraphatthra, et al. “Applying Cordyceps sinensis to Boost Endurance Performance in Long-Distance Runners.” Journal of Exercise Physiology Online 24.3 (2021): 1-13.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Cordyceps supplementation on reducing fatigue in long-distance runners. Twelve male long-distance runners participated in a randomized, single-blind study where they alternately consumed Cordyceps, sodium bicarbonate (SB), and placebo (ST) for 2-week periods with a 1-week washout in between. Measurements of time to exhaustion (TTE), ventilatory threshold (VT1 and VT2), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) were taken after each supplementation period. Results showed that Cordyceps significantly improved TTE, VT2, and VO2 max compared to placebo. Cordyceps and SB also improved these parameters compared to baseline, indicating that Cordyceps may enhance endurance performance and reduce fatigue in long-distance runners.
Jung, Su-Jin, et al. “Immunomodulatory effects of a mycelium extract of Cordyceps (Paecilomyces hepiali; CBG-CS-2): a randomized and double-blind clinical trial.” BMC complementary and alternative medicine 19.1 (2019): 1-8.
In this study, a Cordyceps mycelium culture extract (CBG-CS-2) was prepared to evaluate its efficacy in enhancing the immune system and its safety in healthy adults. Participants were divided into intervention and control groups, with the intervention group receiving 1.68 g/day of CBG-CS-2 capsules for 8 weeks. After the supplementation period, the CBG-CS-2 group showed a significant 38.8% enhancement in natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity compared to the placebo group. These findings suggest that CBG-CS-2 supplementation can effectively enhance cell-mediated immunity in healthy adults without causing inflammation, indicating its safety and efficacy for immune system support.
Hsieh, Shao-An, et al. “The effects of Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies in micturition and prostate size in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients: A pilot study.” Pharmacological Research-Modern Chinese Medicine 4 (2022): 100143.
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of ingesting Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and sexual function in elderly male volunteers. Conducted as an open clinical trial with 62 patients receiving standard medical treatment alongside Cordyceps supplementation, the study found significant improvements in maximum urinary flow, reduction in prostate volume, and alleviation of urinary symptoms (as indicated by the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire). Additionally, Cordyceps supplementation showed positive effects on sexual function, as assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. These results suggest that Cordyceps militaris may be beneficial in treating BPH and improving sexual function in elderly men.
Savioli, Fellipe Pinheiro, et al. “Effects of cordyceps sinensis supplementation during 12 weeks in amateur marathoners: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.” Journal of Herbal Medicine 34 (2022): 100570.
The study aimed to assess whether supplementation with Cordyceps sinensis improves aerobic performance in physically active individuals. Thirty amateur marathoners participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, receiving 2 g of Cordyceps sinensis per day for 12 weeks. Results showed that Cordyceps sinensis supplementation led to a reduction in heart rate at submaximal intensity after eight weeks and improved aerobic performance after 12 weeks. This suggests that Cordyceps sinensis may enhance the aerobic performance of amateur marathoners.
Heo, Jin Young, et al. “The efficacy and safety of Cordyceps militaris in Korean adults who have mild liver dysfunction.” Journal of the Korean Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 7.3 (2015): 81-86.
The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Cordyceps militaris in Korean adults with mild liver dysfunction. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving 1.5 g/day of Cordyceps militaris and the other receiving a placebo. Various laboratory tests and liver computed tomography (CT) scans were conducted, along with subjective symptom assessments. Results showed that the Cordyceps militaris group exhibited an increase in liver Hounsfield unit values on CT scans, indicating potential improvement in liver function. Overall, Cordyceps militaris extract was found to be safe and may offer benefits in protecting against liver conditions such as fatty liver or cirrhosis by reducing lipid accumulation in hepatocytes.
Dubhashi, Siddharth, et al. “Early Trends to Show the Efficacy of Cordyceps militaris in Mild to Moderate COVID Inflammation.” Cureus 15.8 (2023).
The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Cordyceps capsules as an adjunct to standard treatment in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. Sixty-five patients were randomly assigned to receive either Cordyceps capsules or a placebo. Results showed a higher proportion of recoveries on day 5, a shorter time for improvement of clinical symptoms, and a higher number of patients testing negative for COVID-19 on day 10 in the Cordyceps group compared to the placebo group. Cordyceps appeared to be a safe immunological adjuvant for treating mild to moderate COVID-19 cases.
Nicodemus, K. J., R. D. Hagen, and J. S. Zhu. “CordyMax Cs-4 improves cardiovascular and metabolic capacity during exercise in highly-fit athletes.”
The study aimed to investigate the effects of CordyMax Cs-4 (Cs), a mycelial fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis, on cardiovascular and metabolic capacity during peak and submaximal treadmill exercise. Highly-fit male athletes were randomized into either a Cs group or a placebo group and underwent six weeks of supplementation. Results showed that Cs prevented physical training-induced increases in peak heart rate, increased peak oxygen pulse during peak exercise, and reduced heart rate during submaximal exercise. Additionally, Cs supplementation led to reductions in basal blood glucose, respiratory exchange ratio, and blood lactate levels during submaximal exercise. These findings suggest that CordyMax Cs-4 may improve cardiovascular and metabolic functions during exercise in highly-fit athletes, promoting more robust physical conditions.
Jung, Su Jin, et al. “Effects of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on the immune response and upper respiratory infection in healthy adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” Journal of Nutrition and Health 52.3 (2019): 258-267.
In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 100 healthy volunteers with a history of recurrent colds, Cordyceps militaris supplementation did not significantly affect the incidence or symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URI) compared to placebo. However, the Cordyceps group exhibited significantly higher levels of natural killer (NK) cell activity and IgA, suggesting potential immunomodulatory effects. While the study did not demonstrate a protective effect against URI, it highlights the potential immune-boosting properties of Cordyceps militaris that warrant further investigation.
Zhou, Jiaojiao, et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Cordyceps militaris as an Adjuvant to Duloxetine in the Treatment of Insomnia in Patients with Depression: A 6-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Frontiers in Psychiatry 12 (2021): 754921.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 59 patients with major depressive disorder and insomnia, Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) supplementation alongside duloxetine did not significantly improve sleep symptoms compared to placebo over a 6-week period. Although depressive and sleep symptoms decreased in both groups over time, the reduction in Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) scores was less pronounced in the C. militaris group. However, there were no significant differences in Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) scores or adverse event rates between the two groups, suggesting that C. militaris supplementation was safe with minimal side effects.
Wang, Ningqun, et al. “Herbal medicine Cordyceps sinensis improves health-related quality of life in moderate-to-severe asthma.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine 2016 (2016).
In a study involving 120 patients with moderate-to-severe persistent asthma, those treated with Cordyceps sinensis experienced significant improvements in health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), asthma symptoms, lung function, and inflammatory profile compared to the control group. The treatment group, receiving Corbin capsules containing Cordyceps sinensis for 3 months alongside standard asthma medications, exhibited increased Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) scores and improved lung function. Additionally, levels of inflammatory markers in the serum, including IgE, ICAM-1, IL-4, and MMP-9, decreased, while IgG levels increased in the treatment group. These findings suggest that Cordyceps sinensis supplementation may be beneficial for patients with moderate-to-severe asthma.
Kang, Ho Joon, et al. “Cordyceps militaris enhances cell-mediated immunity in healthy Korean men.” Journal of medicinal food 18.10 (2015): 1164-1172.
In a study involving healthy male adults, Cordyceps militaris supplementation was found to significantly enhance cell-mediated immunity. Participants who received C. militaris showed a greater increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation index, and levels of T-helper cell 1 (Th1) cytokines compared to those in the control group. These effects were observed without any significant adverse reactions, indicating the safety and efficacy of C. militaris in boosting immune function.
Colson, Sheree N., et al. “Cordyceps sinensis-and Rhodiola rosea-based supplementation in male cyclists and its effect on muscle tissue oxygen saturation.” The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 19.2 (2005): 358-363.
The study investigated the effects of a supplementation containing Cordyceps sinensis (Cs) and Rhodiola rosea (Rr) on muscle tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) during maximal exercise in male cyclists. Following a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design, eight subjects received either Cs-Rr or placebo. Results indicated no significant differences in StO2, VO2max, ventilatory threshold, or time to exhaustion between the treatment and control groups. Therefore, supplementation with Cs-Rr did not significantly enhance muscle tissue oxygen saturation during exercise.
Pasha, Shaik Muzammil, et al. “Improved Oxygen Saturation and Performance of Athletes using Cordyceps militaris.”
The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on athlete performance. Forty-eight athletes aged 16-35 were divided into four groups and supplemented with blind placebo, Cordyceps militaris, whey protein, or a combination of Cordyceps militaris and whey protein for 3 weeks. Results showed that athletes supplemented with Cordyceps militaris exhibited higher oxygen saturation, stabilized heart rate, shorter running times for 5 km and 200 m distances, and reduced fatigue on the treadmill compared to control groups. Hematological analysis revealed increased red blood cell size, leading to enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity and flow, contributing to improved performance and reduced fatigue in Cordyceps-supplemented subjects.
Jung SuJin, Jung SuJin, et al. “Effects of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on the immune response and upper respiratory infection in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” (2019): 258-267.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) against upper respiratory tract infections (URI). Conducted over 12 weeks, the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 100 healthy volunteers aged 20-70 with a history of at least two colds in the year. While the study found no significant impact on the incidence and symptomatology of URI compared to the placebo group, the Cordyceps militaris group exhibited significantly higher natural killer (NK) cell activity and IgA levels. These results suggest potential immunomodulating effects of Cordyceps militaris, although its protective effects against URI were not demonstrated in this study, warranting further research into its efficacy and mechanisms.
Wong, Eliza LY, et al. “Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of herbal therapy for children with asthma.” The journal of alternative and complementary medicine 15.10 (2009): 1091-1097.
The study evaluated the efficacy of the herbal formula CUF2 in children with asthma. This formula, containing a blend of five herbs, including Astragalus mongholius Bunge, Cordyceps sinensis Sacc., Radix stemonae, Bulbus fritillariae cirrhosae, and Radix scutellariae, was administered to children aged 7–15 years as a daily oral capsule for 6 months. However, the trial found no significant difference in clinical symptoms, biochemical markers, or lung function between the group receiving CUF2 and the placebo group, suggesting that the herbal formula did not provide additional benefit in managing asthma symptoms compared to conventional treatment alone.
肖毅, 黄席珍, and 朱佳石. “Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial andAssessment of Fermentation Product of Cordyceps Sinensis (Cs-4) inEnhancing Aerobic Capacity and Respiratory Function ofThe Healthy Elderly Volunteers.” 中国中西医结合杂志: 英文版 10.3 (2004): 187-192.
In this study, researchers aimed to see if a natural herbal medicine called Cs-4, made from Cordyceps sinensis, could improve exercise performance in elderly people. They conducted a 6-week trial where 37 healthy elderly participants took either Cs-4 or a placebo. The results showed that those who took Cs-4 had significant improvements in their maximum oxygen intake and anaerobic threshold, indicating better exercise capacity compared to those who took the placebo. This suggests that Cs-4 may help elderly individuals improve their ability to exercise and resist fatigue.
Conclusion
The number of clinical trials conducted on Cordyceps is far superior to many other herbal medicines and medicinal mushrooms. This list includes a majority, but not all, of the clinical trials involving Cordyceps. These clinical trials span many health aspects, including exercise performance, immune function, asthma management, liver health, and even COVID-19 management. While most studies demonstrated promising results, it is important to note that a handful showed no significant benefits. Regardless, Cordyceps shows very good potential for improving immune function, respiratory health, and athletic preformance.
Reccomended Cordyceps Supplements
There are many different brands and cordyceps products out there on the market. Consider reading our guide on how to choose a quality mushroom supplement before purchasing any product. Not all are created equal! Below are some recommended brands that have been vetted for quality and ethical business practices.
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Blog articles like this are meant to educate and inform our readers about the benefits and functions of medicinal mushrooms based on scientific research. We aim to empower individuals with knowledge so they can make informed decisions when incorporating these products into their wellness routines. It’s important to note that while medicinal mushrooms have shown promising health benefits in studies, we do not make claims that they can cure or treat specific diseases.
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