Overview

Cordyceps is a type of fungus available in foods and drinks, as well as over-the-counter as a supplement. It is used for many reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or an upset stomach. Before taking cordyceps, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is cordyceps used for?

Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is used for various reasons. However, the benefits of cordyceps are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use cordyceps include the following.

• Kidney problems
• To increase energy levels
• To regulate the immune system
• To slow the effects of aging

Note: The FDA has not reviewed cordyceps for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

Products that contain cordyceps often contain multiple ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and other mushrooms.

How does cordyceps work (mechanism of action)?

Cordyceps is a type of fungus called Ophiocordyceps sinensis (or Cordyceps sinensis). It is sometimes called caterpillar fungus because it grows on the eggs and grubs of certain moths. Cordyceps has been used in the traditional medicine system in China, where it is known as dong chong xia cao. Dietary supplements that contain cordyceps are made from the mushroom (the fruiting body) or the roots (mycelia). Today, most cordyceps found in dietary supplements is grown in a lab.

Cordyceps naturally contains many different chemicals. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. Certain chemicals in cordyceps are thought to have antioxidant effects that may help protect the cells in your kidneys and other organs. Some of these chemicals may also change the way that certain immune cells function. But it is not clear if or how cordyceps may work for any use. Also, the amounts of each chemical in a specific cordyceps product may vary. Any effects of cordyceps may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store cordyceps?

You should store cordyceps according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of cordyceps?

The most common side effects of cordyceps are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea
• Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of cordyceps that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of cordyceps?

While less common, the most serious side effects of cordyceps are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cordyceps may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking cordyceps and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use cordyceps?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take cordyceps.

• Caterpillar fungus
• Cordyceps
• Cordyceps sinensis
• Dong chong xia cao
• Ophiocordyceps sinensis
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cordyceps products they stock.

What should I know about cordyceps before using it?

Cordyceps is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. There are also some foods and drinks that contain cordyceps, including products like protein bars and mushroom coffee. These products usually contain multiple ingredients, including spices, vitamins, minerals, and other mushrooms. Read the product label carefully to understand which ingredients are included.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep cordyceps out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as cordyceps, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific cordyceps product can change for many reasons, including the area where the fungus was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way it was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Products that contain cordyceps may be made from different parts of the fungus, including the fruiting body and the mycelia. The fruiting body is the recognizable part of the fungus that is known as the mushroom. The mycelia are thread-like parts of the fungus that spread and absorb nutrients, similar to roots. Some research on cordyceps has used the fruiting body, while other research has used the mycelia. Each of these parts has different effects on the body.  It is important to read the label to confirm which part was used to make that product.

The FDA has not tested cordyceps products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using cordyceps?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if cordyceps is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergies to Molds or Other Mushrooms.If you have had an allergic reaction to mold or mushrooms, you may be at a higher risk of having an allergic reaction to cordyceps. Speak to your health care provider before taking cordyceps if you have a mold or mushroom allergy.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

• Asthma
• Bleeding problems
• Diabetes
• Immune system problems
• Kidney problems
• Organ transplant

Other Medicines and Supplements.Cordyceps may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking cordyceps, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how cordyceps could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if cordyceps passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does cordyceps interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between cordyceps and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect cordyceps.

Does cordyceps interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking cordyceps.

• A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
• An antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
• A medicine that suppresses your immune system
• A medicine for diabetes
• Chemotherapy, which is a medicine to treat cancer

The interactions between cordyceps and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with cordyceps is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking cordyceps with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much cordyceps?

If you or someone else has used too much cordyceps, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Cordyceps is found in many foods, drinks, and supplements. Many of these products also contain other ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and other mushrooms. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take cordyceps safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.