Cordyceps is a fungus that lives on certain caterpillars in the high mountain regions of China. Most cordyceps supplements are made in a lab.
Cordyceps might improve immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system. It might also help fight cancer cells and shrink tumor size, particularly with lung or skin cancers. Natural cordyceps is hard to get and might be expensive.
People most commonly use cordyceps for athletic performance, kidney disorders, liver problems, and sexual problems, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness
Possibly Ineffective for
- Athletic performance. Taking cordyceps by mouth doesn’t seem to improve athletic performance in adults.
Uses & Effectiveness
Possibly Ineffective for
- Athletic performance. Taking cordyceps by mouth doesn’t seem to improve athletic performance in adults.
Special Precautions and Warnings
“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: When taken by mouth, cordyceps might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using cordyceps.
Surgery: When taken by mouth, cordyceps might increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Stop taking cordyceps 2 weeks before surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with CORDYCEPS
Cordyceps can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking cordyceps along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with CORDYCEPS
Cordyceps might slow blood clotting. Taking cordyceps along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Testosterone interacts with CORDYCEPS
Cordyceps might increase testosterone levels. But it’s not clear if this is a big concern. People taking testosterone should be cautious until more is known about this potential interaction.