Cordyceps is a kind of fungi found all over the world. Some of the rarest kinds are at higher altitudes in the Himalayan regions of China, Nepal, Tibet and India. In total, there have been more than 750 species (1) of cordyceps identified. Of those, scientists have identified at least 35 kinds that have had some potential health benefits and medicinal properties.
For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has used the remains of insects and fungi to treat fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low sex drive. Supplements and products containing Cordyceps extract have become increasingly popular due to their many purported health benefits.
May Reduce Inflammation
Research from 2020 (1) has shown that when human cells are exposed to Cordyceps, special proteins that increase inflammation in the body become suppressed. Because of these potential effects, researchers believe Cordyceps may serve as a useful anti-inflammatory supplement or drug.
For example, in a 2022 animal study (2), researchers found that the fungus helped reduce inflammation related to arthritis, while other research (3) had similar findings in terms of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
That said, the potential inflammation-fighting properties of Cordyceps have yet to be observed in humans.
May Have a Beneficial Effect on Heart Health
Cordyceps may have a beneficial effect on heart health. For example, a 2019 mouse study (4) tested the effect of Cordyceps on the heart in mice compared with a placebo, finding that it helped prevent heart enlargement by helping reduce oxidative stress.
A 2022 review (5) of 19 trials of 1,805 human subjects with arrhythmia did find some improvements in the markers of bradycardia and tachycardia in some of the studies, but more study is necessary.
May Contains Anti-aging Properties
A 2024 study (6) that analyzed Cordyceps extract in a test tube and then tested it in a clinical trial with 40 human participants found that the fungus may have adaptogenic properties, meaning it may help the body cope better with stress. The extract also appeared to have antioxidant properties and increased the production of collagen in the skin.
While this suggests that the fungus may be helpful both for healthy skin and longevity, previous studies have only been conducted on animals. More research is needed to verify this conclusion. (7, 8, 9)
May Supports Daily Exercise
Cordyceps may help increaseTrusted Source the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. This may improve the way your body uses oxygen, especially during exercise. (10)
For example, in a 2024 study (11), 14 young adults were given either a placebo or 1 gram (g) of Cordyceps before a high intensity interval exercise session. The researchers found that those who took Cordyceps had less muscle damage and faster cell repair, allowing for quicker recovery.
Other recent studies involved animals. For instance, in a 2020 study (12) , researchers found that Cordyceps extract slightly increased grip strength in mice, which could be attributed to an increase in ATP production. (13)
May Help Manage Diabetes
Research from 2018 (14) on mice with diabetes suggests that Cordyceps may help decrease (15) blood sugar and lipid levels. This suggests that Cordyceps may be helpful (16) in treating conditions like diabetes or atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the arteries.
Cordyceps
For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has used the remains of insects and fungi to treat fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low sex drive. Supplements and products containing Cordyceps extract have become increasingly popular due to their many purported health benefits.
May Reduce Inflammation
Research from 2020 (1) has shown that when human cells are exposed to Cordyceps, special proteins that increase inflammation in the body become suppressed. Because of these potential effects, researchers believe Cordyceps may serve as a useful anti-inflammatory supplement or drug.
For example, in a 2022 animal study (2), researchers found that the fungus helped reduce inflammation related to arthritis, while other research (3) had similar findings in terms of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
That said, the potential inflammation-fighting properties of Cordyceps have yet to be observed in humans.
May Have a Beneficial Effect on Heart Health
Cordyceps may have a beneficial effect on heart health. For example, a 2019 mouse study (4) tested the effect of Cordyceps on the heart in mice compared with a placebo, finding that it helped prevent heart enlargement by helping reduce oxidative stress.
A 2022 review (5) of 19 trials of 1,805 human subjects with arrhythmia did find some improvements in the markers of bradycardia and tachycardia in some of the studies, but more study is necessary.
May Contains Anti-aging Properties
A 2024 study (6) that analyzed Cordyceps extract in a test tube and then tested it in a clinical trial with 40 human participants found that the fungus may have adaptogenic properties, meaning it may help the body cope better with stress. The extract also appeared to have antioxidant properties and increased the production of collagen in the skin.
While this suggests that the fungus may be helpful both for healthy skin and longevity, previous studies have only been conducted on animals. More research is needed to verify this conclusion. (7, 8, 9)
May Supports Daily Exercise
Cordyceps may help increaseTrusted Source the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. This may improve the way your body uses oxygen, especially during exercise. (10)
For example, in a 2024 study (11), 14 young adults were given either a placebo or 1 gram (g) of Cordyceps before a high intensity interval exercise session. The researchers found that those who took Cordyceps had less muscle damage and faster cell repair, allowing for quicker recovery.
Other recent studies involved animals. For instance, in a 2020 study (12) , researchers found that Cordyceps extract slightly increased grip strength in mice, which could be attributed to an increase in ATP production. (13)
May Help Manage Diabetes
Research from 2018 (14) on mice with diabetes suggests that Cordyceps may help decrease (15) blood sugar and lipid levels. This suggests that Cordyceps may be helpful (16) in treating conditions like diabetes or atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fat and cholesterol in the arteries.