MushroomsSubscription −15%
Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
Drops · PRIME169 zł
🚧 TEST STOREwe're building this shop in the open! For real orders visit www.alohafungi.pl
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Below the products: Cordyceps guideChoose your Cordyceps format
Below you will find every available product for this species. Each tile opens the product page with the selected format and line preselected.
View →
MushroomsSubscription −15%
Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
Powders · PRIME189 zł
MushroomsSubscription −15%
Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
Capsules · LONGEVITY129 zł
MushroomsSubscription −15%
Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
Capsules · PRIME189 zł
MushroomsSubscription −15%
Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris
Powders · LONGEVITY119 zł
Cordyceps guide
Version 1.0 · Updated: 21 June 2026 · Subject-matter reviewer: Mateusz Rosa, founder of Aloha Fungi, international TCM therapist (8 years of therapeutic practice, Doctor of Acupuncture, Level A certificate issued by WFAS, an NGO in official relations with the WHO, 2018; author of the books „Przebudzenie Zdrowia" and „Suplementacja grzybów Funkcjonalnych").
Cordyceps in 60 seconds
- Cordyceps militaris, in Polish maczużnik bojowy, Chinese yǒng chóng cǎo (蛹虫草). The wild Cordyceps sinensis (reclassified in 2007 as Ophiocordyceps sinensis), in Chinese dōng chóng xià cǎo (冬虫夏草, „winter worm, summer grass").
- Bioactive compounds: cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) above 0.3%, adenosine, β-1,3/1,6-glucans above 30%, cordycepic acid (D-mannitol), ergosterol, CPS-2 polysaccharides.
- Mechanisms described in the literature: optimisation of ATP production and mitochondrial biogenesis via AMPK and PGC-1α (animal models); cordycepin as an adenosine analogue modulates the A1, A2A, A2B and A3 receptors; improved oxygen utilisation during exercise.
- Strongest clinical studies: a 12-week RCT (Chen 2010, n=20, aged 50-75) with the Cs-4 preparation, a 10.5% rise in the ventilatory threshold (p=0.02); Hirsch 2017 (n=28, 3 wks) for C. militaris.
- In TCM it tonifies Kidney Yang and strengthens Jing (the essence), tonifies Lung Yin and reinforces Wei Qi. Sweet taste, warm to neutral nature. Meridians: Lung, Kidney.
- Our raw material: a C. militaris fruiting-body extract, standardised to above 0.3% cordycepin and above 30% β-glucans, from controlled cultivation (not from wild harvest).
What Cordyceps is and where it comes from
Cordyceps is a genus name covering several hundred species of parasitic fungi of the Cordycipitaceae family. Two of them are of therapeutic significance: Cordyceps militaris (in Polish maczużnik bojowy, today dominant in the global supplement market) and Cordyceps sinensis (reclassified in 2007 as Ophiocordyceps sinensis, wild, Tibetan).
These are insect-parasitic fungi. In nature they attack butterfly larvae (C. sinensis feeds on Thitarodes caterpillars on the Tibetan plateaus above 3000 m a.s.l., C. militaris on the pupae of several species). After infection the fungus grows inside the host body and in spring sends out an orange, club-shaped structure with a fruiting body. It is this that holds the highest concentration of bioactive compounds.
Wild C. sinensis is threatened by overexploitation, and its market price exceeds 50,000 EUR/kg. This is why the modern supplement market relies on C. militaris from controlled cultivation, which eliminates the risk of heavy-metal contamination and gives a repeatable cordycepin content. Aloha Fungi works only with C. militaris from controlled cultivation.
Tradition of use
The oldest documented use of Cordyceps comes from Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal, where yak herders observed that animals eating the wild sinensis had more energy and better reproduction.
The first written mention in a Chinese medical text is Ben Cao Cong Xin (1757) by Wu Yiluo, where Cordyceps was described as a tonic tonifying the Lung and Kidney, recommended for chronic fatigue and weakness after a long illness.
Modern endurance interest was reinforced by a 12-week RCT in 20 healthy older volunteers (aged 50-75), which showed a 10.5% rise in the ventilatory threshold (p=0.02) after supplementation with the Cs-4 preparation (Chen et al. 2010).
Bioactive composition, what is in the extract
Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), the key nucleoside, an adenosine analogue. Standardised in our extract to above 0.3%.
Adenosine, a natural nucleoside. Together with cordycepin it forms the basis of the energetic (ATP) and regulatory (adenosine receptors) mechanism.
β-1,3/1,6-glucans, polysaccharides activating Dectin-1 and TLR4. Standardised in our extract to above 30%.
CPS-2 and CMP polysaccharides, peptidopolysaccharide fractions specific to C. militaris.
Cordycepic acid (D-mannitol), ergosterol, cordysinins, sterols. Essential amino acids and trace elements (zinc, selenium, manganese).
How Cordyceps works: three mechanisms
Mechanism 1. ATP production and mitochondrial biogenesis
In Park et al. 2020 an ethanol extract of C. militaris (containing 2.33 mg/g of cordycepin) given to mice for 12 weeks raised ATP and phosphocreatine levels and activated the AMPK and PGC-1α pathways, the key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis.
AMPK is the cellular „energy sensor" and PGC-1α regulates the formation of new mitochondria. Together they describe why Cordyceps is associated in the literature with the energy economy of exercise, not with acute stimulation.
Mechanism 2. Cordycepin and the adenosine receptors
Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) is a structural analogue of adenosine and binds to four adenosine receptors: A1, A2A, A2B and A3 (Du et al. 2021).
Modulation of the adenosine receptors touches the regulation of blood flow, metabolic signalling and the anti-inflammatory response. This is a pathway described in the literature, not a clinical pharmacological intervention.
Mechanism 3. Oxygen utilisation during exercise
In a 12-week RCT (Chen et al. 2010, n=20, aged 50-75) the Cs-4 preparation (C. sinensis) increased the ventilatory threshold (VT) by 10.5% compared with placebo (p=0.02).
Hirsch et al. 2017 confirmed a similar trend for C. militaris after 3 weeks of supplementation. Animal models (Kumar 2011, Nicodemus 2001) additionally point to a delay in lactic-acid accumulation, but this direction needs larger clinical studies.
What Cordyceps does not do
Cordyceps does not have an immediate, stimulating effect like caffeine or ephedrine. It does not bind to adrenergic receptors, does not raise the heart rate, does not increase blood pressure. It is a tonifying mushroom with a delayed action; the first changes appear after 2-4 weeks of regular use, the full effect after 8-12 weeks. Cordyceps does not replace cardiac, hormonal, anticoagulant or antidiabetic medicines. All current research points to a supporting action, not a therapeutic one in the medical sense.
How to take Cordyceps: the protocol
Time and serving
Cordyceps works in the morning and before noon, up to around 2 pm. In the evening it may make it harder to fall asleep. Exception: sublingual drops, 15-20 drops, can be taken 30-60 minutes before planned exercise at any time of day.
Prevention: 1 g of extract as powder (1 teaspoon) or drops (30 drops) once a day in the morning, and in capsules the standard serving is 3. Endurance (sports protocol): 2-3 g of extract in two servings, in the morning and 30-60 minutes before training. In clinical studies effective doses are 3-4 g a day with chronic use over 3 weeks. Do not exceed the recommended daily serving.
With what and for how long
Cordyceps absorbs best 20-30 minutes before a meal on a slightly empty stomach (with warm water or coffee). Drops sublingually under the tongue for 30-60 seconds, then swallow. With gastric discomfort it can be taken with a light meal.
The 5/2 rhythm: five days of use, two days off (usually the weekend), which helps preserve the responsiveness of the adenosine receptors. Duration: prevention 8-12 weeks, then a 2-4 week break and another cycle; sports protocol 4-12 weeks; recovery after overload 12-16 weeks (under a therapist’s care).
What to observe over time
Weeks 1-2: subtle effects, sometimes better tolerance of morning exercise, getting up more easily.
Weeks 3-6: more stable energy through the day without afternoon „crashes", better tolerance of long aerobic efforts.
Weeks 8-12: a cumulative effect; in athletes a delay of the fatigue threshold, in people with an overloaded HPA axis a more stable circadian rhythm.
What to combine Cordyceps with: synergy protocols
Cordyceps + Reishi: the HPA axis from both sides
Cordyceps in the morning (tonifies Kidney Yang, strengthens ATP), Reishi in the evening (Liver Yin, calms Shen). Cordyceps 1 g in the morning, Reishi 1 g in the evening. Duration: 12 weeks. A protocol for people with an overloaded HPA axis and chronic fatigue.
Pair with:Reishi
Cordyceps + Lion’s Mane: energy and focus
For people doing mental work. Cordyceps 0.5-1 g in the morning on an empty stomach, Lion’s Mane 0.5-1 g in the morning or in two servings. Duration: 8-12 weeks. Both mushrooms are best taken before noon.
Pair with:Lion’s Mane
Cordyceps + Chaga: immunity and energy
Cordyceps 0.5-1 g in the morning on an empty stomach, Chaga 1 g in the morning or before noon. Duration: 8-12 weeks. Note: both mushrooms are tonifying, do not use after 2 pm.
Pair with:Chaga
Cordyceps + Tremella: breath and Yin
Cordyceps 1 g in the morning, Tremella 1 g in the evening with dinner. Duration: 12 weeks.
Pair with:Tremella
Cordyceps + Coriolus: recovery after overload
Cordyceps 1 g in the morning, Coriolus 1 g before noon. Duration: 8 weeks.
Pair with:Coriolus
Cordyceps in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Cordyceps entered the official TCM canon relatively late (the 18th century), although in the folk tradition of Tibet and the Chinese-Tibetan borderland it was used much earlier. The first written mention comes from Ben Cao Cong Xin (1757) by Wu Yiluo.
This is a frame of cultural observation, not a medical diagnosis. Concepts such as Qi, Jing, Yang or meridian do not correspond one to one with Western anatomy or physiology.
| Taste (味, Wèi) | sweet (甘, gān) |
| Nature (性, Xìng) | warm to neutral (溫, wēn) |
| Meridians (歸經, Guījīng) | Lung (肺), Kidney (腎) |
| Action | tonifies Kidney Yang, strengthens Jing (the essence), tonifies Lung Yin, reinforces Wei Qi, „stops bleeding from the lungs" |
Contraindications and interactions
Absolute contraindications
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient clinical data).
Active immunosuppressive medicines (after organ transplants).
Children under 18.
Active autoimmune diseases during a flare (RA, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto).
Requires consultation with the treating doctor
Anticoagulant medicines (warfarin, acenocoumarol, apixaban, rivaroxaban). Cordycepin and adenosine may affect platelet aggregation.
Antidiabetic medicines. As a precaution monitor blood glucose; a possible risk of hypoglycaemia in combination with the medicines.
Blood-pressure-lowering medicines. Possible potentiation of the effect.
Immunomodulatory and adenosine medicines (dipyridamole, regadenoson, xanthine derivatives such as theophylline).
Before planned surgery, stop Cordyceps at least 14 days before the procedure.
Possible side effects
Transient stimulation and difficulty falling asleep when used after 2 pm.
Mild gastric discomfort on an empty stomach.
A cleansing reaction in the first 5-7 days (hot flushes, sweating); then reduce the serving.
Allergic reactions (rarely); with itching and a rash stop immediately.
In people with „liver fire" a transient intensification of symptoms may occur.
Evidence verdict
Honest about what is known
We also show what is not proven. This is a dietary supplement, not a medicine.
3
Strong evidence
confirmed composition
3
Preliminary
in vitro and animal studies
2
Not proven
no human studies
Reviewed by
Mateusz Rosa · Doctor of Acupuncture (WFAS)
Version 1.0 · Updated: 21 June 2026 · Subject-matter reviewer: Mateusz Rosa, founder of Aloha Fungi, international TCM therapist (8 years of therapeutic practice, Doctor of Acupuncture, Level A certificate issued by WFAS, an NGO in official relations with the WHO, 2018; author of the books „Przebudzenie Zdrowia" and „Suplementacja grzybów Funkcjonalnych").
Based on 12 verified sources
See sources ↓Strength of evidence: an honest qualification of claims
| Claim | Type of evidence | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Cordyceps increases the ventilatory threshold (VT) and tolerance of aerobic exercise | RCT (Chen 2010, n=20, 12 wks; Hirsch 2017, n=28, 3 wks), needs larger replications | MOCNY |
| Cordycepin modulates the A1, A2A, A2B, A3 adenosine receptors | in vitro + pharmacological models, many independent works (Du 2021 review) | MOCNY |
| Cordyceps activates AMPK and PGC-1α, supports mitochondrial biogenesis | animal models (Park 2020, Kumar 2011), in vitro | MOCNY |
| Cordyceps delays lactic-acid accumulation during exercise | animal models (Nicodemus 2001, Kumar 2011) + signals from RCTs | WSTĘPNY |
| Support of respiratory function in COPD and exercise-induced asthma | small RCTs, animal models, used as a complement to standard therapy | WSTĘPNY |
| Hypoglycaemic action and support of insulin sensitivity | animal models, small clinical studies, needs large RCTs | WSTĘPNY |
| Cordyceps „cures" cancer in humans | none; only in vitro and animal models; claim prohibited by regulation | BRAK |
| Cordyceps „raises testosterone" or treats erectile dysfunction in humans | single animal models, no human RCTs; claim abused in marketing | BRAK |
MOCNY = solid evidence · WSTĘPNY = moderate or preliminary · BRAK = unsupported or prohibited by regulation.
Frequently asked questions
- What exactly is Cordyceps and where does it come from?
- Cordyceps is a genus name for several hundred species of parasitic fungi. Two are of therapeutic significance: Cordyceps militaris (maczużnik bojowy, cultivated under control, today the market standard) and Cordyceps sinensis (since 2007 Ophiocordyceps sinensis, wild, Tibetan). The tradition of use is documented in Tibet and China for several hundred years, with the first written mention in Ben Cao Cong Xin (1757).
- What is the difference between C. militaris and wild C. sinensis?
- Three main differences. First, ecology: wild sinensis is threatened by overexploitation, with a market price above 50,000 EUR/kg. Second, cordycepin: cultivated militaris contains 0.3-3% cordycepin, sinensis only trace amounts (below 0.01%). Third, safety: controlled cultivation eliminates the risk of heavy-metal contamination. At Aloha Fungi we work only with C. militaris from controlled cultivation.
- What is the difference between Cordyceps PRIME and LONGEVITY?
- PRIME is an 80% extract complex (a water-alcohol fraction for cordycepin and adenosine, a water fraction for the polysaccharides) plus 20% powder. Maximum potency, for endurance and recovery protocols in the Transformation phase of OOTI. LONGEVITY is a 50% 10:1 extract plus 50% powdered fruiting body. A gentler version for everyday support of energy and recovery in the Nourishment phase.
- After how long will I feel the effect?
- The first subtle effects (better tolerance of morning exercise, fewer afternoon „dips") usually 2-4 weeks. The full cumulative effect after 8-12 weeks of regular use in the 5/2 rhythm. Cordyceps is a tonifying mushroom with a delayed action; if you expect immediate stimulation like after coffee, Cordyceps is not for you.
- Can Cordyceps be combined with Reishi, Lion’s Mane or Chaga?
- Yes. The most popular protocols: Cordyceps + Reishi (the HPA axis from both sides), Cordyceps + Lion’s Mane (energy and focus), Cordyceps + Chaga (immunity and energy), Cordyceps + Tremella (breath and Yin), Cordyceps + Coriolus (recovery after overload). Individual matching during a TCM consultation.
- What are the main contraindications?
- Absolute: pregnancy, breastfeeding, immunosuppressive medicines, children under 18, active autoimmune diseases during a flare. Requires doctor consultation: anticoagulant medicines (warfarin, NOAC), antidiabetic medicines (risk of hypoglycaemia), hypotensive medicines, adenosine medicines, before planned surgery (stop at least 14 days).
- Can Cordyceps be taken before training?
- Yes. In the cited clinical studies (Hirsch 2017) the dosing included a serving 30-60 minutes before exercise. The most convenient forms for such a protocol are sublingual drops (15-20 drops) or capsules (3 pcs) with warm water. The effect on exercise tolerance is, however, mainly cumulative (after 3+ weeks), not acutely pharmacological.
- Is Cordyceps „natural doping"?
- Not in the regulatory sense. WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency) does not place Cordyceps on the list of banned substances. The mechanism (AMPK, mitochondrial biogenesis, adenosine modulation) is a physiological support of energy economy, not pharmacological stimulation. Nonetheless in professional sport every supplement should be confirmed by a certificate (e.g. Informed Sport).
- Is Cordyceps addictive?
- No. The mechanism (cordycepin, β-glucans, AMPK, mitochondrial biogenesis) does not involve dopaminergic pathways or addiction receptors. After stopping there may be a return to the pre-supplementation state, but without a rebound effect. The 5/2 rhythm helps maintain the responsiveness of the adenosine receptors.
- Why a fruiting-body extract and not mycelium on grain?
- The fruiting body of C. militaris (the orange, club-shaped structure) holds a cordycepin concentration far higher than mycelium on grain alone. Many cheaper supplements are mycelium plus rice or barley; you are then buying mostly starch, and the cordycepin is often below 0.1%. Standardisation above 0.3% cordycepin and above 30% β-glucans is possible only from fruiting-body raw material.
Scientific bibliography
- Chen S et al. (2010). Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med 16(5):585-590. PMID: 20804368.
- Hirsch KR et al. (2017). Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. J Diet Suppl 14(1):42-53. PMID: 27408987.
- Park JG et al. (2020). Beneficial Effect of Cordyceps militaris on Exercise Performance via Promoting Cellular Energy Production. Mycobiology 48(6):512-517. PMC7717596.
- Du J et al. (2021). Interactions Between Adenosine Receptors and Cordycepin (3′-Deoxyadenosine) from Cordyceps Militaris. J Biotech Biomed 4:26-62.
- Tuli HS et al. (2014). Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin. 3 Biotech 4(1):1-12. PMC3909570.
- Kumar R et al. (2011). Cordyceps sinensis promotes exercise endurance capacity of rats by activating skeletal muscle metabolic regulators. J Ethnopharmacol 136(1):260-266. PMID: 21549819.
- Ko KM, Leung HY (2007). Enhancement of ATP generation capacity, antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory activities by Chinese Yang and Yin tonifying herbs. Chin Med 2:3. PMC1845154.
- Chiou WF et al. (2000). Protein constituent contributes to the hypotensive and vasorelaxant activities of Cordyceps sinensis. Life Sci 66(14):1369-1376. PMID: 10755474.
- Nicodemus K et al. (2001). Supplementation with Cordyceps Cs-4 fermentation product promotes fat metabolism during prolonged exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 33(5):S164.
- Olatunji OJ et al. (2018). The genus Cordyceps: An extensive review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Fitoterapia 129:293-316. PMID: 29775778.
- Tang J et al. (2018). Enhancing cordycepin production in liquid static cultivation of Cordyceps militaris by adding vegetable oils as the secondary carbon source. Bioresour Technol 268:60-67.
- Yang FQ et al. (2009). Analysis of sterols and fatty acids in natural and cultured Cordyceps by one-step derivatization followed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Pharm Biomed Anal 49(5):1172-1178.
The educational content on this page does not replace medical advice. A dietary supplement is not a medicine and should not replace a varied diet or medical consultation. Before starting supplementation, especially with chronic conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding or when taking medication (particularly anticoagulant, antidiabetic or hypotensive), consult your treating doctor. Aloha Fungi does not claim therapeutic efficacy for any product; the mechanisms described are based on the current state of the literature and may change as research advances. All products are dietary supplements notified to the Polish Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS).