Cordyceps for Sports & Fitness
Parts Used & Where Grown
Cordyceps sinensis in its sexual stage is the primary form used.1 However, more than ten related species (in sexual and asexual stages) as well as artificially cultured mycelium are today used as substitutes in commercial preparations. C. sinensis, C. ophioglossoides, C. capita, and C. militaris are the most common species in commerce.
How It Works
Cordyceps contains a wide variety of potentially important constituents, including polysaccharides, ophiocordin (an antibiotic compound), cordycepin, cordypyridones, nucleosides, bioxanthracenes, sterols, alkenoic acids, and exo-polymers.2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Many studies on the medicinal effects of cordyceps do not give a clear picture of its actions because many of the studies (1) are in animals or test tubes; (2) use different species, preparations, and intake levels; (3) inject cordyceps and/or its constituents rather than administering them orally; or (4) are not available in English and, therefore, cannot be reviewed for accuracy and design.
There are some clinical trials supporting the efficacy of cordyceps, particularly for liver, kidney, and immune problems. A number of studies indicate that cordyceps may have a anti-cancer, anti-metastatic, immuno-enhancing, and antioxidant effects.9,10,11,12,13
Why Do Athletes Use It?*
Some athletes say that cordyceps helps strengthen the body when fatigued.
What Do the Advocates Say?*
Currently, there are over 160 articles published regarding the effects of the administration of cordyceps. However, only a couple of these articles are related to its effect on exercise performance. One of these articles suggested that cordyceps may enhance exercise capacity by improving glucose tolerance.
It was also reported that cordyceps containing cordysepic acid and adenosine has demonstrated an ability to increase energy and endurance as well as reduce the onset of exercise-related fatigue.
Some athletes who participate in endurance exercise events, such as distance running, swimming, cycling, adventure racing, etc., rather than sprinting, weight-lifting, etc. notice an improvement in exercise capacity and tolerance from supplementing with cordyceps.
How Much Is Usually Taken by Athletes?
The recommended intake of cordyceps is 3 to 9 grams taken twice daily as a liquid extract, as food, or as powdered extract.14