NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Cordyceps

Adaptogen ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Energy-boosting medicinal mushroom traditionally used in Tibetan and Chinese medicine. Enhances oxygen utilization, ATP production, and physical performance.

Evidence tier
Emerging
Indexed sources
21 2010–2025
Interactions
0
Cost / month
$12.00 budget
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Cordyceps is an adaptogen most often used for athletic performance, energy and stamina, oxygen utilization. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as emerging. A typical adult dose is 1,000–3,000 mg daily, commonly taken as cordyceps militaris fruiting body extract (standardized for cordycepin). This profile indexes 21 sources.

What it's good for
  • Athletic performance6,12
  • Energy and stamina16
  • Oxygen utilization
  • Immune modulation11,2
What to watch for
  • GI upset
  • Insomnia if taken late
  • Dry mouth
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Blood thinners

The bottom line

Evidence rating emerging. Most-documented uses: athletic performance, energy and stamina, oxygen utilization. 21 sources indexed (2010–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) activates AMPK (signals low energy status, promotes catabolic pathways); net effect on ATP in humans is unclear. Shown to increase EPO under hypoxic conditions in vitro only; no human RCT confirms serum EPO increase. Adenosine receptor agonist providing anti-inflammatory effects.16,17

Class
Medicinal Mushroom
Found in food
Not a common food source
Low-status signs
Not applicable
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
1,000–3,000 mg daily
Recommended form
Cordyceps militaris fruiting body extract (standardized for cordycepin)

Take in the morning or pre-workout; may be too stimulating for evening6,13

Cost

What it actually costs.

Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Cordyceps Militaris Extract.

BudgetBest value
$12.00 /mo
$0.40 per dose
Mid
$22.50 /mo
$0.75 per dose
Premium
$45.00 /mo
$1.50 per dose

Assumes 1,000-3,000 mg/day. Vendor basis: iHerb, Vitacost, Amazon marketplace, and specialty mushroom brands; cordycepin-standardized extracts are premium. Updated 2026-05-28.

From food

The same dose, as food.

How much you'd eat to match a supplemental dose.

1,000-3,000 mg cordyceps
About 1-3 g dried cordyceps, 1-3 cups cordyceps tea, or cordyceps powder in broth can approximate the powder dose.

Cordyceps is consumed more like a medicinal mushroom than a standard food; extract potency can differ from dried mushroom.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • GI upset
  • Insomnia if taken late
  • Dry mouth

Contraindications

  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Blood thinners
  • Upcoming surgery
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

10

Randomized controlled trials

4

Reviews & position papers

5

Reference material

2
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Cordyceps, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Cordyceps?

Energy-boosting medicinal mushroom traditionally used in Tibetan and Chinese medicine. Enhances oxygen utilization, ATP production, and physical performance.

What is Cordyceps used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Cordyceps include: Athletic performance; Energy and stamina; Oxygen utilization; Immune modulation. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as emerging.

What is a typical dose of Cordyceps?

A typical adult dose of Cordyceps is 1,000–3,000 mg daily. The commonly recommended form is Cordyceps militaris fruiting body extract (standardized for cordycepin). These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Cordyceps?

Reported side effects include gi upset, insomnia if taken late, dry mouth. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Cordyceps?

NutriStack rates this as Emerging, meaning early RCT signal, mechanistic data, or limited human evidence. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Cordyceps in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.