Cordyceps
(Cordyceps sinensis)

General Info

Active Forms

Absorption

Dietary Sources

Dosage Info

Dosage Range 2 capsules (525mg each) (standardized extract), 2-3 times a day. Most Common Dosage 2 capsules (525mg each) (standardized extract), 2 times a day. Dosage Forms		Adult RDI Adult ODA

Overview

Interactions

Drug/Herb Interactions
•	Anticoagulant medications
•	Antiplatelet medications
•	MAO inhibitors

Cordyceps is a unique black mushroom that extracts nutrients from and grows only on a caterpillar found in the high altitudes of Tibet and China. Cordyceps is one of the most valued medicinal agents in the Chinese Materia Medica.(1) Development of a patented lab fermentation process has allowed large-scale production and availability. Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as the herb of choice in lung and kidney problems, and as a general tonic for promoting longevity, vitality, and endurance.(2) The pharmaceutical immunosuppressive agent cyclosporine was isolated from a species of cordyceps. Cordyceps is beneficial in helping individuals with decreased energy restore their capacity to function at a greater level of activity.

Toxicities & Precautions

General
No known toxicity. There have been two case reports of lead poisoning from cordyceps supplementation.(3) Use only sources from reputable manufacturers.

Health Conditions
Use caution in patients with bleeding disorders or planning surgery or dental work due to apparent PAF inhibitory activity in laboratory studies.(4)

Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
If pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before use.

Age Limitations
Do not use in children under 2 years of age unless recommended by a physician.

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

Footnotes

¹ Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The Scientific Rediscovery of An Ancient Chinese Herbal Medicine: Cordyceps sinensis: Part I. J Altern Complement Med. 1998;4(3):289-303.
View Abstract
² Sun YH. Cordyceps sinensis and Cultured Mycelia. Chung Yao Tung Pao. Dec1985;10(12):3-5.
³ Wu TN, Yang KC, Wang CM, et al. Lead Poisoning Caused by Contaminated Cordyceps, A Chinese Herbal Medicine: Two Case Reports. Sci Total Environ. Apr1996;182(1-3):193-5.
View Abstract
⁴ Hammerschmidt DE. Szechwan purpura. N Engl J Med. May1980;302(21):1191-93.

Cordyceps(Cordyceps sinensis)

Cordyceps
(Cordyceps sinensis)