Cordyceps may be one of the most hyped up mushrooms in the world. From its origins in ancient wellness techniques to modern scientific, media and consumer interest, Cordyceps has for millennia attracted both curiosity and concern about what it can do. To many, Cordyceps mushrooms are seen to be highly effective supplements offering potential benefits in athleticism, gut health, reproductive health, and brain health. In more recent years, sensational stories about zombie apocalypse have added to the mystery and fascination around these curious mushrooms. So let's take a dive into the history of Cordyceps use and the modern science around it, and learn about what Cordyceps might be able to do for your health and wellness (and maybe we'll dispel some fears about the rumored "zombie ant fungus" you may have heard about as well!)
Cordyceps Ecology
There are over 300 species in the genus cordyceps, and since they have a cosmopolitan distribution, they can be found in many places around the globe. In nature, these unique fungi are endoparasitic, meaning that they colonize and consume living insects in order to create a fruiting body (mushroom).
Within the Cordyceps genus, individual species of Cordyceps have varying levels of specificity when it comes to their preferred host species. The vast majority prefer insect prey, while a few have been known to colonize arachnids or other fungi.
The Cordyceps life cycle begins with the spore. Cordyceps spores are sticky, and are transferred to their prey upon contact. Once the spores have clung onto their prey, they work their way inside the host and begin to consume the host body. As the body of the bug is consumed it is transformed into a sclerotium, which lies dormant over the winter. It then forms a fruiting body, usually sprouting from the head of the insect, and emits its spores.
Cordyceps Genus History
The Cordyceps (sensu lato) genus has a rich and interesting history. Anecdotally, the use of Codyceps spp. as an aphrodisiac may date back thousands of years, but its first written record can be found in the Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica from 200AD. There is also speculation that Cordyceps may have been described in ancient Mesopotamian medical texts that referred to a caterpillar fungus as, “pizzar,” or “upinsir.”
In ancient Tibet, the way the mushrooms emerge from dead insects led to a belief that Cordyceps imparted immortality. It was described as having a spicy, cinnamon flavor and was commonly roasted inside of a duck. This dish was so expensive–often fetching five times its weight in silver–that it was typically served only to royalty. Still to this day, certain species of wild cordyceps can fetch hefty sums, ranging from $50,000 to over $200,000 per pound depending on the quality.
Ophiocordyceps sinensis
AKA: Yartsa Gunbu, Tochukas, Cordyceps sinensis, Summer Grass Winter Worm, Caterpillar fungus, Dong Chong Xia Cao
Bioactive constituents: sterols, polysaccharides, galactomannans, cordycepic acid, protein, adenine, adenosine, uridine, uracil, cordycepin, mannitol, eighteen amino acids, ergosterol, B12, trace elements and fatty acids
Those staggering prices mentioned above refer mostly to a specific and rare species of Cordyceps from the Tibetan Plateau, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, which parasitize the larvae of ghost moths. The first specific recorded history of O. sinensis was in a Tibetan text titled An Ocean of Aphrodisiacal Qualities by Tibetan physician, Nyamnyi Dorje. In the modern day, O. sinensis is sometimes called by its traditional Tibetan name, “Yartsa Gumbu,” which means, “summer grass, winter worm.”
In addition to its rarity in the wild, Ophiocordyceps sinensis is difficult to impossible to cultivate via traditional cultivation methods, which is in part responsible for its sky high price. The market for O. sinensis has grown significantly over the past several decades due to its popularity as both a traditional herbal remedy as well as a status symbol. In the poorest regions of Asia, pickers of Cordyceps often rely on the annual ‘wormrush’ as their only income for the year. Due to high demand and the relative rarity of this fungus, the population is threatened by both overharvesting and environmental decline.
Read more about the Ophiocordyceps sinensis harvesting.
Fortunately, due to the popularity of the Cordyceps genus, we now have access to alternative strains of Cordyceps that can be cultivated while maintaining similar traditional medicinal value compared to Ophiocordyceps. As a result, these strains are much more reasonably priced (although still pretty pricey!)
Cordyceps Militaris
AKA: Bei Chong Chaw, Northern Wormgrass, Clavaria militaris, Caterpillar Fungus, Dong Chong Xia Cao
Bioactive constituents: cordycepin, ergosterol, ergothioneine, beta sisterol, adenosine, adenine, and D-mannitol (cordycepic acid), cerebrosides, pentostatin.
In 1894, Cordyceps militaris, a relative of O. sinensis, was successfully cultivated by Miss Green at Cornell University in New York, A year later, R.H. Petit published a study on Cordyceps militaris and several other fungi (7).
In 1950, researchers analyzed Cordyceps militaris for its bioactive constituents, and discovered a compound called cordycepin, which is present in O. sinensis and has been found to have a number of potential therapeutic uses. In addition to its healing properties, the militaris species of cordyceps is much more tolerant of traditional cultivation methods, and provides very similar benefits to O. sinensis. Therefore, C. militaris provides a solution to the challenges and ecological issues with wild-harvesting O. sinensis. Today, C. militaris can be found in abundance in the wellness market, but until recently, U.S. sources were rare.
Cordyceps Mushroom Benefits
In traditional practices, Cordyceps was used as a tonic for adrenal, respiratory, urinary and digestive systems, and cordyceps tea was drunk to promote overall wellness. Modern research has revealed even more potential benefits of cordyceps. With so many cordyceps supplement options on the market, you may be asking, what is cordyceps good for?
Cordyceps for Endurance*
Out of all of the potential benefits of cordyceps mushroom, the most hyped are its reported effects on energy, endurance and fatigue. In traditional medicine, Cordyceps is said to replenish yin jing and restore the deep energy depleted by excessive stress. The science behind these claims is gaining traction.
In several in vivo studies, Cordyceps militaris has shown promise in improving athletic performance and recovery*. One notable study performed on mice demonstrated that polysaccharides from C. militaris helped reduce fatigue and improve memory in mice after intense exercise by activating the body’s natural antioxidant defenses (9).
In a human study conducted on adults aged 50 to 75, those who took Ophiocordyceps sinensis for 12 weeks were able to exercise harder and breathe more efficiently compared to those who took a placebo. Their endurance and breathing capacity both improved by around 10% (5).
Some studies have found that Cordyceps may boost the body’s production of ATP—the main source of cellular energy—by nearly 28%* (4). That means it may help support more consistent energy during exercise. In one study cordycepin, one of the key compounds in Cordyceps, was administered to long-distance runners (4). The results show that Cordyceps militaris helps the body use oxygen more efficiently and get rid of lactic acid faster, which could make intense workouts feel easier.*
Cordyceps gained international attention in 1993 when China’s women’s track team shattered multiple world records at the World Championships in Stuttgart. Their coach credited the athletes’ stamina and success in part to daily Cordyceps supplementation, alongside intense training. These results were so spectacular and unexpected that some raised suspicions of illegal doping, but no athletes were found to have used any banned substances at the time. Regardless, the story put Cordyceps on the global map as a possible way to naturally support endurance and recovery. Decades later, it’s still a point of fascination—both for athletes looking for an edge and for researchers studying how this mushroom might naturally support energy and performance* (10).
Cordyceps for Musculoskeletal Support*
Cordyceps militaris has also been studied for its broader effects on the musculoskeletal system—including bones, joints, connective tissue, and the body’s natural response to physical strain.
Cordycepin, one of the main active compounds found in C. militaris, has shown promising effects in scientific studies focused on bone health. In both lab (in vitro) and animal models (in vivo), cordycepin helped maintain healthy bone formation–even under oxidative stress, which becomes more common with age. Researchers found that it influences genes involved in bone metabolism and may activate key pathways such as Wnt signaling, which is important for healthy bone growth, especially during aging (11).
Preclinical research suggests that both Cordyceps militaris extracts and cordycepin may support skeletal health* more broadly. In animal models, cordycepin was linked to markers associated with joint function and the maintenance of healthy cartilage and connective tissue. These findings were accompanied by shifts in signaling pathways involved in the body’s natural inflammatory response and communication between nerve cells and joint structures (12).
Traditional and clinical sources note that Cordyceps militaris has been used to support the skeletal system and ease discomfort in areas like the knees, back, and ankles* (4,6). One study even noted anti-inflammatory effects in the intervertebral discs—structures located between the bones of the spine—suggesting it may help support spinal comfort and resilience* (5).
While more human research is needed, these early findings point to Cordyceps militaris as a potentially valuable ally for supporting bone and joint health, especially as we age or face everyday physical stress.
Cordyceps for Reproductive Support*
Cordyceps is used in traditional medicine to support reproductive health*. Recent studies have begun to show its potential for both women and men, particularly when it comes to hormonal balance.
One study focusing on Cordyceps found that it has estrogenic activity and may help regulate menstruation and other conditions like abnormal bleeding, fibroids, and perimenopause (4)*.
Cordyceps has been noted to assist in balancing hormones during menopause. A study published in 2023 found that Cordyceps militaris extract helped reduce menopause-related weight gain and fat buildup in lab animals.
Another 2023 study showed that Cordyceps extract can protect female reproductive health in animals by reducing oxidative stress, improving sexual function, and mitigate damage linked to BPA, a hormone-disrupting chemical (13).
Additionally, Cordyceps has shown promise in improving the reproductive outcomes of livestock, as demonstrated in a study on pregnant sows. Adding Cordyceps mycelium-on-grain (MOG, spent Cordyceps substrate/Cordyceps mycelium) to the diet of pregnant pigs improved the health of the sows and their piglets, leading to higher birth rates and improved growth. The sows showed fewer health issues and better milk quality, suggesting Cordyceps may support reproductive health in animal models (14).
For males, research has shown that Cordyceps may enhance sperm quality, motility, and testosterone levels*. In male rats, supplementation with Cordyceps militaris mycelium led to improved sperm count and motility, with sustained benefits after supplementation stopped. The presence of cordycepin in the bloodstream appears to play a significant role in these improvements (15). Cordycepin has also been shown to restore sperm motility and testicular function in older animals. (16).
Cordyceps for Gut Support*
Cordyceps militaris has shown potential for supporting gut health in several studies. One study found that a compound from Cordyceps called AEPSa improved gut health in diabetic mice by influencing their gut bacteria and reducing inflammation. The study suggests AEPSa could act as a natural prebiotic, which may support a healthier gut environment in animals with type 2 diabetes (17).
Another study explored three types of compounds from Cordyceps and found that one, from the fruiting body, helped reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in a zebrafish model of colitis. This suggests that Cordyceps may have potential applications in developing foods that support gut health by managing inflammation* (18).
In a separate study, Cordyceps militaris extract and its key compound cordycepin helped protect the gut health of piglets dealing with inflammation. The treatment reduced intestinal damage, balanced gut bacteria and improved metabolism, suggesting that Cordyceps could be explored as a dietary supplement for supporting gut health* (19).
Cordyceps for Weight Management*
Cordyceps militaris has long been used as a metabolic enhancer, and recent studies suggest it may offer potential benefits for weight support. One study found that polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris helped reduce obesity, improve metabolism, and restore healthy gut bacteria in mice who were fed a high-fat diet. Cordyceps could therefore also function as a prebiotic, potentially supporting weight management and related health issues (20).
Another study examined a specific polysaccharide from Cordyceps called CMP40, which has a high molecular weight. CMP40 showed significant effects in vitro, including reducing body weight and fat tissue mass in mice on a high-fat diet. It also helped lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the mice, possibly by regulating lipid synthesis and enhancing fat breakdown. Additionally, CMP40 improved inflammation and gut health by increasing short-chain fatty acids, restoring gut microbiota balance, and repairing intestinal tight junctions. This study supports CMP40’s safety and suggests its potential as an anti-obesity ingredient for the food industry (21).
Cordyceps militaris extract and the compound cordycepin were found in another study to potentially reduce fat buildup and boost fat breakdown. While more research on human subjects is still needed to confirm these effects, they could open new avenues for obesity treatments in the future. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans (22).
Other Cordyceps Benefits
Cordyceps for Brain Support*
Recently a lot of attention has been paid to Cordyceps miltaris for its potential to support cognitive function. A study highlighted that specific polysaccharides in Cordyceps helped reduce fatigue and improve memory in mice following intense physical stress. These benefits were linked to the activation of the body's natural antioxidant defenses through the Nrf2 signaling pathway, pointing to its potential as a supplement for enhancing recovery and brain health under stress (23).
Further research showed that a combination of Cordyceps and the Honey Mushroom (Armillaria mellea) helped alleviate stress and inflammation in rats, indicating potential for natural mood support. The formulation worked by modulating neurotransmitter levels and regulating immune responses. This combination could also provide natural support for brain health during stress (24).
Read about Lion's Mane - The Best Mushroom for Brain Support
Cordyceps for Kidney and Blood Support*
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps has long been a key component for supporting kidney health, and modern research has affirmed its benefits. Known for increasing red blood cell production and enhancing energy, Cordyceps has shown promise in protecting against kidney damage. One clinical study found it to help mitigate nephrotoxicity caused by cyclosporine, a drug used in organ transplant patients. Additionally, its fruiting body extracts have demonstrated the ability to reduce kidney inflammation and improve kidney function by regulating uric acid levels and promoting detoxification (4,5).
Cordyceps also shows promise in improving cardiovascular health. One study found that supplementation with Cordyceps reduced blood viscosity and cholesterol levels by 21% in heart disease patients, suggesting its potential for supporting heart health. Furthermore, research has indicated benefits for improving conditions such as ventricular arrhythmia, where a significant portion of patients saw improvements when taking Cordyceps daily (4).
Read about Mushrooms for Cardiovascular Support
Cordyceps for Skin
As skincare practices continues to evolve, Cordyceps militaris is emerging as a promising natural ingredient. A study using an extract from Cordyceps mycelium residue in a skin cream demonstrated its safety and stability, with volunteers finding it effective. Rich in polysaccharides, the extract showed potential for use in cosmetics, particularly for its soothing and rejuvenating properties (25).
In another study, Cordyceps was shown to have protective effects against skin aging and potential in supporting skin health. Its active compounds, such as cordycepin and polysaccharides, have been suggested to reduce inflammation, boost collagen production, and provide defense against harmful environmental factors (26).
Read more about Mushrooms for Skin Health
Cordyceps for Immune and Cellular Support*
Cordyceps militaris has significant potential in supporting immune health while also showing promising effects in cancer-related research. It plays a vital role in modulating the immune system by enhancing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which are essential for defending against infections and abnormal cells. Clinical trials have found that Cordycepa supplementation increases NK cell activity, helping the body respond more effectively to stress and immune system imbalances (27).
In addition to boosting general immune health, Cordyceps has shown potential for supporting cancer therapies. Studies suggest that its bioactive compounds, including cordycepin, can induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells--such as those from sarcoma and lymphoma--by triggering specific cell signaling pathways like Wnt/β-catenin (28). Furthermore, Cordyceps has been found to prevent tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread (29).
Cordyceps may also work synergistically with conventional cancer treatments. By enhancing the immune response and encouraging apoptosis in cancerous cells, it may improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and supporting the body's natural defenses during challenging treatments (4,5).
These benefits make Cordyceps a valuable addition to wellness routines, especially for those seeking to bolster their immune system or support their body through cancer treatment.
Ophiocordyceps sinensis vs Cordyceps militaris
Cordyceps militaris is not only a more sustainable choice than Ophiocordyceps sinensis, it may also be the better option for health. While O. sinensis can only grow in the wild and remains extremely difficult to cultivate, C. militaris is farm-grown and widely available. Studies show that C. militaris produces more cordycepin, exopolysaccharides, and biomass in liquid culture than O. sinensis under optimal conditions (30). It has also shown similar or slightly stronger results in protecting liver cells from oxidative stress (31) and may have more hypoglycemic activity (32). One study found that C. militaris contains more adenosine and cordycepin than O. sinensis (3).
In contrast, research on O. sinensis is less consistent due to frequent misidentification of strains, mislabeled DNA sequences, and poor reproducibility across studies (32). There's even evidence that O. sinensis may promote growth in certain prostate cancer cells in vitro, while C. militaris has not shown this effect (33). Still, C. militaris comes with its own cultivation challenges. Strains can degenerate over time which often leads to decreased fruiting. As a result, quality sourcing essential, which is why we rely on a trusted New York–based grower to provide the most consistent, high-quality Cordyceps militaris available.
If you're interested in mushroom taxonomy, read What's Really in Reishi
Sourcing, Production and Safety of Cordyceps
If you’ve ever wondered whether Cordyceps militaris is truly safe to consume—or where it actually comes from—you’re not alone. Cordyceps has long played a key role in many traditional wellness practices. But as demand for potent lab cultivated forms of Cordyceps grows, so do questions about its sourcing, cultivation and processing.
One study looked at the safety of Cordyceps militaris extract in Swiss albino mice and found no significant toxicity, even at high doses of up to 2,000 mg/kg (which would be around 16,4000mg/day for a human weighing 181lbs). While mild kidney effects were observed, the extract caused no mortality or major behavioral changes. Some metrics such as sperm quality and liver enzyme balance even improved, offering early evidence that it may be a well-tolerated supplement (34).
Still, not all Cordyceps militaris is created equal. Over time, cultivated strains can degrade, losing their ability to produce rich fruiting bodies or key compounds like cordycepin. This presents challenges for both consistency and efficacy in finished products. Ongoing research is working to solve this issue, but this highlights how important strain sourcing and preservation really are (35).
Processing plays a big role too. A study investigating alcohol-based extraction found that higher ethanol concentrations could selectively isolate polysaccharides with stronger bioactivity, especially against tumor cells. As alcohol levels in the extractions increased, sugars like xylose and mannose dropped out, resulting in smaller, more potent compounds. It’s therefore important to keep in mind that the specifics of the extraction process is just as key to the effectiveness of Cordyceps as its sourcing. (36).
Read more about Our Mushroom Tincture Formulation
Other Kinds of Cordyceps
There are other noteworthy species within the Cordyceps genus. To just quickly mention a few, for example, Cordyceps cicadae (also called Cordyceps chanhua) has been found to flower from the body of its cicada host (37). Cordyceps guangdongensis, discovered as recently as 2008, is being actively studied for its medicinal potential. Cordyceps pruinosa has been used as a natural insecticide. Cordyceps ophioglossoides (or Adder's Tongue)–better known for parasitizing other fungi rather than insects–has applications in skin health (4). Interestingly, Cyclosporin A—a powerful anti-rejection drug that has saved countless lives—was derived from Ophiocordycipitaceae, an anamorph in the same fungal family as Cordyceps. Finally, there is one last type of Cordyceps that has sparked awe, fascination, and even fear in both real and fictional worlds…
Zombie Cordyceps?
Zombie Ant Fungus - Ophiocordyceps unilateralis
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Ophiocordyceps unilateralis—whether from science media, nature documentaries, or pop culture. This fungus has fascinated researchers and storytellers alike thanks to its eerie ability to control insect hosts. I first encountered it as a kid in a documentary, and it’s stuck with me ever since. The media began picking up on this so-called “zombie ant fungus” with eye-catching headlines in the press, full-length documentaries, and most famously the 2013 video game The Last of Us and the smash hit 2023 TV adaptation of the same time.
In The Last of Us, an entirely fictionalized cordyceps infection triggers a global zombie outbreak, directly inspired by tits behavior in ants. Naturally, that’s led to a lot of curiosity—and concern.
Can cordyceps infect humans? Can cordyceps infect animals? Many have raised these questions, and the simple answer is no, cordyceps can’t infect either humans or animals. Cordyceps is highly specialized, infecting only insects. But why can’t cordyceps infect humans? Cordyceps can only thrive at temperatures under 90°F, which is well below human body temperature. So while cordyceps can thrive in relatively cooler environments in insect bodies, it cannot survive the temperatures inside a human body.
Could cordyceps evolve to infect humans? Thankfully no; the changes necessary to do so would require millions of years of evolution. So rest assured—whether it’s cordyceps ants, cordyceps tarantula, or cordyceps caterpillars, none of these fungi pose a threat to humans or pets. And even regardless of all that, this particular species isn’t commonly used in wellness products, so consumers of cordyceps dietary supplements have no reason to fear any sort of zombie apocalypse!
Speaking of Parasitic Fungi, check out our Chaga Misconceptions Blog
Cordyceps Fun Facts
Well, we can’t leave you with the heebie-jeebies, so here’s some more awesome, real-life facts about Cordyceps.
Did you know that Cordyceps is involved in groundbreaking medical discoveries? In a New York forest, Cornell students discovered the anamorph of Ophiocordyceps subsessillus (38). This fungus-related research led to the development of Cyclosporin A, a crucial anti-rejection drug that’s saved countless lives.
Cordyceps militaris isn’t just a fascinating fungus—it’s also part of the sustainable packaging revolution. A study developed a biodegradable food packaging film using Cordyceps mycelium, enhanced with carmine and Ag@CuBTC to improve water resistance and extend the shelf life of fruits (40). The film slows spoilage and optimizes gas permeability. As a bonus, it also completely degrades in three weeks, helping to keep waste to a minimum.
In another study, Cordyceps militaris was used to create beneficial pharmaceutical compounds by acting as a “cell factory,” providing an eco-friendly method for mass production of bioactive substances (41).
Gold nanoparticles–which have applications in cancer treatment, medical imaging, and blood sugar management–can be made using Cordyceps militaris. This process doesn’t use harmful chemicals, making it an eco-friendly way to produce nanoparticles (42). The nanoparticles can even help deliver drugs directly to target cells, making treatments more effective with fewer side effects.
And if you’re a fan of poultry, here’s something fun: chickens that have been fed Cordyceps have been shown to produce eggs containing cordycepin, a compound known for its health benefits. These eggs are 30% lower in cholesterol and have a sweeter yolk, and typically sell for twice the regular price.
Birch Boys Cordyceps Tincture
So if all of that has you curious about Cordyceps and wanting to give it a try, look no further than Birch Boys new Cordyceps Tincture. As is the case with all of our mushroom tinctures, Birch Boys is committed to providing the best cordyceps supplement we possibly can. We source high quality Cordyceps militaris from Unifi Farms in Central New York. They are expert cultivators–their Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies have been tested for potency and purity, which has confirmed they are one of the highest quality sources for Cordyceps in the USA. We use our tried and true method of double extraction to make our tincture, which maximizes its efficacy by capturing both the water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds found in Cordyceps.
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About The Author
Kaitlin Lawless | Vice President, Birch Boys Inc.
Born and raised in the Adirondacks, Kaitlin blends traditional herbalism with scientific research and years of field experience. Trained under licensed NYS mushroom ID expert Garrett Kopp, she’s become a leading voice in functional fungi, land stewardship, and customer education. As VP, she oversees brand, content, and strategy—helping shape Birch Boys’ mission from the forest floor up.
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