Compound or practice · Supplement
Cordyceps
A popular endurance mushroom whose human performance data are weak and inconsistent.
- Overall grade
- Grade D
- Last revised
- 1
- graded outcome
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
1 at grade D — 1 graded row
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Aerobic performanceEvidence grade D
Weak human data
Triviallow
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Thin evidence: Aerobic performance (grade D).
The evidence in words
What it is
Cordyceps (militaris or the fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is a mushroom marketed for aerobic performance and vitality.
How it works
Proposed to improve oxygen utilization and mitochondrial ATP production; human confirmation is lacking.
What the evidence shows
The few controlled human trials are small and mostly show no meaningful improvement in VO2max or performance in trained people; some multi-ingredient blends hint at benefit but can't isolate cordyceps. Largely a marketing-driven ergogenic.
How to use it
1–3 g/day of extract if trialing; expectations should be low.
Safety & interactions
Generally safe.
Bottom line
Trendy but thin. The endurance claims aren't backed by solid human data; spend your supplement budget elsewhere.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- If trialing
- 1–3 g/day extract.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Cordyceps for Aerobic performanceEvidence grade D — Weak human dataEvidence grade D
- Cordyceps: dosage and how to take it1–3 g/day extract.Evidence grade D
- Cordyceps: side effects, safety & interactionsGenerally safe.Evidence grade D
- ATP (Peak ATP)Oral 'ATP' that doesn't reach muscle as ATP — small, mostly industry-linked performance signals.Evidence grade D
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.