Cordyceps side effects and drug information


Cordyceps is a kind of fungus that lives off on some caterpillars that can be found in the high mountain parts of China. Makers of different supplements can get enough of the said product to sell because cordyceps will be reproduced in the laboratory.

Cordyceps is used in the treatment of coughs, chronic bronchitis, respiratory disorders, male sexual problems, kidney disorders, nighttime urination, anemia problems, irregular heartbeat, liver disorders, body weakness, high cholesterol, unwanted weight loss, dizziness, ringing sound in the ears and opium addiction.

At the same time, it is utilized to strengthen the immune system, improve athletic performance, reduce the effects of aging, promote longer life, and improve liver function in individuals suffering from hepatitis B.

Some folks use cordyceps as a tonic, stimulant, and as “adaptogen,” that is used to boost energy, improve stamina, and lessen fatigue.


Cordyceps may improve resistance by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system. Also, it may have the activity to fight cancer cells and might decrease tumor size, especially with skin or lung cancers.

Side Effects

Cordyceps is deemed safe, given that it is for short-term use. Some users may experience minor side effects, such as nausea, stomach ache, dry mouth, or diarrhea. Symptoms are usually resolved once the medication is stopped. Others have described a persistent metallic taste after the use of cordyceps, which could take longer to solve.

In spite of it being relatively safe, the case of the herbal medication is inadequately understood and might cause difficulties in some users. In case you are hypersensitive to yeast or molds, you would likely be sensitive to cordyceps and should stay away from them.

Individuals who are taking medication such as wellbutrin for diabetes should avoid cordyceps. This is because the combined use could result in an excessive drop in blood sugar levels of also called hypoglycemia.

Those with bleeding conditions or who consume anticoagulants or anti-clotting drugs might need to stay away from cordyceps. Taking these together can increase the risk of easy bruising or bleeding.

This is also applicable if you are slated to have surgery. You will need to halt off, taking cordyceps for a minimum of two weeks in advance to avoid excessive bleeding.

A little fact is known about the prolonged safety of consuming cordyceps. Although the supplements are believed to be safe, there are still apprehensions about the overall safety of imported Chinese medications.

As a result of research, cordyceps of any kind should not be applied in pregnant women, children, or nursing mothers.

Dosage and Administration

The proper dose of cordyceps is dependent on various factors like the user’s health, age, and numerous conditions. Currently, there is not enough scientific data to ascertain a suitable variety of dosages for cordyceps. Bear in mind that natural products are not all the time safe and dosages could be crucial. Make sure to strictly follow the directions on labels and ask your physician or pharmacist or another healthcare professional before use.

Dosing endorsed by-product value data is inaccessible, and a lot of herbal supplements on the marketplace have differing undefined amounts of the product. Cordyceps 3-6g per day has been utilized in patients that are suffering from chronic renal malfunction for periods that range from days up to years.

Drug Interaction

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) is utilized to reduce the immune system. Cordyceps appears to boost the immune system. Consumption of cordyceps, together with cyclophosphamide, may drop the efficacy of cyclophosphamide.

Medications that reduce the immune system or Immunosuppressants. The interaction rating is moderate. Chat with your healthcare provider.

Cordyceps may strengthen the immune system. By boosting the immune system, cordyceps could decrease the efficiency of medications that reduce the immune system.

Some types of medications that can decrease the immune system may include basiliximab (Simulect), azathioprine (Imuran), daclizumab (Zenapax), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), mycophenolate (CellCept), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), sirolimus (Rapamune), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and many others.

Medications that can slow down blood clotting (Antiplatelet / Anticoagulant drugs) Interaction rating is moderate. Be careful with this combination.

Cordyceps can slow down blood clotting. The use of cordyceps, together with medications that can slow coagulation, may increase the risks of bleeding and bruising. But, it is not yet clear if this prospective interaction is a significant concern.

Some medicines that slow down blood clotting consist of clopidogrel (Plavix), aspirin, dalteparin (Fragmin), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), enoxaparin (Lovenox), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Prednisolone interaction rating is moderate. Be vigilant with this mixture. Consult with your health worker.

Prednisolone is occasionally used to lessen the immune system. Consuming cordyceps may make prednisolone not so practical for reducing the immune system.

Testosterone interaction rating is minor. Be prudent with this mix. Chat with your healthcare provider.

Cordyceps may boost testosterone levels. But it is not sure if this is a significant concern. Individuals using testosterone ought to avoid cordyceps or consume it carefully until more is recognized about this possible interaction.

Warnings and Precautions

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There is not plenty of reliable data about the protection of taking cordyceps if one is breastfeeding or pregnant. Always stay on the secure side and prevent use.

Auto-immune diseases like lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and other conditions: Cordyceps may affect the immune system to be more active. This can increase the signs of auto-immune diseases. In case you have any of these circumstances, it is best to prevent the use of cordyceps.

Bleeding illnesses: Cordyceps may slow down blood clotting. Using cordyceps may increase the probability of bleeding in individuals.

Surgery: The use of cordyceps can boost the risk of bleeding during the time of the operation. Completely stop the use of cordyceps two weeks before having surgery.

Overdose and Contraindications

In the US, cordyceps is typically offered in tablet, capsule, or powder formulations. On the other hand, dried whole mushrooms could frequently be discovered online, though you cannot always be confident if you are getting C. simensis or another cordyceps species.

Dried whole cordyceps are every so often used to make extracts and tinctures, while the powdered cordyceps could be blended into protein shakes and smoothies or brewed into tea.

There are no universal guidelines for the proper use of cordyceps supplements or cordyceps. Never use over the recommended dosage of the product. If you happen to develop any uncommon symptoms after ingesting cordyceps, immediately stop and inform your doctor. Make sure to keep the packaging of the product to show to the doctor.

Clinical Pharmacology

Invitro evaluation and animal researches of cordyceps, as well as the chemical constituents, indicate potential therapeutic functions; but, despite a substantial clinical study, the vast majority had inferior methods. Minimal large, controlled, and randomized clinical trials have been performed, making conclusive statements about the effectiveness of cordyceps premature.