Caterpillar mushroom

Other Names

bucaterpillar fungusChinese caterpillar fungusChinese insect herbchong caoCordyceps multiaxialisCordyceps mushroomCordyceps nepalensisCordyceps sinensisdōng chóng xià cǎodong chong xia caoDong Chung Ha ChoDongChongXiaCaoghaas fafoondHimalayan ViagraHirsutella sinensisinsect herbkeeda ghaskeeda jadikeera ghaskeera jadikeera jarikeera jharkira ghasOphiocordyceps sinensisSphaeria sinensissummer grass winter wormsummer-plant winter-wormTochukasovegetable caterpillarViagra of the Himalayaswinter worm summer grassyarchayarcha gumbayarchagumbayarchagunbuyarsa gumbayarsagombayarsagumbayarsha gambooyarsha gumbayarshagumbayartsayartsa guenboobyartsa guenbubyartsa gunbuzombie fungus冬蟲夏草蟲草

Synopsis

Caterpillar Mushroom (Ophiocordyceps sinensis): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity, Taxonomy, and Natural Source

Caterpillar mushroom — known scientifically as Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H. Sung et al. — is the accepted current name for what was long classified as Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. The caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn. Cordyceps sinensis), which was originally used in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine, is called either "yartsa gunbu" or "DongChongXiaCao (冬蟲夏草 Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo)" ("winter worm-summer grass"), respectively. Even though it has been confirmed that Hirsutella sinensis is the anamorph of C. sinensis, most articles still use the terms "Cordyceps sinensis," "Cordyceps," and "Cordyceps" to refer to the traditional Chinese medicine DongChongXiaCao.

Chinese cordyceps is a renowned complex consisting of the entomopathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycetes) that parasitizes soil-borne larvae of Thitarodes/Hepialus ghost moths, and the excavated cordyceps has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to its exceptional medicinal properties and exorbitant market value ($60,000/kg in 2015). Cordyceps sinensis spores infect Hepialus and Thitarodes caterpillars in late summer or early fall while the caterpillars are hibernating underground. The fungus then multiplies by yeast-like budding and grows in the form of threadlike hyphae, ultimately killing the host. During the following spring, the fruiting body (i.e., the sexual, teleomorphic form) of the fungus grows out of the caterpillar's head and emerges above ground.

O. sinensis is highly precious because it is harvested from remote locations of about 3,800 m above sea level in Tibet, Qinghai, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Gansu provinces. There are more than 260 species of Cordyceps worldwide, the most commonly used in herbal medicine being Cordyceps sinensis and militaris. As an endangered species that is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, O. sinensis requires conservation and has already attracted the attention of international public agencies such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Centre Agriculture Bioscience International (CABI).

1.1 Common Names and Synonyms

Scientific: Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G.H. Sung et al. (current accepted name); syn. Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc.
Chinese: Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo (冬蟲夏草; "winter worm, summer grass")
Tibetan: Yartsa Gunbu
Nepali/Hindi: Yarsa Gumba / Keera Jhar
English: Chinese caterpillar fungus; caterpillar mushroom

1.2 Common Forms and Preparations

Most commercial cordyceps supplements in current use are not derived from the natural fungus, but rather from a laboratory, synthetically grown version referred to as Cordyceps sinensis-4 [Cs-4]. Because of its purported clinical effects, cordyceps is now found in multiple over-the-counter, commercial forms as capsules or tablets, typically recommended as therapy of fatigue, aging, inflammation, hyperglycemia, and sexual dysfunction, or for boosting energy, athletic performance, immune reactivity, and heart, kidney, liver, or metabolic function.

Because of its rarity and outstanding curative effects, several mycelia strains have been isolated from natural Cordyceps and manufactured by fermentation technology, and are commonly sold as health food products. In addition, some substitutes such as C. militaris and adulterants also have been used; therefore, quality control of C. sinensis and its products is very important to ensure their safety and efficacy. Wild cordyceps is increasingly rare in its natural habitat. For this reason, a refined standardized fermentation product, Cs-4, was produced from the mycelial strain Paecilomyces hepiali Chen at Dai, isolated from wild C. sinensis. A close similarity between this fermentation product and natural Cordyceps has been demonstrated with respect to their chemical constituents (Cs-4 contains not less than 0.14% adenosine and 5% mannitol) and pharmacologic properties.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

Cordyceps extracts have been used in Chinese Traditional Medicine for over 1,500 years to treat a wide spectrum of medical conditions including fatigue, aging, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, colitis, and sexual dysfunction. O. sinensis is a naturally existent fungus-caterpillar complex that has been used in Chinese and Tibetan traditional medicine since the 15th century. Due to the limited quantity and high demand, O. sinensis was historically reserved for the most powerful and wealthiest people in society, such as members of the Emperor's Court in China. In Tibet, this fungus was initially more known as a trade product than as a medicine.

The Compendium of Materia Medica completed as early as 1694 recorded the medical efficacy of Cordyceps as sweet and warm, hemostatic and expectorant; it invigorates the lung and the kidney, and stops phthisical cough. According to Chinese tradition and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Cordyceps sinensis can "tonify the lung, replenish the kidneys, arrest bleeding, dissolve phlegm, treat chronic coughs, treat spontaneous sweating and restore strength after an illness."

It is commonly used to replenish the kidney and soothe the lung, and for the treatment of fatigue. Traditional healers and local people of North Sikkim recommend the mushroom, i.e., Yarsa Gumba, Keera Jhar (C. sinensis) for all diseases either as a single drug or combined with other herbs. It was found that most local folk healers/traditional healers use cordyceps for the treatment of 21 ailments.

Many respiratory illnesses like asthma, COPD and bronchitis have been treated by CS, which has been used as a promoter of respiratory health in China for more than a thousand years. Cordyceps has traditionally been used for the enhancement of sexual function in human beings. Cordyceps sinensis is a rare traditional medical ingredient in China, on a par with ginseng and cartilaginous for its well-known clinical efficacy and nourishing effects.

Traditional preparations included the whole dried fungus-caterpillar complex decocted in water, steeped in Baijiu (grain alcohol), or simmered in soups with other tonic herbs such as duck or pork. Typical traditional recommended doses of cordyceps range from 5 to 10 grams daily.

3. Key Chemical Constituents and Active Compounds

A variety of bioactive ingredients have been isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, including: proteins, peptides, all essential amino acids, cyclic dipeptides, and polyamines; monosaccharides, polysaccharides, and sugar derivatives; cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine); cordycepic acid (D-mannitol); sterols, including ergosterol; nucleosides and nucleotides; superoxide dismutase; fatty acids; metal elements; vitamins; and other inorganics.

Bioactive components isolated from caterpillar fungus include nucleosides, D-mannitol, sterols, flavonoids, fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, peptides, amides, proximate, and mineral composition. Pharmacological investigations have revealed that CS contains cordycepin (0.5%), D-mannitol (cordycepic acid, 7%), polysaccharides (6.62 g/100 g), ergosterol (2.6–3.6 mg/g), glycosides, various amino acids, selenium, zinc, strontium, and other elements.

3.1 Cordycepin (3′-Deoxyadenosine)

Cordycepin (COR), also known as 3′-deoxyadenosine, is a nucleoside antibiotic isolated from Cordyceps fungi. Much research has demonstrated that COR possesses various pharmacological properties, including anti-tumor, anti-metastatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-influenza, and immunomodulatory effects. During the process of RNA synthesis (transcription), some enzymes are not able to distinguish between an adenosine and cordycepin, which leads to incorporation of cordycepin to induce premature termination of transcription.

3.2 Polysaccharides

Many active constituents have been identified from Cordyceps sinensis, including cordycepin, adenosine, sterols, and polysaccharides. Polysaccharides constitute a primary active component of Cordyceps, exhibiting immunomodulatory effects. Immunological experimental results demonstrate that Cordyceps polysaccharides can augment the activities of macrophages, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells while fostering the expression of immune-active substances such as cytokines and chemokines. These effects encompass ameliorating immune suppression induced by drugs or radiation, enhancing immune organ indices, elevating the expression of immunoreactive substances, and mitigating immune evasion prompted by tumors.

3.3 Adenosine and Cordycepic Acid (D-Mannitol)

According to the Chinese Pharmacopeia, O. sinensis is standardized for its adenosine content, the precursor of ATP, which mediates numerous physiological and pathological processes in many diseases. Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) and cordycepic acid (D-mannitol) are the most active components among others.

3.4 Ergosterol and Other Sterols

Ergosterol — the fungal precursor to vitamin D — is present alongside other sterols in the fruiting body. Peptides, nucleosides, and polysaccharides serve as the main active components in this genus, which possess immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-malaria, and antifungal activities.

3.5 Exopolysaccharide Fraction (EPSF)

EPSF has a large number of pharmacological effects; two of the most important are immunomodulatory and antitumour effects. Previous reports have shown that EPSF could scavenge free radicals, induce differentiation of cancer cells, and enhance antitumor ability via activating different immune responses in the host.

3.6 Vitamins and Minerals

Other chemical components and bioactive constituents include all types of essential amino acids, vitamins mainly E, K, B1, B2, B12; carbohydrates, proteins, sterols, nucleosides and essential elements (Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pi, Se, Al, Si, Ni, Sr, Ti, Cr, K, Na, Ca).

4. Established Mechanisms of Action

4.1 Immunomodulation

Cordyceps sinensis has been reported to produce both immuno-stimulating and immunosuppressive effects. Thus, it appears that Cordyceps sinensis may be a bi-directional modulator of the immune system. Due to its inhibitory effect on the immune system, cordyceps can be used for treatment of autoimmune diseases and for immunosuppression after organ transplant.

4.2 Antitumour Mechanisms

Cordycepin has been extensively studied and has been shown to have antitumour activity. This activity includes effects on the autophagy process and inhibition of the MAPK/ERK and Hedgehog pathways. The inhibitory effect of cordycepin on tumour cells is due to the interplay of these effects. Several studies have demonstrated that cordycepin not only has the ability to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines in vitro but also suppresses tumor growth in vivo, suggesting that the antitumor effects of cordycepin are related to apoptosis. The immunomodulating effects are associated with its antitumour activity, which is the most proverbial effect of C. sinensis.

4.3 Antioxidant Mechanisms

The high amount of phenols, flavonoids, nucleosides (adenosine), nucleobases (adenine and uracil), and polysaccharides found in Cordyceps sinensis absorb and neutralize free radicals, quench singlet and triplet oxygen, or decompose peroxides. Laboratory studies suggest that cordyceps extracts have multiple biologic effects including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and antineoplastic activities.

4.4 Effects on Glucose Metabolism

This fungus appears to also lower blood glucose and plasma insulin, and improves glucose metabolism by enhancing insulin sensitivity. Fruiting bodies of C. sinensis had an effect on lowering the fasting blood glucose level and increasing the thymus weight. Fermented mycelia and broth of C. sinensis had similar antihyperglycemic effect with fruiting bodies in nicotinamide and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Therefore, the fermented products of cordyceps can be developed as potential antidiabetic agents or functional foods for persons with a high risk of diabetes mellitus.

4.5 Effects on Sexual Function and Testosterone

Effects on libido and reproductive function are related to increased plasma testosterone release via the cAMP (adenosine monophosphate)-protein kinase A signaling pathway.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Athletic Performance and Exercise Capacity

Cordyceps has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat an assortment of conditions including fatigue, respiratory and kidney diseases, renal dysfunction, and cardiac dysfunction. More recently, the benefits of cordyceps for athletic performance have been evaluated. Cordyceps first gained attention in 1993, when world record-breaking performances of Chinese female athletes were attributed to a vigorous training and nutrition regimen that involved cordyceps supplementation.

The most rigorous human study in this area is a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the fermentation product Cs-4. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy elderly subjects. Twenty healthy elderly (age 50–75 years) subjects were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trial. The subjects were taking either Cs-4 333 mg or placebo capsules 3 times a day for 12 weeks. After receiving Cs-4 for 12 weeks, the metabolic threshold (above which lactate accumulates) increased by 10.5% from 0.83 ± 0.06 to 0.93 ± 0.08 L/min (p < 0.02) and the ventilatory threshold increased by 8.5% from 1.25 ± 0.11 to 1.36 ± 0.15 L/min.

Evidence assessment: This study involved only 20 older subjects and used a fermented mycelial product (Cs-4) rather than wild O. sinensis. Results are promising for older or sedentary adults but cannot be extrapolated to trained athletes or younger populations. The overall body of human evidence for athletic performance enhancement remains limited in sample size and methodological rigor.

5.2 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Renal Dysfunction

Some evidence indicates that Cordyceps preparations given in addition to conventional Western medicine may be beneficial in improving kidney function and addressing some complications. However, evidence quality was poor, and no definitive conclusions could be made about Cordyceps.

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Medicine specifically addressed this area. The meta-analysis ultimately incorporated 15 studies comprising a total of 1,310 patients with renal dysfunction. Pooled sensitivity was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84–0.93), specificity was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.59–0.77), and the diagnostic odds ratio was 18.0 (95% CI: 8.0–39.0). It may improve the function of glomeruli and tubules, promote the recovery of tubular function, and thus enhance the clinical therapeutic effects. While some clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of C. sinensis preparations in treating acute kidney injury, the majority of these studies are single-center clinical trials with small sample sizes.

Evidence assessment: The aggregate evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses suggests a potentially beneficial adjunctive role in renal dysfunction. However, trial quality is predominantly low-to-moderate, with most studies conducted in China using proprietary preparations, limiting generalizability.

5.3 Respiratory Disease (COPD)

Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a complementary medicine used for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages 2–3. Many randomized controlled trials have been conducted to evaluate the effect of CS alone or in combination with other herbs on stable COPD. Fifteen interventional studies, including 1,238 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that both CS preparations and CS formulae showed the potential benefits in lung function, exercise endurance, life quality, and improvement of symptoms. No serious adverse events were reported. CS may be a promising treatment for patients with stable COPD of GOLD stages 2–3.

At the preclinical level, C. sinensis treatment significantly ameliorated airway wall thickening, involving collagen deposition, airway wall fibrosis, smooth muscle hypertrophy and epithelial hyperplasia in model rats with COPD. Findings indicate that Cordyceps sinensis alleviates COPD symptoms by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, with key biomarkers such as interleukins (ILs) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) implicated.

Evidence assessment: A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs (1,238 participants) provides a moderate evidence base for adjunctive benefit in stable COPD stages 2–3. Study quality, blinding, and publication bias remain concerns. Most trials are China-based, using traditional preparations as add-ons to standard Western therapy. Independent replication in other populations is needed.

5.4 Sexual Function and Reproductive Health

Evidence shows that C. sinensis and C. militaris can improve reproductive activity and restore impaired reproductive function. One early clinical investigation of note used the Cs-4 preparation. Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific Cordyceps preparation (Cs-4) at about 3 g per day for 40 days can improve symptoms of sexual weakness in 66% of patients, compared with 32% of patients taking natural Cordyceps and 24% of patients taking a placebo.

Libido/sexual health evidence is based on traditional use with largely preclinical support; high-quality human trials are lacking. Previous studies have reported that C. sinensis improved libido in men and women. In corroboration, studies have reported that Cordyceps supplementation in male rats increased the serum testosterone level.

Evidence assessment: Preclinical evidence from animal models is plentiful and suggests meaningful effects on testosterone and reproductive parameters. Human clinical evidence is sparse, preliminary, and generally of low methodological quality. No large, rigorous, independent RCTs have yet validated these effects in humans.

5.5 Antitumour and Cancer-Related Effects

Cordycepin was shown to enhance the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy. There is increasing evidence indicating that cordycepin plays an anticancer role in the treatment of various cancers. This body of research elucidates the mechanisms of cordycepin in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, as well as its capabilities in suppressing angiogenesis and metastasis. Moreover, the immunomodulatory effects of cordycepin in cancer treatment are explored.

Through in vitro studies, cordycepin showed potential in antitumor activity. Further studies are needed to confirm and elucidate the potential antitumor activity of COR and its impact on the molecular regulation of fungal secondary metabolism.

Evidence assessment: Antitumour effects of cordycepin and related compounds are well-characterized in cell culture and animal models, including induction of apoptosis, inhibition of the MAPK/ERK and Hedgehog pathways, and anti-angiogenic activity. No human clinical trials have yet established anti-cancer efficacy of caterpillar mushroom preparations in humans. All evidence in this domain is preclinical.

5.6 Immunomodulation

C. sinensis preparations can exert their pharmacological effects through immune regulation, and some studies have found that C. sinensis can alleviate liver inflammation and fibrosis induced by CCl4 by promoting the activation of liver NK cells, showing significant anti-liver fibrosis effects. The C. sinensis ethanol extract could enhance Th1 immune response, such as IFN-γ and IL-12 production, which could then inhibit IL-10 release from Th2 cells and finally reduce IgE production from B lymphocytes.

Evidence assessment: Immunomodulatory effects are among the best-characterized biological activities of O. sinensis. Most supporting data derive from cell-based and animal studies. Human RCT evidence for specific immune outcomes remains limited and mixed.

5.7 Fatigue

In a prior clinical study of elderly patients with chronic fatigue, results indicated that most of the subjects treated with Cordyceps sinensis pure mycelium reported a significant clinical improvement in the areas of fatigue, cold intolerance, dizziness, frequent nocturia, tinnitus, hyposexuality, and amnesia.

Evidence assessment: This is a traditional indication with historical depth. Some supportive clinical signals exist for elderly populations. High-quality, large-scale RCTs are needed before confident conclusions can be drawn.

5.8 Glucose and Metabolic Health

Early human studies and a larger body of animal research suggest cordyceps may influence glucose and lipid metabolism — improving insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose, or triglycerides in some contexts. Human trials are small and require replication.

Evidence assessment: Antihyperglycemic effects have been demonstrated in multiple animal models. Human data are limited to small pilot studies. Evidence at this stage is preliminary and insufficient to support a clinical recommendation.

6. Body Systems Associated with Caterpillar Mushroom

Renal system: Historically used to tonify the kidneys; several RCTs and meta-analyses support adjunctive benefit in CKD and renal dysfunction.
Respiratory system: Historically used to soothe the lung; meta-analyses support adjunctive benefit in stable COPD.
Immune system: Bi-directional immunomodulation via polysaccharides, cordycepin, and adenosine.
Musculoskeletal/exercise physiology: Limited clinical evidence for improved aerobic threshold in older adults.
Endocrine/reproductive system: Traditional use and preclinical data support effects on testosterone and libido; human evidence is weak.
Metabolic system: Preliminary evidence for antihyperglycemic and lipid-modulating effects.
Oncology (preclinical only): Cordycepin induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in multiple cancer cell lines; no proven human clinical application.
Hepatic system: Animal and limited human data suggest hepatoprotective and anti-fibrotic activity.

7. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies

Recommended doses of cordyceps in commercial products range from 0.5 to 4 grams daily. Typical traditional recommended doses of cordyceps range from 5 to 10 grams daily.

In specific clinical studies, the following dosages have been reported:

Exercise performance (Cs-4, elderly adults): Subjects were taking either Cs-4 333 mg or placebo capsules 3 times a day (total 999 mg/day) for 12 weeks.
Sexual function (Cs-4 preparation): Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific Cordyceps preparation (Cs-4) at about 3 g per day for 40 days can improve symptoms of sexual weakness.
COPD animal model (preclinical reference): Rats with COPD were orally administered C. sinensis at low, moderate or high doses (2.5, 5 or 7.5 g/kg/day, respectively) for 12 weeks.

The Chinese Pharmacopeia standardizes O. sinensis for its adenosine content. Among the numerous species of Cordyceps, most scientific research has been conducted on Cordyceps sinensis, which is included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015), and its adenosine concentration is considered as the main quality indicator.

8. Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions

8.1 General Tolerability

Cordyceps extracts are generally well tolerated and have not been associated with serum aminotransferase elevations during therapy or with cases of clinically apparent liver injury.

8.2 Heavy Metals — Arsenic

The most prominent documented safety concern with wild O. sinensis is heavy metal content. The detection of relatively high arsenic levels (2.10–9.97 mg/kg) in wild C. sinensis has raised substantial safety concerns regarding its chronic consumption. The National Medical Products Administration of China reported that the total arsenic content in wild C. sinensis ranged from 4.4 to 9.9 mg/kg, and long-term consumption may lead to arsenic accumulation in the body, thus increasing health risks.

The contents of Cu, Pb, Cd and Hg in the stroma were higher than those in the caterpillar body. In contrast, As was mainly found in the caterpillar body. At an exposure level less than 2.0 months/year, the arsenic was not likely to harm human health during a lifetime; however, if the exposure rate was greater than 3.0 months/year, the systemic effects of the arsenic in C. sinensis was of great concern. The arsenic in C. sinensis might not be free of risks. The suggested C. sinensis consumption rate of 2.0 months/year provided important insights into the ways by which to minimize potential health risks.

However, more recent experimental work distinguished between the bioavailability of arsenic in whole wild cordyceps versus equivalent doses of inorganic arsenic compounds. No significant adverse effects on body weight, organ indices, arsenic accumulation, liver or kidney function, or liver or kidney pathology were observed in the Cordyceps group. These findings indicate that, at the maximum clinical dose, wild Cordyceps sinensis does not cause measurable hepatorenal toxicity in long-term and exhibits markedly greater safety compared to a mixture of inorganic arsenic compounds (sodium arsenate and sodium arsenite) at an equivalent total arsenic dose.

8.3 Drug Interactions — Anticoagulants

Cordyceps and anticoagulant or anti-inflammatory drugs such as aceclofenac and acemetacin both increase anticoagulation and should be used with caution and monitored closely. Cordyceps and protamine both increase anticoagulation; this combination warrants therapy modification and close monitoring.

8.4 Drug Interactions — Immunosuppressants

Cordyceps may decrease the effects of prednisolone by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Cordyceps protects T and NK cells from immunosuppressive drug effects. Individuals on immunosuppressant regimens, particularly post-organ transplant recipients, should be aware that the bi-directional immune-modulating properties of cordyceps may interfere with pharmacological immunosuppression.

8.5 Product Authenticity and Quality

Over three-quarters of published papers used unreliable, uncertain, or unspecified materials, including so-called cultivated fruit bodies that were apparently not genuine O. sinensis strains, based on temperature and growth period. Currently both natural and cultured Cordyceps products are sold as health food products in South East Asia. Whether these products have a similar pharmacological effect is unclear. The lack of standardized, authenticated materials across the research literature is a major source of uncertainty in interpreting efficacy and safety data.

8.6 Liver Safety (NIH LiverTox)

Cordyceps extracts have not been associated with serum aminotransferase elevations during therapy or with cases of clinically apparent liver injury. The NIH LiverTox database assigns cordyceps a low likelihood of hepatotoxicity based on available clinical experience.

8.7 Overview of Known Safety Profile

Despite findings in laboratory experiments and in animals, none of the purported beneficial effects of cordyceps have been definitively shown in clinical trials in humans. The overall safety profile from clinical trials appears favorable in the short term. Long-term safety at high doses, particularly with wild-collected material containing elevated arsenic, requires further evaluation. Cultivated mycelial products (e.g., Cs-4) are widely considered safer and more consistent in composition than wild-harvested specimens.

References

Health Conditions

Health conditions that Caterpillar mushroom may help support.

Bronchial HealthScientific
Caterpillar mushroom is a common name for Cordyceps sinensis, which has documented clinical evidence for bronchial conditions including chronic bronchitis, COPD, and asthma. A 2024 RCT in Frontiers in Pharmacology specifically studied this mushroom in chronic bronchitis patients. A meta-analysis confirmed improvements in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratios in COPD with adjunctive Cordyceps use.

Body Systems

Body systems that Caterpillar mushroom may help support.

No body systems available.