Evidence supporting the use of: Cordyceps
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Cordyceps, a genus of parasitic fungi, has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to enhance vitality and physical endurance. In recent decades, its application as an athletic and exercise aid has garnered scientific interest. Some studies suggest that Cordyceps may improve exercise performance by increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, which is essential for delivering energy to muscles. For example, research involving Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris has shown modest improvements in aerobic capacity and endurance among both amateur and trained athletes. These effects are thought to be due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as cordycepin and polysaccharides, which may enhance oxygen utilization and reduce fatigue.

However, the overall quality and quantity of clinical trials are limited. Some studies report statistically significant, but small, improvements in VO2 max and fatigue resistance, while others find negligible or no effects compared to placebo. Variability in study design, dosages, and Cordyceps species used makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Systematic reviews generally characterize the evidence as preliminary and call for larger, well-controlled trials.

In summary, while there is a traditional basis for Cordyceps as an energy and vitality booster, current scientific evidence offers modest support for its use as an exercise aid. The evidence is not overwhelming, but it is stronger than for many other herbal supplements. Thus, the rating for scientific support is moderate.

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Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
Acetyl L-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
Alpha D-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
L-alanine
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-citrulline
L-glutamine
L-glycine
L-leucine
L-ornithine
L-taurine
l-tyrosine
L-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
Muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Peppermint
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
Rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
Tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
Watermelon
Whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
Yerba mate
Algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
arginine alpha ketoglutarate
antler
arginine creatine
Arginine nitrate
arachidonic acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
bicarbonate
Beef Protein
bovine protein
Bulbine natalensis
ba ji tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
coconut
casein
cardarine
capsinoids
citrate malate
capsiate
creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
dihydrocapsiate
deer velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
eurycomanone
elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
ecdysteroids
Ethyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
ecdysterone
ephedrine
Fadogia agrestis
guanidinoacetic acid
Ginsenosides
Glutamine
Growth factors
GMS-ribose
glucose
Glycocyamine
Guaranine
Glycerol
Higenamine
hydroxymethylbutyrate
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
horny goat weed
isomaltulose
Isoleucine
kola nut
ketone salts
lactalbumin
Laxogenin
macamides
maral root
Mineral ascorbate
Milk Protein
Methylxanthine
Methylliberine
Mate
Mushroom
macaenes
Nitrous Malate (TM) Diarginine Malate
Ornithine
Phosphocreatine
pyrroloquinoline quinone
paraxanthine
Phytoecdysteroid
pyruvate
Phosphatidic Acid
Piper nigrum
Palatinose
Peptides
Quinoa Protein
Rhaponticum
ribose
robusta coffee
Synephrine
Safed musli
salt
Sida cordifolia
Theobromine
Tripeptide
Trichilia catigua
Turkesterone
Trichopus zeylanicus
Theacrine
Teacrine
Tribulus Terrestris
Valine alpha-hydroxyisocaproate
Xanthine
Yohimbine