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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

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.

More about cordyceps
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids

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 oil
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
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
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
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine