Evidence supporting the use of: Cordycepic acid
For the body system: Muscles
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cordycepic acid is a compound found in the fungus Cordyceps sinensis, which has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Traditionally, Cordyceps and its constituents, including cordycepic acid, have been used as tonics to enhance vitality, stamina, and support overall physical function, including that of the muscular system. Historical texts and ethnobotanical records cite the use of Cordyceps among athletes and the elderly to improve energy, endurance, and recovery from fatigue.
However, the specific scientific evidence directly linking cordycepic acid alone to measurable improvements in muscle strength, growth, or recovery is limited. Most studies focus on the whole Cordyceps extract or related compounds such as cordycepin and polysaccharides. Some preclinical and small-scale human studies suggest that Cordyceps supplementation may help improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue, potentially by enhancing ATP production and oxygen utilization. Nonetheless, these effects are not conclusively attributed to cordycepic acid itself, and larger, well-controlled human trials are lacking.
In summary, the use of cordycepic acid for supporting the muscular system is rooted in traditional use rather than robust scientific validation. The evidence rating reflects the gap between traditional claims and current scientific proof specific to this compound.
Other ingredients that support Muscles
acetyl l-carnitineadenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
amylopectin
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
beet
beta-alanine
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
caffeine
calcium
cherry
chloride
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
devil's claw
dong quai root
fish protein
forskohlii root
l-isoleucine
iron
kale
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-proline
l-taurine
l-threonine
l-valine
magnesium
malic acid
maltodextrin
maltose
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
milk
nicotinamide riboside
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
phosphorus
phytocannabinoids
potassium
protein
quinoa
rhizome
sardines
black ginger
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spinach
spirulina
tongkat ali
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
water
watermelon
whey protein
white willow
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
suma
squawvine
sodium salt
solomon's seal
siler root
eucommia
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
guelder rose
polyphenols
trace minerals
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
wheat germ
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
arnica
17 alpha methyl 17 beta hydroxy 5 alpha androst 2 ene
17a-di methyl-bol
11-Ketotestosterone
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Animal Tissue
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Avocado
Anserina
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Acetylcholine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Arginine silicate
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Biopeptide
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
Black Gram
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bee products
banana
BCAA
Chia seed
Casein
Cardarine
Chinese Mountain Ant
Carnosine
Citrate malate
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cyanotis Vaga
Coca
Coconut Water
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Creatine
Chicken
Curcuma
C-Phycocyanin
Cyanotis arachnoides
DL-Methionine
Deer Velvet
Date
D-Ribose
Dextrose
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Dipeptide
epicatechin
Epistane
Egg
Erythrina
Elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
Emu Oil
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Essential Oil Blend
Egg protein
Fish
Fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
Glutamine
glucose
Glycerol
Glycine
Isoleucine
Milk Protein
Phosphate Salt
Potash
Quinoa Protein
Shellfish
salt
Soy Protein
Other body systems supported by Cordycepic acid
Adrenal GlandsBlood
Brain
Circulatory System
Heart
Immune System
Kidneys
Liver
Lungs
Mitochondria
Muscles
Reproductive System
Respiratory System