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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Cordyceps vs Maca: they're closely matched on evidence (4.5 vs 5.5/10); they're alternatives for boost daily energy — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Cordyceps and Maca are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Likely helps
9 of 9 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
3 of 3 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
1000-3000mg
Morning or pre-workout
Cordyceps militaris extract (fruiting body)
1500-3000mg
Morning or early afternoon, With food
Gelatinized maca powder (easier to digest)
1-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
6-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2014) · Meta analysis · n=1746
We found that Cordyceps preparation, as an adjuvant therapy to conventional medicine, showed potential promise to decrease serum creatinine, increase creatine clearance, reduce proteinuria and alleviate CKD-associated complications, such as increased haemoglobin and serum albumin.
Adjuvant treatment with Cordyceps sinensis for lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Journal of ethnopharmacology (2024) · Meta analysis · n=928
Compared with conventional treatment, adjuvant treatment with CS of lung cancer not only improve TRR, QOL and immune function, but also reduce the incidence of ADRs and radiation pneumonitis.
Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis as an adjunctive treatment in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and Meta-analysis
Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan (2019) · Meta analysis · n=655
However, there was no significant improvement for serum creatinine and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Effects of Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) on Physical Performance in Animals and Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
They revealed a large effect for all outcomes (SMD: FST = 2.26, RRT = 6.26, GST = 5.23, LA = -1.01, and BLA = -1.70).
A review of the study of active components and their pharmacology value in Lepidium meyenii (Maca)
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2021) · Review
Additionally, the research on the change of active components in Maca at different growth stages by MS will be beneficial to full utilization of active components in Maca and other natural resources.
Enhancement of Interferon-γ Secretion by Lepidium meyenii Extract Supplementation After Exhaustive Endurance Exercise in Healthy Men: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
International journal of medical sciences (2025) · Rct · n=20
Regarding the main time effect, the number of lymphocytes in all participants was significantly lower at 2 and 4 hours after exercise than before supplementation.
Based on multiple meta-analyses showing improvements in serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and proteinuria in kidney disease patients. Effects were modest and primarily as adjuvant therapy. Study quality was noted as unclear in several reviews.
Based on meta-analysis showing large effect sizes for physical performance outcomes. Effects may vary significantly between raw and gelatinized forms. Limited human studies with small sample sizes.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Both Cordyceps and Maca are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
Both Cordyceps and Maca score equally (70) for boost daily energy.
No known interactions between Cordyceps and Maca have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
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The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.