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Cor8.5
Cordyceps Research
Likely helpsHigh safety
36 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Likely helps
Cordyceps appears to help in 7 of 7 studies with measurable effects — the evidence leans clearly favourable.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2005–2026 with a typical study size of 78 participants.
Based on 36 studies · 8 meta-analyses · 22 RCTs · 11,701 total participants
Confidence
High
What the studies found
7helped· 29 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Kidney & renal health
Likely helps9 studies
Endurance & exercise performanceMay improve oxygen utilization and VO2 max · 2-4 weeks · Improves VO2 max and time-to-exhaustion in trials · 3-6 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational9 studies
Immune supportImmunomodulatory polysaccharides enhance NK cell activity · 4-8 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational7 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Mostly mechanism / observational6 studies
Anemia & hematology
Mostly mechanism / observational4 studies
Respiratory & lung
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Lean body mass & muscle growth
Too few graded studies2 studies
Inflammation
Too few graded studies2 studies
Safety profile
Too few graded studies2 studies
Cognitive function
Too few graded studies1 study
Vision & eye health
Too few graded studies1 study
Depression & mood
Too few graded studies1 study
Skin health
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 24 studies with measurable effects
Likely real effects
33%
across studies
People studied
12k
typical study: 78 people
Strongest designs
30
8 pooled, 22 randomised
Showed benefit
100%
7/7 studies
How long studies ran
1–4 weeks
1
1–3 months
5
3+ months
1
Populations Studied
Chronic kidney disease patients2
General population2
Lung cancer patients1
Diabetic kidney disease patients1
Active research area
19 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2024
200520152026
1Tumor response rate improvementMeta-AnalysisCited 11×n=928 · large study2024
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.
Wang C et al. · Journal of ethnopharmacology (2024)
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.
The optimal usage may be 6 g/d and 21 days/3 to 4 cycles.
2Serum creatinine decreaseMeta-AnalysisCited 51×n=1,746 · large study2014
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.
Zhang HW et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2014)
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.
However, definitive conclusions could not be made because of the low quality of evidence.
3Diabetic kidney disease progressionMeta-AnalysisCited 16×n=4,288 · very large study2015
However, with regard to low-quality and significant heterogeneity of included trials, to further verify the current results from this meta-analysis, long-term and well-designed RCTs with high-quality study are warranted to ascertain the long-term efficacy of O. sinensis.
Luo Y et al. · Renal failure (2015)
However, no effects were found for DBP, FBG, and HbA1C.
However, with regard to low-quality and significant heterogeneity of included trials, to further verify the current results from this meta-analysis, long-term and well-designed RCTs with high-quality study are warranted to ascertain the long-term efficacy of O. sinensis.
4Safety and efficacy of fungi-based bioproductsSystematic ReviewCited 2×n=134 · medium study2025
In future research, the development of integrated guidelines that simultaneously consider human, animal, and environmental health is recommended.
de Sousa TK et al. · Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)
A total of 134 articles were selected: 84 bioassay articles (63%), 36 case reports (27%), 10 field studies (7%), and 4 other types of studies (3%).
Nevertheless, the necessity for standardized safety assessments is emphasized.
In order to ensure greater effectiveness, it is essential to develop unified protocols and bioassays with specific risk indicators aligned with the One Health approach.
5BODE IndexSystematic ReviewCited 27×n=1,834 · large study2014
These issues should be addressed in future trials.
Chen X et al. · PloS one (2014)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
The main meta-analysis results showed relative benefits for BODE Index in nine studies (mean difference [MD] -0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.94, -0.47) and 6MWT/D in 17 studies (MD 54.61 meters, 95%CI 33.30, 75.92) in favour of the CHM plus RP groups.
Detailed sub-group and sensitivity analyses were conducted.
Clinically meaningful benefits for BODE Index and 6MWT were found in multiple studies.
6Serum creatinine improvementMeta-AnalysisCited 11×n=655 · large study2019
Given the small number of trials included, the unclear methodological quality of the included trials, and the high heterogeneity in pooled analyses, the evidence obtained in this review is insufficient to recommend the use of cordyceps as adjunctive treatment in hemodialysis patients.
Bee Yean O et al. · Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan (2019)
However, there was no significant improvement for serum creatinine and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Given the small number of trials included, the unclear methodological quality of the included trials, and the high heterogeneity in pooled analyses, the evidence obtained in this review is insufficient to recommend the use of cordyceps as adjunctive treatment in hemodialysis patients.
7Antidepressant mechanisms of edible and medicinal fungiSystematic ReviewCited 8×2025
Future research should address these gaps, emphasizing personalized interventions and advanced technologies for next-generation antidepressant foods.
Gong P et al. · Molecular nutrition & food research (2025)
Additionally, it discusses the use of EMFs in functional foods and dietary supplements, innovations like 3D food printing for depression-related issues, and synthetic biology for enhancing compound production.
Artificial intelligence is used to model complex mechanisms.
However, challenges remain, such as standardization and lack of clinical validation.
8Patient survival and graft functionMeta-AnalysisCited 14×n=447 · medium study2015
Although there were some favourable aspects associated with Cordyceps, longer-term studies are needed to clarify any benefit-harm trade-off.
Hong T et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2015)
Anaemia, leucopenia, and liver function improved, and incidence of infection may also be reduced.Compared with low dose CsA versus standard dose CsA, Cordyceps did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences in patient survival, graft loss, acute rejection or allograft function.
Although there were some favourable aspects associated with Cordyceps, longer-term studies are needed to clarify any benefit-harm trade-off.
Future studies should investigate the use of Cordyceps in combination with other immunosuppressive agents such as tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil or induction therapy.
9FEV1 and respiratory function improvementMeta-AnalysisCited 5×2024
Bailing capsules have shown promising results in the treatment of stable COPD.
Ma G et al. · Pharmaceutical biology (2024)
The meta-analysis of 27 RCTs showed significant improvements in the treatment group for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and the 6-min walk test (6MWT).
Bailing capsules have shown promising results in the treatment of stable COPD.
Future studies should focus on large-scale, multicenter RCTs to confirm the long-term benefits and safety of Bailing capsules.
Well-designed randomized controlled trials using chemically characterized preparations and homogeneous athletic populations are required to clarify the efficacy and practical relevance of C. militaris in sports nutrition.
Jędrejko M et al. · Nutrients (2026)
Several studies also evaluated biochemical markers related to muscle damage and inflammatory responses, including creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, and white blood cell counts.
Although some studies reported improvements in selected performance and recovery parameters, the findings were inconsistent.
Well-designed randomized controlled trials using chemically characterized preparations and homogeneous athletic populations are required to clarify the efficacy and practical relevance of C. militaris in sports nutrition.
Yang EJ et al. · Phytotherapy research : PTR (2025)
This study reviewed recent and notable literature evaluating the immunomodulatory potentials of CM extract, cordycepin, and polysaccharides.
In vitro, in vivo, and clinical trial results indicate that CM is safe for administration and shows promise for developing functional foods having various efficacies such as immunomodulation, anti-tumor, and neuroprotection.
YChCC represent a promising adjuvant therapy for patients with stable COPD, ranging from mild to severe.
Li S et al. · Journal of evidence-based medicine (2025)
Compared with BLC, YChCC significantly reduced the number of acute exacerbations (FAS: p = 0.002; PPS: p = 0.003) and prolonged time to first exacerbation.
YChCC represent a promising adjuvant therapy for patients with stable COPD, ranging from mild to severe.
They significantly prolong the time to the first acute exacerbation and reduce the frequency of acute exacerbations, thereby offering potential benefits in managing COPD.
Therefore, C. cicadae mycelium supplementation may be used for dry eye alleviation as a novel therapeutic intervention.
Chang HH et al. · International journal of medicinal mushrooms (2022)
Dry eye disease (DED), a multifactorial inflammatory ocular surface disorder, affects up to 50% of individuals over 50 years old worldwide and is one of the most common reasons for seeking ophthalmologic care.
The results showed a significantly increased TBUT as well as a significant decrease in tear osmolarity, in parallel with the decrease of tear electrolytes, especially Na+ and Cl ions.
Although significant increase of tear volume was not observed, the increased TBUT suggests mitigation of dry eye through improvement of tear quality.
16Melasma severity (MASI scores)RCTCited 1×n=58 · small study2025
Our study demonstrated that both oral TXA combined with hydroquinone cream and oral TXA combined with Cordyceps essence significantly improved melasma in women.
Shen S et al. · Journal of cosmetic dermatology (2025)
Borderline
After 12 weeks of treatment, intra-group comparisons revealed that MASI scores, MI, and EI significantly decreased in both Group A and B compared to baseline (p < 0.05).
Adverse reactions occurred in 4 people (13.8%) in Group A and 1 person (3.3%) in Group B.
Our study demonstrated that both oral TXA combined with hydroquinone cream and oral TXA combined with Cordyceps essence significantly improved melasma in women.
18Contrast-induced nephropathyRCTCited 14×n=120 · medium study2015
DCXC treatment may protect against CIN in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal insufficiency undergoing coronary angiography, with intensive DCXC therapy being more effective.
Kai Z et al. · Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan (2015)
Noticeable benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Borderline
CIN occurred in 11 of 120 patients (9.17 %).
The prevalence of CIN was lower in the DCXC treatment groups than in the basic treatment group (P < 0.05), with a more significant decrease in the prevalence of CIN in the intensive DCXC therapy group (P < 0.01).
Compared with the basic treatment group, a lower proportion of patients in the DCXC treatment groups had an eGFR decrease of 25% or greater (P < 0.05); patients with an eGFR decrease of 25% or greater accounted for an even lower proportion in the intensive DCXC therapy group (P < 0.01).
20Safety assessmentRCTCited 15×n=49 · small study2021
In clinical observation, there were also no side effects or adverse feelings mentioned by participants.Conclusion: These results suggested that HEA-enriched C. cicadae mycelium produced by liquid fermentation is safe and can be developed as a functional health food.
Tsai YS et al. · Journal of the American College of Nutrition (2021)
Studies showed the toxicity evaluation of C. cicadae mycelium in animal models, but safety reports in clinical studies are scarce.
Also, there was no influence on blood electrolytes as well as blood lipid levels.
In clinical observation, there were also no side effects or adverse feelings mentioned by participants.Conclusion: These results suggested that HEA-enriched C. cicadae mycelium produced by liquid fermentation is safe and can be developed as a functional health food.