Rankings / Cognitive

Cordyceps (militaris/sinensis)

Cognitive · Medicinal mushroom

Tier B+

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed · How we grade

otc
7.1 / 10
Tier B+
Ev 6 Bn 5 Sf 9

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades Cordyceps (militaris/sinensis) as B+ (7.1/10) based on moderate evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.

Primarily an ergogenic aid rather than cognitive enhancer.

Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 1-3 g/day dual-extract fruiting body — OTC; not individualized guidance.

What the evidence says

Primarily an ergogenic aid rather than cognitive enhancer. Chen 2010 showed improved exercise metabolic parameters in older adults. Cognitive effects likely secondary to improved fatigue tolerance and cerebral blood flow. C. militaris cultivation now dominant; wild C. sinensis rare/expensive. A 2026 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial gave 1 g of standardized *C. militaris* extract 30 minutes before a maximal cycling test. Stroop reaction time was faster in the cordyceps condition post-exercise (964 vs 1034 ms, p = 0.042, d = 0.88) and resting oxygen uptake was elevated (0.37 vs 0.24 L/min, p = 0.022), with no change in peak exercise VO2, glucose, blood pressure or heart rate. **The trial had 12 participants.** At that size a d = 0.88 is compatible with a wide range of true effects including none, and the accuracy ceiling (>99% in both arms) means the reaction-time result carries the whole finding. Directionally consistent with the row's existing `Weak (cognitive)` clause; not enough to move it.

Mechanism

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) and adenosine analogs; enhance ATP production; modulate adenosine receptors; ergogenic and immune effects

Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route

1-3 g/day dual-extract fruiting body

This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.

Citations

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Common questions

What does the evidence show about Cordyceps (militaris/sinensis)'s effects?
Read Off Label rates the evidence for Cordyceps (militaris/sinensis) as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of B+ (7.1/10). Primarily an ergogenic aid rather than cognitive enhancer.
What safety findings are reported for Cordyceps (militaris/sinensis)?
Cordyceps (militaris/sinensis) has a low risk profile in the database. Low (well-tolerated) Legal status: OTC.
What doses or routes are reported for Cordyceps (militaris/sinensis)?
1-3 g/day dual-extract fruiting body This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
How does Cordyceps (militaris/sinensis) work?
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) and adenosine analogs; enhance ATP production; modulate adenosine receptors; ergogenic and immune effects

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.