Rankings / Cognitive — Nootropics
Cordyceps (militaris/sinensis)
Cognitive · Medicinal mushroom
Tier B
What this is
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.
Mechanism
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) and adenosine analogs; enhance ATP production; modulate adenosine receptors; ergogenic and immune effects
Dose & route
1-3 g/day dual-extract fruiting body
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20804368/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27583558/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4818998/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
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.