Cordyceps

A medicinal mushroom (Cordyceps militaris or sinensis) used for energy, athletic performance, and oxygen utilisation.

Why it matters

Cordyceps contains cordycepin and adenosine derivatives. Studies suggest modest improvements in VO2max, time to exhaustion, and subjective energy. The active compound profile differs between C. militaris (commercially cultivated, accessible) and C. sinensis (wild-harvested, expensive, sometimes adulterated).

In practice

Typical doses are 1–3g of dried mushroom or 500mg–1g of standardised extract daily. Effects are noticeable but modest; consumers often combine cordyceps with other adaptogens.

Common confusion

“Cordyceps is mostly placebo” is too dismissive — the athletic-performance evidence is small but real.

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