Cordyceps militaris
Also known as: Cordyceps militaris, cultivated cordyceps, orange caterpillar fungus, cordyceps fruiting body, cordycepin
Cordyceps militaris is the cultivated, fruiting-body species that has replaced wild Cordyceps sinensis in most supplements because it grows on grain or liquid substrate at scale and contains measurable cordycepin. It is used in pre-workout, energy, and endurance products. A 2017 university trial gave a Cordyceps militaris-based blend at 4 g per day and measured high-intensity exercise tolerance after one and three weeks. Fruiting-body extracts are standardized to beta-glucans and often to cordycepin; the label should state whether the material is fruiting body or mycelium on grain.
Research summary
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) and polysaccharides are studied for effects on cellular energy metabolism, oxygen utilization, and adenosine signaling.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 mg | 1,000–3,000 mg | 4,000 mg | — |
Take 1–3 g of extract daily, typically 30–60 minutes before training in performance formulas or with breakfast for daily energy. The 2017 trial found effects after three weeks rather than after a single dose, so encourage consistent use. Fruiting-body extracts are more concentrated than mycelium powders; adjust for extract ratio.
Standardization: ≥20% beta-glucans; cordycepin often specified (supplier dependent, commonly ≥0.1%)
Source material: fruiting body
Forms of Cordyceps
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cordyceps militaris | 1,000–3,000 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy | mid |
| Cordyceps CS-4 (Cordyceps sinensis mycelium) | 1,000–3,000 mg | — | Capsule, Powder, Tablet | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Mild, slightly earthy taste; workable in flavored powders and sold commercially in gummies.
Formulation notes
No notable formulation interactions. Confirm species on the certificate of analysis; C. militaris and C. sinensis (CS-4) are often sold interchangeably as "cordyceps" but differ in cordycepin content.
Sources
- Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. (Hirsch 2017)PubMed
- Current Evidence of Ergogenic and Post-Exercise Recovery Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Cordyceps militaris in Humans-A Narrative Review. (Jędrejko 2026)PubMed
- Examine.com — CordycepsExamine
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