Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi with a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine, now widely available as cultivated Cordyceps militaris or the fermented CS-4 extract derived from Cordyceps sinensis. Research suggests that cordyceps may support energy levels and exercise performance by enhancing the body's utilization of oxygen and improving cellular energy production, with some studies indicating modest benefits for aerobic capacity, particularly in older or less active adults. Early research has also explored its potential role in supporting immune function, respiratory health, and libido, though many of these findings come from animal or small-scale human studies and warrant further investigation. Overall, cordyceps remains one of the more actively studied medicinal fungi, with promising but still-evolving evidence across several areas of health.