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May 29, 2025
Hanja Niederhammer
Cordyceps sinensis – once a remedy in TCM, now a trending mushroom in research. Studies explore its effects on lungs, hormones, skin, and psyche. But what is the hype about? This article reveals what the medicinal mushroom could actually accomplish in the body
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Cordyceps sinensis - also known as the Chinese caterpillar fungus - has a firm place in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): It has been considered a natural tonic for energy, endurance and vitality for centuries. Meanwhile, the vital mushroom is also making a career in the West.
The figures also speak for this: According to a Market analysis by the Business Research Company the global market for Cordyceps sinensis is expected to be around $1.33 billion by 2025.
The Cordyceps vital mushroom originated in the highlands of Tibet. In the wild, it grows as a parasite in the larva of a butterfly caterpillar. First, it permeates its interior, then the mushroom sprouts like a small finger from the shell of the caterpillar.
As the wild-growing fungus is rare and expensive, cultivated mycelium is mostly used today – a sustainable and standardized alternative. This allows the valuable effect of the caterpillar fungus to be utilized in a controlled and resource-saving manner.
Whether cell protection, energy production, or hormonal balance – the effects of the caterpillar fungus seem to be diverse. Especially three groups of substances are in the scientific focus: Polysaccharides, the nucleoside Cordycepin and various Sterols.
What they do and why they make the Cordyceps so interesting is shown in the following sections.
Polysaccharides are complex sugar compounds and are considered the main players behind the immunomodulatory effects of Cordyceps. They appear to activate certain immune cells such as macrophages or natural killer cells and are said to help the body respond to stress more quickly and specifically. You can think of them as small impulse generators that keep the immune system on standby.
How promising this effect is is shown by a current clinical study from 2024: A Cordyceps militaris drink could boost the activity of important immune cells in healthy adults, suggesting that the mushroom's natural active ingredients can indeed mobilize the human immune system.
Cordycepin, a natural relative of the cellular energy carrier adenosine, works much deeper in cellular metabolism: It is said to inhibit unwanted inflammatory processes and reduce oxidative Stress and support regeneration at the cellular level.
Studies also show that cordycepin can influence the construction of RNA - a mechanism that also sometimes affects cell division and repair processes.
Particularly exciting: In sports and regeneration research, cordycepin is increasingly being discussed as a potential "cellular booster."
Sterols like ergosterol, which naturally occur in Cordyceps, are structurally similar to the body's own hormones. They are the focus when it comes to possible hormone-like effects of plant substances - particularly interesting during phases of hormonal changes such as menopause. menopause.
An animal experimental study has already provided indications that Cordyceps could intervene in hormonal regulatory circuits. Although this research is still in its early stages, sterols as potential key substances are increasingly moving into the interest of scientific research on the effects of Cordyceps.
Good to know: The ingredients of Cordyceps do not work individually, but as a well-coordinated team. Together they support energy, immune system, cell protection, and hormonal balance – this interplay makes the mushroom so versatile.
For those who want to know more: A comprehensive review (Cordyceps spp.: A review on its immune-stimulatory and other biological potentials, 2021) summarizes the studies. The authors particularly examine the role of polysaccharides, cordycepin, and sterols – and their contribution to the diverse effects of Cordyceps on the human organism.
A simple question – with surprisingly many possible answers. Because the bioactive substances in Cordyceps sinensis do not only intervene isolated in individual processes, but act interconnectedly on different systems in the body.
Cordyceps is widely used in naturopathy – but what does research say about the specific fields of application? In the following sections, we take a closer look at various areas where Cordyceps could potentially have an effect, including:
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Cordyceps sinensis has been considered a strengthening tonic for people with chronic cough, difficulty breathing, or general weakness for centuries. The so-called 'lung Qi' is said to be strengthened by the fungus. Today, modern research also takes a closer look at this ancient application and finds the first exciting clues.
Preclinical studies show that Cordyceps anti-inflammatory can have a positive effect on lung function - especially in chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, or bronchitis. A systematic review from 2019 confirms the therapeutic potential but also points out the limited human data available so far.
A closer look at the research:
Cordyceps sinensis is also increasingly coming into focus in research as a natural modulator of hormonal processes. A current overview paper particularly highlights the potential for influencing estrogen and androgen levels. Responsible for this are primarily bioactive substances such as cordycepin and sterols, which could specifically intervene in hormonal control loops.
A look at current studies:
Gut health has long been more than a digestive issue – this is where it is decided how well our immune system works, how we absorb nutrients and sometimes even how we feel. No wonder, then, that the effects of Cordyceps are also coming into the spotlight at this point. It is clear: the little caterpillar fungus could achieve great things.
Exciting research results:
Even though the results so far sound promising: Most of the knowledge comes from animal models. Whether and how these effects can be transferred to the human intestine still needs to be researched in more detail. Especially because the microbiome plays such a central role for health, mood, and immune defense, scientific attention to Cordyceps sinensis as a natural support is worthwhile.
Radiant skin does not only begin in the bathroom - it also needs protection at the cellular level. This is where Cordyceps becomes increasingly interesting in research. The bioactive compounds it contains, such as cordycepin and polysaccharides, are being investigated in connection with antioxidant and cell-protective effects.
One recent in vitro and in vivo study from 2024 shows: An extract from Cordyceps sinensis was able to significantly reduce oxidative stress in skin cells and simultaneously increase collagen production . After 28 days of use, even visible wrinkle reduction was observed.
Did you know?
Scientists attribute the skin-protective effect to the activation of sirtuins - the body's own enzymes that control cellular repair processes and are considered key mechanisms in healthy aging considered.
Stress, mood swings, mental exhaustion - our mental balance depends on many factors. This is exactly where Cordyceps is repeatedly discussed as a so-called adaptogen: A natural balancing aid that could help the body to better cope with stress. It is believed that its bioactive ingredients such as cordycepin and polysaccharides intervene in processes on a neurochemical level such as dopamine and cortisol regulation - in other words, where mood, drive, and resilience originate.
Initial preclinical studies provide indications of possible antidepressant effects. and cognitive benefits in states of exhaustion. However, these findings so far come from cell and animal models.
Cordyceps is mainly discussed in sports contexts due to its potential effects on cellular energy production. Studies show that certain extracts like Cs-4 could increase the production of ATP – the most important energy carrier of the cells.
In a human study with older adults Cordyceps improved oxygen uptake and endurance performance. Also references to faster regeneration and reduced fatigue make the mushroom interesting for Athletes exciting. Whether hobby or competitive sports: Cordyceps is increasingly becoming a natural addition to training focus.
Cordyceps is traditionally used as a means to enhance libido and vitality – especially in TCM.
Preclinical studies also suggest that the mushroom can promote the production of sex hormones such as testosterone in male animals. A Review by Jiraungkoorskul (2016) summarizes these approaches, but also emphasizes the lack of research on women. That’s why in our article on the Effects of Cordyceps on women once again summarized all the relevant facts.
What's still exciting: In animal models Cordyceps led to increased libido and improved sexual function. Whether these effects also appear in humans has not yet been clearly proven.
Cordyceps is generally considered well tolerated. Nevertheless, many manufacturers recommend particular caution for certain groups of people—such as people with mushroom or mold allergies, with autoimmune diseases, blood clotting disorders, or before surgeries. Also, there is insufficient safety data available for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under 18 years of age.
Side effects are occasionally mentioned, such as mild gastrointestinal complaints, restlessness, or possible effects on blood sugar and blood clotting. The information varies depending on the product. Therefore, it is worth looking at the fine print—and when in doubt, medical advice protects against wrong decisions.
Cordyceps is described as an adaptogen – a natural supporter that could help the body better cope with stress. Studies suggest that the mushroom can influence stress-related processes through hormones like Cortisol and anti-inflammatory messengers. You can read more about this here.
Cordyceps is not a candidate for immediate effect – patience is required here. In various studies, initial effects were observed after 4 to 6 weeks, especially with a daily intake of 3 to 4 g. In a 12-week study a significant improvement in aerobic performance was only seen after 12 weeks. The body needs time to respond to the bioactive compounds.
Anyone dealing with natural substances will sooner or later stumble upon the term "initial aggravation." The rumor is also circulating about Cordyceps that the body initially reacts with fatigue, headache, or restlessness. But the study situation is clear: There is no scientific evidence that Cordyceps triggers such effects - neither in human studies nor in preclinical research.
What remains are isolated personal accounts. Whether this is a physical adjustment, coincidence, or perhaps just expectation is debatable. One thing is clear: When the body receives new stimuli, it can make itself felt.
