Cordyceps

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 16, 2025.

What are other common names?

Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc.
Cordyceps sinensis
Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Aweto
Caterpillar Fungus
Caterpillar Mushrooms
Champignon Chenille
Chinese Caterpillar Fungus
Cs-4
Dong Chong Xia Cao
Dong Chong Zia Cao
Keeda Ghas
Keera Jhar
Orphiocordyceps Sinensis
Semitake
Tochukaso
Vegetable Caterpillar
Winter Worm, Summer Grass
XinGanBao
Yarshagumba
Yartsa Gunbu
Yatsa Gunbu
Zhiling

What is this product used for?

Cordyceps is a fungus. It is also sold as a dietary supplement product. It is used by some people as a medicine. Science does not support the use of this product for any health problem.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.
This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.
Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.
Take extra care if you are allergic to molds or fungi.
Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.
Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase, reteplase, or streptokinase.
Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Do not use this product if you are taking drugs called MAO inhibitors. These are drugs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
Take extra care if you are at a high risk for infection. This includes people who have had a transplant, are on chemo, or have an autoimmune disease.
Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:
- Cancer
- Bleeding problems

What should I watch for?

Upset stomach
Stomach cramps
Dry mouth

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; fever; rash; hives; itching, discolored, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
Very bad loose stools
Bruising or bleeding that is not normal
Changes in menstrual periods like lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles

Last Reviewed Date

2023-05-25

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