By Jimmy Daoutis, Founder of AdvancedMycoTech · Last updated: March 2026
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UPDATED: October 4, 2020
If you train regularly, you have probably built up a shelf of pre-workout, post-workout and even intra-workout tubs. They are fixtures on a lot of supplement stacks. A lot of those energy-boosting drinks and supplements lean on synthetic chemicals with weird-sounding names, and some of them can be potentially toxic.
More often than not, there is very little research available on the properties of these obscure ingredients, which is how a lot of manufacturers get away with packaging substandard materials in a flashy tub. The good news is that you do not have to guess. A few tried and true ingredients actually have studies that back their credentials, and you can shop for those instead. One of them is the cordyceps fungus.
Cordyceps is hardly a newcomer to medicine. In fact, the Chinese have been using this fungus for centuries. It is generally found on the remnants of caterpillars, whose bodies it clings to as a parasite. It infects the larvae and then gradually devours and kills it, leaving a stem like structure which is found growing from the head of the caterpillar.
Cordyceps is hardly a newcomer to medicine. In fact, the Chinese have been using this fungus for centuries. It is generally found on the remnants of caterpillars, whose bodies it clings to as a parasite. It infects the larvae and then gradually devours and kills it, leaving a stem like structure which is found growing from the head of the caterpillar.
So here are four things worth knowing about this rare and powerful fungus before you decide whether it belongs in your routine.
1. Cordyceps fungus increases your levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
ATP is basically the currency of the energy in the cells in your body. Any physical activity which requires instantaneous, explosive bursts of power utilizes ATP. This means that sprints, jumps, box squats, clean and jerks, clapping push-ups and other explosive movements utilize ATP.
This is where cordyceps comes into the picture. The cordyceps fungus significantly increases the ability of your body to generate ATP, which in turn ensures that you are more active and physically capable. Whether you are running a 100 mile race or just looking to spend more time playing with your kids, the increased ATP will help you.
During training, insufficient amounts of ATP means that you will reach failure early. Having a bit of energy in the bank can mean the difference between failing halfway through a set and being able to crank out those crucial last few repetitions. Since you will be able to lift heavier weights for higher repetitions, you will be able to increase muscle mass.
2. Cordyceps fungus may improve testosterone levels.
In some studies done on mice by researchers in the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at the Cheung Kung University of Taiwan, it was found that supplementing with cordyceps increased the testosterone levels of the animals. While this theory is not yet conclusively proven in human subjects, the Chinese have used cordyceps to treat sexual disorders in the past.
Research is emerging which shows that humans might benefit in a similar fashion from cordyceps intake. For guys, more testosterone means more muscle mass, an improved libido and a general sense of well-being.
3. Cordyceps fungus may improve performance by enhancing the utilization of oxygen.
In August of 1993, eight Chinese female runners broke three records at the World Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Germany. While they were suspected of doping, it was found that they were completely drug free. Later, they revealed that cordyceps played a big part in their success.
Studies have shown that cordyceps greatly improves oxygen utilization in humans, thereby enhancing their aerobic capacity and stamina. Cordyceps achieves this feat by essentially lowering your heart rate and having an anti-fatigue effect, which means that you get tired less quickly and can work harder over longer durations.
4. Cordyceps might be better than caffeine as a stimulant.
In Tibet, herders who were grazing their yaks on the cordyceps mushroom observed that they seemed to be energized and more vigorous. This led to the use of cordyceps as a potential stimulant, similar to coffee.
However, unlike coffee, users who took cordyceps reported that they didn’t have any of the negative side effects of consuming coffee, such as sleeplessness and disorientation. It has been found to markedly reduce the feeling of tiredness and contribute to wellness among senior citizens.
Conclusion
The general fitness world has only recently woken up to cordyceps, and it is still not as popular as other energy-boosting supplements. But it has been used as a medicinal aid for centuries, and while the full expanse of its potential is yet to be discovered, it is safe to say that it has some extremely desirable effects on a person’s health.
If you want to try cordyceps, you could look for a blend that mixes it with other ingredients that have worked for you before. And if you don’t currently have an energy booster in your routine, a stand-alone cordyceps extract is a simple place to begin. Our cordyceps dosage guide covers how much to take, and our best cordyceps supplements roundup covers which ones are worth your money.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92758/
https://www.healthline.com/health/muscular-hypertrophy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12899935
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28094746
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3121254/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3110835/
Related Reading
- Cordyceps Mushroom Benefits: What the Research Shows
- Cordyceps Dosage: How Much to Take
- Best Cordyceps Supplements (2026)
Jimmy Daoutis
Founder, AdvancedMycoTech
Jimmy founded AdvancedMycoTech to bring evidence-based clarity to the confusing world of functional mushroom supplements. He personally researches every product recommendation and is committed to transparency — including being upfront that he’s not a doctor. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. AdvancedMycoTech may earn a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you.