Introduction
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that thrives on the larvae of insects. When these fungi attack their host, they substitute its tissue and sprout long, slender stems that grow outside the host’s body.
The remains of the insect and fungi have been hand-collected, dried, and utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to cure fatigue, sickness, kidney disease, and low sex drive.
The best cordyceps supplements in USA have become very popular due to their many purported health uses.
Of the more than 400 species of Cordyceps found, two have become the emphasis of health research: Cordyceps Sinensis and Cordyceps militaris.
However, much of this research is confined to animal or lab studies, so health experts currently can’t conclude their impacts on people.
With the support of scientific research and studies that indicate that cordyceps contain powerful properties, their potential to boost health benefits is positive. As a result, it has evolved into one of the most widely used fungi.
With the best cordyceps supplements in USA becoming increasingly prevalent, more people are moving towards using cordyceps in a powdered extract form or supplements. It is easier to consume in this way, but you can also include it in your daily diet.
Our pick of the 7 best cordyceps supplements of 2024 in USA
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Let's take a deep dive into these 7 best Cordyceps Supplements in USA
Best Overall Cordyceps Supplements in USA
Host Defense
A
Zotezo review
The Host Defense Cordyceps Capsules provide excellent support for energy and stamina, promote healthy kidney function, and improve oxygen uptake, making it an ideal supplement for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance.
Product details
Benefits of Host Defense, Cordyceps Capsules...
NOW Sports - Nutrition and Wellness
B+
Zotezo review
The NOW Supplements Cordyceps 750 mg capsules provide effective immune support and contain organic ingredients with adaptogenic properties. Despite a strong odor and large tablet size, the product is praised for working as advertised, having no side effects or drug interactions, and being cost-effective.
Product details
Benefits of NOW Cordyceps 750mg Immune Suppo...
Weaknesses
Clean Nutraceuticals
B+
Zotezo review
The Lions Mane 3000mg 20in1 Mushroom Supplement with Turkey Tail 2000mg, Reishi 1000mg, Cordyceps, Chaga, Maitake, Meshima, Poria Cocos, Shiitake, Oyster, Porcini, Enoki, 60 Count, Made in USA is a comprehensive blend of 20 mushroom extracts that support overall health and well-being, with potential benefits for immune support, cognitive function, and vitality. However, individual responses may vary, and consultation with a healthcare professional may be necessary.
Product details
Benefits of Mushroom Supplement with Lions M...
Disadvantages
The Genius Brand
B+
Zotezo review
The Genius Mushroom supplement, containing Lions Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi, is a natural and vegan-friendly product that supports immune function, mental clarity, and energy levels. While users have reported enhanced focus and memory, some drawbacks include the lack of scientific evidence to quantify effects and individual variability in experiences.
Product details
Benefits of Genius Mushroom – Immune &...
Negatives
B+
Zotezo review
The Cordyceps Mushroom Capsules by Horbaach offer great value with their 200-count bottle and energy-boosting properties, but some users may find them too potent at the recommended dosage and notice a slight peppery taste in the capsules.
Product details
Benefits of Horbaach Cordyceps 2000mg Capsul...
Cons
Double Wood Supplements
B+
Zotezo review
The Cordyceps Capsules by Double Wood provide a vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO option with a convenient 210 count bottle containing 1,000mg of Cordyceps extract standardized to 7% polysaccharides. While it supports overall and aging health, some users may experience existential nausea and effects like increased energy and vivid dreams might cease upon discontinuation.
Product details
Benefits of Double Wood Cordyceps Capsules, ...
Drawbacks
Real Mushrooms
B
Zotezo review
The Real Mushrooms Cordyceps Capsules are a vegan, non-GMO supplement made with hand-picked Cordyceps Militaris mushroom extract that supports energy levels and the immune system. However, individuals with certain allergies and those who struggle with swallowing capsules may find this product challenging to use.
Product details
Benefits of Real Mushrooms Cordyceps Capsule...
Weaknesses
Tips for choosing the right cordyceps supplements for you
You need to consider certain factors before buying the best cordyceps supplements in USA. We have listed them below:
Check the label and see for three quality markers
For maximal health-enhancing benefits, mushroom supplements should be increased in polysaccharides, 1-3, 1-6 beta-glucan content, and low alpha-glucan content.
1-3, 1-6 Beta-glucans are beneficial polysaccharides present in medicinal mushroom, and it plays a crucial role in fighting infections, sickness, and abnormal growths.
On the other hand, alpha-glucans have no medical uses and might even be a starch filler because starch has an identical compound made up of alpha-glucans.
However, many brands of cordyceps supplements on the market are low in polysaccharides and do not reveal the alpha-glucan and 1-3, 1-6 beta-glucan levels.
Therefore, you should always examine cordyceps supplements with high polysaccharides, high beta-glucans (especially 1-3, 1-6 beta-glucans), and low alpha-glucans.
Choose the extract form instead of the powder form
Chitin located in the cell walls of mushrooms is indigestible in the human digestive system. To obtain the biologically active compounds of the mushroom, processing the mushroom is necessary to break down the chitin. Cordyceps in powder form may include impurities and can only contain a maximum of 0.5% – 3% in polysaccharides.
However, in extract form, the best cordyceps supplement in USA is pure and concentrated. Also, it can have more than 50% polysaccharides. Therefore, choosing the extract form instead of the powder form is recommended.
Ensure that you are getting 100% real mushrooms
Confirming that the cordyceps supplement that you are getting consists of 100% real mushrooms (not just starch) is required to reap the maximum health benefits. The easiest way is to check if the product is third-party tested & DNA-certified through independent testing.
For higher power, also choose a cordyceps supplement that is warranted organic, as organic cordyceps is much more concentrated than wild cordyceps.
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Benefits of using cordyceps supplements
Anti-aging properties
The elderly have traditionally used cordyceps to lessen fatigue and promote strength and sex drive.
Researchers believe their antioxidant content may illustrate their anti-aging potential.
Several studies have discovered that the best cordyceps supplements in USA boost antioxidants in aged mice, helping enhance memory and sexual function.
Antioxidants are molecules that fight cell damage by balancing free radicals, which can otherwise contribute to disease and aging.
One study found that mice that consumed cordyceps lived several months longer than mice given a placebo.
Another research found that cordyceps expanded the lives of fruit flies, further supporting the belief that they have anti-aging advantages.
However, it is unknown if cordyceps benefit humans in a similar way.
Have Anti-tumor effects
Cordyceps’ potential to restrict the growth of tumors has caused considerable interest in recent years.
Researchers think the fungi may wield anti-tumor effects in several ways.
In test-tube studies, Cordyceps has been shown to hinder the growth of many types of human cancer cells, including lung, colon, skin, and liver cancers.
Studies in mice have also shown that cordyceps contain anti-tumor effects on lymphoma, melanoma, and lung cancer.
The best cordyceps supplements in USA may also avert the side effects linked to many forms of cancer therapy. One of these side effects is leukopenia.
Not to be mistaken as cancer leukemia, leukopenia is a situation in which the number of white blood cells decreases, reducing the body’s defenses and improving the risk of infection.
One study tested the consequences of Cordyceps on mice that produced leukopenia after radiation and treatments with Taxol, a standard chemotherapy drug.
Cordyceps reversed the leukopenia. These impacts suggest the fungi may help lower complications associated with some cancer treatments.
However, it is essential to note that these studies were conducted in animals and test tubes, not humans.
The outcomes of cordyceps on leukopenia and tumor growth in humans are unknown, so health experts can’t currently conclude.
Help manage type-2 diabetes
Cordyceps include a particular type of sugar that may support treating diabetes.
Diabetes is a disorder in which the body either does not produce or react to the hormone insulin, which transports the sugar glucose into your cells for energy.
When your body does not produce enough insulin or respond well to it, glucose cannot penetrate the cells, so it stays in the blood. Over time, retaining too much glucose in the blood can cause serious health problems.
Therefore, people with diabetes need to make sure their blood sugar levels are well maintained.
Interestingly, the best cordyceps supplements in USA may keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range by simulating the action of insulin.
In several studies in diabetic mice, cordyceps reduced blood sugar levels.
Some evidence indicates that they may also protect against kidney disease, a common impediment of diabetes.
In a review of 22 studies with 1,746 people suffering from chronic kidney disease, those who took Cordyceps supplements encountered improved kidney function.
However, these results aren’t conclusive. The review researchers stated that many of the studies were of low quality. Therefore, they could make no conclusions about the consequences of cordyceps on kidney function in humans with chronic kidney disease.
Side-effects of using Cordyceps Supplements
Cordyceps is considered safe for short-term use. Some users may experience mild side effects, including stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea, or dry mouth. Symptoms typically resolve once the treatment is stopped. Others have reported a lingering metallic taste after using a cordyceps product, which may take longer to resolve.
Recommended Dosage of Cordyceps Supplements
Due to limited research on humans, there is no consensus on dosages.
The dosage commonly used in human research is 1,000–3,000 mg per day. This range is not associated with side effects and has been found to have certain health benefits.
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Frequently asked questions on cordyceps supplements
1. Who should not take cordyceps?
2. What are Chinese cordyceps?
3. How good are cordyceps?
4. Do cordyceps increase testosterone?
5. When should I take cordyceps?
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Conclusion
Cordyceps are well known in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and people have been using them for centuries to treat many health disorders.
Though the best cordyceps supplements in USA have proven helpful in many areas, there’s little research on their effects on humans. Thus, more research is needed before experts can make any recommendations.
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Stacy has been a registered dietitian since 2010, She is currently working as an author, and clinical dietitian at Zotezo. She has experience in various fields of nutrition including research, fitness, medical weight loss, long-term care, rehab, and bariatrics. She has also been contributing to various online entities since 2011 including Examiner.com, Livestrong, and Cdiabetes.com
