Cordyceps sinensis – also known as the caterpillar fungus – is a fascinating medicinal mushroom with a long tradition in Chinese and Tibetan medicine. It grows at altitudes above 3,000 meters, particularly in the Himalayas, and has long since established itself as an adaptogen in the Western world due to its unique lifestyle and potential effects.
Cordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps sinensis is a parasitic fungus that infects the larvae of certain moths in the wild. Due to its extreme rarity and high price, the fermented mycelium of Cordyceps sinensis (CS-4 strain) is now commonly used in dietary supplements – especially in the EU, where other forms such as Cordyceps militaris are not yet approved as novel food. The active ingredients it contains, such as cordycepin and certain polysaccharides, are associated with energy, endurance, and regeneration.
Cordyceps in Food Supplements
In modern nutrition, Cordyceps is primarily used to increase energy, endurance, and vitality. Athletes use the mushroom to enhance their performance, while others take it to support fatigue or to strengthen the immune system.
The most popular dosage forms are:
- Extracts in capsules or powder
- Combination preparations with other adaptogens (z. B. Ashwagandha, Reishi)
- Liquid Extracts or Tonics
Research findings
Cordyceps has not yet been fully researched, but initial studies show interesting results:
- A study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" (2010) showed that 12 weeks of Cordyceps supplementation led to improved aerobic capacity in older adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20804368/
- A study in mice indicated performance-enhancing effects during physical exertion—which makes Cordyceps so popular among athletes.. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874111002923
- Cordycepin, one of its main active ingredients, is also being studied in cancer research, as it inhibited the growth of certain tumor cells in cell studies. https://www.bjournal.org/article/the-role-and-mechanisms-of-cordycepin-in-inhibiting-cancer-cells/
- Further research focuses on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-92790-3
Even though these results are promising, more high-quality human studies are needed to clearly demonstrate its effects.
Cordyceps sinensis in holistic treatment of animals
Cordyceps sinensis is not only valued in humans – pet owners are also increasingly interested in using this medicinal mushroom for dogs, cats, and horses. The bioactive substances it contains, such as cordycepin and polysaccharides, could also have a supportive effect on energy balance, the immune system, and regeneration in animals.
Caution: Cordyceps sinensis is not explicitly on the FEI's doping list (as of 2025), but performance-enhancing substances should generally be used with caution – especially in competitive sports.
Fun Fact
Wild Cordyceps sinensis is so sought after in Tibet that it is traded as "Tibetan gold" – one kilo can cost tens of thousands of euros! Its discovery as a medicinal remedy allegedly dates back to yak herders who noticed that their animals became particularly vital after consuming these mushrooms..
Our Product
We offer several extracts from the mycelium of Cordyceps sinensis. Please contact us for your free, no-obligation quote.
Our Cordyceps Powders and Extracts
Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.