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Dietary supplement

Cordyceps Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Eclectic Herb

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cordyceps is a dietary supplement by Eclectic Herb with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for fatigue and low energy, athletic performance and stamina, respiratory and lung support.Based on those ingredients, 249 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cordyceps. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cordyceps by Eclectic Herb

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.

This product contains one active ingredient: cordyceps, a fungus used in traditional medicine. The liquid form also holds water, filtered water, and alcohol as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Leans against
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Endurance, energy and performance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Athletic performance, Fatigue, Stamina, Exercise capacity.
  • The closest evidence on file: Cordyceps is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Athletic performance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Cordyceps is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Fatigue.

The evidence for cordyceps is thin. For athletic performance, the data suggests it's possibly ineffective.

For sexual dysfunction, asthma, arrhythmia, COPD, and lung cancer, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or not.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cordyceps

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Cordyceps is generally well tolerated when used short-term — up to a year in studies — though the evidence is limited and supplement quality varies a lot. The most common side effects are mild digestive ones: abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea.

These were uncommon in trials and often improved when people took it after eating. There's one case report of liver inflammation (hepatitis) possibly tied to a cordyceps product, but it's unclear whether cordyceps itself or a contaminant was to blame.

There isn't enough safety data to know whether cordyceps is safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning to be, or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cordyceps

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Cordyceps.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 249 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your medications with the search tool before you start if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (Moderate severity), any immunosuppressants like cyclosporine (Moderate severity), or testosterone therapy (Minor severity). We documented interactions across these drug types, though some are based on lab and animal data rather than reports in people.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cordyceps might appeal to someone looking for a traditional energy or endurance boost, but the evidence it actually works is weak or absent. If you take blood thinners, immune-suppressing drugs, or testosterone therapy, check with your pharmacist first — there are theoretical concerns.

Start with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, nursing, or have liver concerns.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Cordyceps, straight from the product label.

Brand Eclectic Herb
Barcode (UPC) 023363131013
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2024
DSLD ID 316756
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Cordyceps by Eclectic Herb, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Full Dropper(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Full Dropper(s)
UPC/BARCODE
023363131013
IngredientAmount% DV
Cordyceps0 NP--

Other ingredients: Water, Filtered, Alcohol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth

Endurance, energy and performance Herbal extract

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Shake well; Mix 1 full dropper in water; take 3 times daily.

Storage

Store upright.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children. Consult your health care advisor regarding the use of herbs during pregnancy, with infants or prescription drugs.

Discontinue use if unusual symptoms occur.

Consult your health care advisor regarding the use of herbs during pregnancy, with infants or prescription drugs.

Formula

100% Kosher

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.

General Statements

@eclecticherb

See for yourself

Cordyceps by Eclectic Herb label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cordyceps by Eclectic Herb

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Full Dropper(s) Dosage formLiquid Amounts shown are per serving.

Cordyceps

Interacts with
249 drugs
0 NP per serving Form: Sorghum Substrate

Cordyceps is a fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine for energy, exercise performance, and lung and immune support. Human research is limited an...

Cordyceps monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Water, Filtered, Alcohol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cordyceps by Eclectic Herb Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cordyceps?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
249Drugs
241 Moderate 8 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Cordyceps 249

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cordyceps with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Cordyceps3 drug types · 249 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, cordyceps may increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that cordyceps extract inhibits platelet aggregation and function. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of cordyceps might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Animal and in vitro research suggests that cordyceps stimulates the immune system. However, limited clinical research suggests that taking cordyceps may lower the necessary therapeutic dose of the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, which suggests that cordyceps may have an immunosuppressive effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Testosterone

Theoretically, concurrent use of cordyceps and testosterone might have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that cordyceps can increase testosterone levels. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cordyceps, from the product label.

Eclectic Herb

See all Eclectic Herb products
Name
Eclectic Herb
Street Address
755 NE 6th St.
City
Gresham
State
OR
ZipCode
97030
Phone Number
503-668-4120
Web Address
eclecticherb.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cordyceps by Eclectic Herb: Common Questions

Does Cordyceps by Eclectic Herb interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cordyceps has a known interaction with 249 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cordyceps contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What are the most common side effects?
Abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea are the main ones reported in studies. They're uncommon, and taking cordyceps after a meal often helps reduce them.
Is cordyceps safe to take long-term?
Studies have looked at use up to one year and found it generally well tolerated, but evidence beyond that is limited and supplement quality varies widely. Talk with your pharmacist about your timeline.
Can I take cordyceps if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data either way. The advice is to avoid it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you're in either situation, chat with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
Does cordyceps actually boost athletic performance?
The evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective for that purpose. For other uses like sexual dysfunction or breathing problems, we simply don't have enough reliable data to say.
Is this product a good energy supplement?
Cordyceps is traditionally used for energy, but the science supporting it is weak. You'd be better off asking your pharmacist about options with stronger evidence behind them.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Cordyceps label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cordyceps's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 14 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Cordyceps 14 references
  1. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensis: part I. J Altern Complement Med 1998;4:289-303.
  2. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis: part II. J Altern Complement Med 1998;4:429-57.
  3. Chen YJ, Shiao MS, Lee SS, Wang SY. Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the proliferation and differentiation of human leukemic U937 cells. Life Sci 1997;60:2349-59. PubMed
  4. Zhao Y. [Inhibitory effects of alcoholic extract of Cordyceps sinensis on abdominal aortic thrombus formation in rabbits]. Chung Hua I Hsueh Tsa Chih (Taipei) 1991;71:612-5, 42.
  5. Chen GZ, Chen GL, Sun T, et al. Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on murine T lymphocyte subsets. Chin Med J (English) 1991;104:4-8.
  6. Zhu XY, Yu HY. [Immunosuppressive effect of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on cellular immune response]. Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1990;10:485-7, 454.
  7. Hsu, C. C., Huang, Y. L., Tsai, S. J., Sheu, C. C., and Huang, B. M. In vivo and in vitro stimulatory effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells. Life Sci 9-5-2003;73(16):2127-2136. PubMed
  8. Ikumoto, T., Sasaki, S., Namba, H., Toyama, R., Moritoki, H., and Mouri, T. [Physiologically active compounds in the extracts from tochukaso and cultured mycelia of Cordyceps and Isaria]. Yakugaku Zasshi 1991;111(9):504-509. PubMed
  9. Wu, T. N., Yang, K. C., Wang, C. M., Lai, J. S., Ko, K. N., Chang, P. Y., and Liou, S. H. Lead poisoning caused by contaminated Cordyceps, a Chinese herbal medicine: two case reports. Sci.Total Environ. 4-5-1996;182(1-3):193-195. PubMed
  10. Hong T, Zhang M, Fan J. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for kidney transplant recipients (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(10):CD009698. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009698.pub2.
  11. Zhang HW, Lin ZX, Tung YS, Kwan TH, Mok CK, Leung C, Chan LS. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease (Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(12):CD008353. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008353.pub2. PubMed
  12. Bee Yean O, Zoriah A. Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis as an adjunctive treatment in hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. J Tradit Chin Med. 2019;39(1):1-14.
  13. Thurian D, Montani M, Stickel F. Drug-induced, mixed-type hepatitis following ingestion of Cordyceps sinensis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2022;60(2):115-120. PubMed
  14. Yu X, Mao Y, Shergis JL, et al. Effectiveness and safety of oral Cordyceps sinensis on stable COPD of GOLD stages 2-3: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:4903671.

See these in context on the Cordyceps monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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