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Dietary supplement

Cordyceps Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by HealthForce SuperFoods

Cordyceps label
See full label image
Powder Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Cordyceps against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cordyceps is a dietary supplement by HealthForce SuperFoods 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, 416 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cordyceps fruiting body extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Cordyceps by HealthForce SuperFoods

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cordyceps by HealthForce SuperFoods — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cordyceps by HealthForce SuperFoods

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

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.
  • “Cordyceps fruiting body extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (2,000 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

HealthForce SuperFoods Cordyceps is a one-ingredient product: Cordyceps fruiting body extract, which supplies 1,3/1,6 beta-glucans. These are complex carbohydrates naturally found in mushrooms, yeast, and some grains — compounds your body uses to support immune and cardiovascular health.

There are no inactive ingredients (fillers or binders) in this powder.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Beta-glucans's overall clinical evidence instead.

Strong

Strong clinical evidence supports Beta-glucans for:

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“Energy, stamina, and general wellness support”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Coronary heart disease (CHD) — rated "Likely Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Dyslipidemia — rated "Likely Effective" (Natural Medicines).

Beta-glucans in this product are rated Likely Effective for two conditions: reducing dyslipidemia (high cholesterol and triglycerides) and supporting heart health in people with coronary heart disease. The clinical evidence supports their use for these outcomes.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cordyceps Beta-glucans

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.

Beta-glucans from food sources are generally well tolerated by most people. That said, concentrated supplement doses haven't been studied as thoroughly as whole foods, so we'd recommend using caution.

In clinical trials, topical beta-glucan preparations have caused mild skin reactions in some users, though they were temporary. There's limited research on supplement doses during breastfeeding, so talk with your pharmacist or doctor if you're nursing.

Pregnancy and lactation safety data isn't on file for this ingredient.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cordyceps Beta-glucans

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 — Beta-glucans.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 293 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 blood pressure medications and immunosuppressants (such as those used after transplant) before taking this product. Beta-glucans may lower blood pressure and could theoretically interfere with immune-suppressing drugs.

Altogether, these interactions span 287 individual medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may work for people wanting to support cholesterol levels and heart health. If you take blood pressure medications or immunosuppressants, check with us first — beta-glucans can theoretically affect how well these drugs work.

Talk to your pharmacist before adding it to your routine, especially if you're on any prescription medications.

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 Oct 24, 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 HealthForce SuperFoods
Barcode (UPC) 650786003650
Net contents 60 Gram(s); 2.11 Ounce(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2024
DSLD ID 317488
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic, Gluten Free
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 HealthForce SuperFoods, 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:
2 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Gram(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
650786003650
IngredientAmount% DV
Cordyceps fruiting body extract2000 mg--
1,3/1,6 Beta-D-Glucans0 NP--

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

Eco facility Lab verified Ecofresh packaging

Vegan ethics Certified Vegan Vegan.org

Integrity Extracts Cordyceps powder is certified organic, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free.

Integrity Extracts Cordyceps powder is certified organic, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free.

Integrity Extracts Cordyceps powder is certified organic, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free. GFCO.org Certified Gluten-free

Endurance & strength

Lab tested for pesticides, GMOs, irradiation, botanical identity, microbial activity, gluten, and heavy metals.

Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth TruGanic Verified Sourcing USDA Organic

Formula

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) have been used for over a thousand years in China and Tibet. They were once considered so valuable and rare that only the emperor of China could afford to use them. Today, thanks to innovative cultivation techniques, Cordyceps militaris are readily available. These mushrooms can be humanely cultivated (vegan substrate) and are much more affordable. Highly beneficial due to their high levels of beta-glucans (25%+) which help to support overall vitality. Cordyceps have been known to increase endurance, strength, and energy. Cordyceps have a savory umami, deep earthy-nutty flavor. Our pure, wood-grown cordyceps mushroom extract is made by hot water extraction using the fruiting body of the fungi. The powder can be added to smoothies, fresh juices, or teas.

Integrity Extracts Cordyceps powder is certified organic, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free. OU Pareve (Kosher)

General Statements

"I wish you great health and happiness always!" Dr. Jameth Sheridan - Naturopath and Hard-Core Herbal Medicine Researcher

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 teaspoon per day, or as advised by a qualified health care professional. Add to smoothies, teas, or hot water. Consume with conscious, positive intent.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic OTCO (Oregon Tilth Certified Organic) Certified Vegan Vegan.org GFCO.org Certified Gluten-free OU Pareve (Kosher)

TruGanic Verified Sourcing

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Cordyceps by HealthForce SuperFoods label

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

Cordyceps label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cordyceps by HealthForce SuperFoods

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

Serving size2 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cordyceps fruiting body extract

Interacts with
249 drugs
2000 mg per serving

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

Cordyceps fruiting body extract monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Cordyceps by HealthForce SuperFoods 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
416Drugs
408 Moderate 8 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Cordyceps fruiting body extract 249

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cordyceps interact with 416 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Cordyceps interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Cordyceps fruiting body extract

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.

Cordyceps fruiting body extract3 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
Cordyceps fruiting body extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

HealthForce SuperFoods

See all HealthForce SuperFoods products
Name
Excelsior Alchemy
City
Tempe
State
AZ
ZipCode
85284
Phone Number
(800) 748-6229
Web Address
www.HealthForceSuperFoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cordyceps by HealthForce SuperFoods: Common Questions

Does Cordyceps by HealthForce SuperFoods interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cordyceps has a known interaction with 416 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.
Does Cordyceps powder actually support heart health?
The beta-glucans in this product are rated Likely Effective for high cholesterol and coronary heart disease based on clinical research. So yes, there's evidence it can help with those specific goals, though results vary by person.
Is this safe to take if I'm on blood pressure medication?
It's not automatically safe — beta-glucans may lower blood pressure themselves, so combining them with your medication could theoretically push your pressure too low. Talk to your pharmacist before you start; they can review your specific drug and dose.
Are there any fillers or additives in this powder?
No — this is a pure single-ingredient product with just Cordyceps fruiting body extract. No fillers, binders, or other inactive ingredients.
What side effects might I see from beta-glucans?
Orally, beta-glucans are generally well tolerated with few reported side effects. Topical beta-glucan creams have caused mild, temporary skin reactions in some people, but you're taking this as a powder, so that's not a concern here.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Safety data during pregnancy isn't on file for this ingredient. During breastfeeding, there's limited research on supplement doses, so caution is advised. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in either situation.

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

Not sure if Cordyceps is safe with your meds?

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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
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cordyceps’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Cordyceps

Interacts with 249 drugs

Cordyceps is a fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine for energy, exercise performance, and lung and immune support. Human research is limited and mostly low quality, so its benefits ar...

Read the full Cordyceps monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Beta-glucans

Interacts with 293 drugs

Beta-glucans are natural fibers found in oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast. The strongest evidence supports the oat and barley types for modestly lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, while...

Read the full Beta-glucans monograph →
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 25 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 →

Beta-glucans 11 references
  1. Katz, D. L., Nawaz, H., Boukhalil, J., Giannamore, V., Chan, W., Ahmadi, R., and Sarrel, P. M. Acute effects of oats and vitamin E on endothelial responses to ingested fat. Am.J.Prev.Med. 2001;20(2):124-129. PubMed
  2. Keenan, J. M., Pins, J. J., Frazel, C., Moran, A., and Turnquist, L. Oat ingestion reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with mild or borderline hypertension: a pilot trial. J.Fam.Pract. 2002;51(4):369.
  3. Maki, K. C., Galant, R., Samuel, P., Tesser, J., Witchger, M. S., Ribaya-Mercado, J. D., Blumberg, J. B., and Geohas, J. Effects of consuming foods containing oat beta-glucan on blood pressure, carbohydrate metabolism and biomarkers of oxidative stress i
  4. Bergendiova, K., Tibenska, E., and Majtan, J. Pleuran (beta-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation, cellular immune response and respiratory tract infections in athletes. Eur.J.Appl.Physiol 2011;111(9):2033-2040.
  5. Talbott S, Talbott J. Effect of beta 1,3/1,6 glucan on respiratory tract infection symptoms and mood state in marathon athletes. J Sports Sci Med 2009;8(4):509-515.
  6. Feldman S, Schwartz HI Kalman DS Mayers A Kohrman HM Clemens R Krieger DR. Randomized phase II clinical trials of Wellmune WGP® for immune support during cold and flu season. The Journal of Applied Research 2009;9(1-2):30-42.
  7. McFarlin BK, Carpenter KC, Davidson T, McFarlin MA. Baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation increases salivary IgA and decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise. J Diet Suppl. 2013;10(3):171-83. PubMed
  8. Jesenak M, Urbancek S, Majtan J, Banovcin P, Hercogova J. ß-Glucan-based cream (containing pleuran isolated from pleurotus ostreatus) in supportive treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat 2016;27(4):351-4.
  9. Mah E, Kaden VN, Kelley KM, Liska DJ. Beverage containing dispersible yeast ß-glucan decreases cold/flu symptomatic days after intense exercise: a randomized controlled trial. J Diet Suppl 2020;17(2):200-10. PubMed
  10. Zhong K, Liu Z, Lu Y, Xu X. Effects of yeast ß-glucans for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr. 2021. PubMed
  11. Cardenas FI, Mauguen A, Cheung IY, et al. Phase I trial of oral yeast-derived ß-glucan to enhance anti-GD2 immunotherapy of resistant high-risk neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021;13(24):6265. PubMed

See these in context on the Beta-glucans 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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