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Dietary supplement

Cordyceps CS-4 Strain Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by MRM Nutrition

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

Cordyceps CS-4 Strain is a dietary supplement by MRM Nutrition 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 sinensis CS-4 Mycelium Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cordyceps CS-4 Strain by MRM Nutrition

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

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: cordyceps sinensis CS-4 mycelium extract, a fungal extract sometimes used in traditional medicine and sports nutrition. The capsule also holds cellulose as an inactive ingredient (the capsule material).

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Cordyceps's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Immune, respiratory, cardiovascular & metabolic energy support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Asthma, Athletic performance, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Cough, Fatigue, Hypercholesterolemia — and 4 related terms.
  • 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 Asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Cough, Fatigue, and more.

The evidence for cordyceps in most uses isn't established. For athletic performance, it's rated possibly ineffective—meaning the data doesn't support the common claim that it boosts endurance or strength.

For sexual dysfunction, asthma, arrhythmia, COPD, and lung cancer, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works or doesn't. If you're considering it for any of these reasons, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether the science backs up what you're hoping for.

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 for up to a year, though the long-term safety data are limited and product quality varies widely. The most common mild side effects are abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, and throat discomfort—usually uncommon, and sometimes reduced by taking it after a meal.

There's one case report of liver inflammation (hepatitis) possibly linked to a cordyceps product, though it's unclear whether cordyceps or a contaminant caused it. The safety data aren't robust enough to recommend this supplement during pregnancy or while breastfeeding—talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

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.

Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin), immunosuppressants (like cyclosporine), or testosterone therapy. Altogether, these interactions span 245 individual medications.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cordyceps is generally well tolerated short-term, but the evidence for its most common uses is weak or absent. If you take blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or testosterone therapy, you'll want to check with your pharmacist before starting it.

The product quality varies, so if you do use it, stick with a trusted brand.

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 CS-4 Strain, straight from the product label.

Brand MRM Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 60949271030
Net contents 60 Vegan Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2024
DSLD ID 319074
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy 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 CS-4 Strain by MRM Nutrition, 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 Vegan Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegan Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
60949271030
IngredientAmount% DV
Cordyceps sinensis CS-4 Mycelium Extract750 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested usage: Take 1 capsule per day with a meal or as directed by your qualified healthcare provider.

Formulation

Supports immune, respiratory & cardiovascular systems Promotes normal metabolic energy

Vegan

Non GMO

Endurance

Contains no added milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish, or shellfish ingredients.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Made from recycled materials

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Precautions

Contains soy and wheat.

See for yourself

Cordyceps CS-4 Strain by MRM Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cordyceps CS-4 Strain by MRM Nutrition

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

Serving size1 Vegan Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

750 mg per serving Form: Adenosine, Cordycepic Acid

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

Cordyceps sinensis CS-4 Mycelium Extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Cordyceps CS-4 Strain by MRM Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cordyceps CS-4 Strain?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cordyceps CS-4 Strain 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 sinensis CS-4 Mycelium 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cordyceps CS-4 Strain, from the product label.

MRM Nutrition

See all MRM Nutrition products
Name
MRM
Street Address
2665 Vista Pacific Dr
City
Oceanside
State
CA
ZipCode
92056
Phone Number
1-800-948-6296
Web Address
www.mrmnutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cordyceps CS-4 Strain by MRM Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Cordyceps CS-4 Strain by MRM Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cordyceps CS-4 Strain 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 CS-4 Strain 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.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data aren't robust enough to recommend cordyceps during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist—they can weigh the risks and benefits for your individual situation.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people tolerate it well, but some may experience abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, or throat discomfort. These are usually uncommon and can sometimes be reduced by taking it after eating.
Does cordyceps actually improve athletic performance?
The evidence doesn't support it—cordyceps is rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance. If you're looking to boost endurance or strength, this supplement isn't backed by reliable data.
What exactly is in this capsule?
One active ingredient: cordyceps sinensis CS-4 mycelium extract, which is a fungal extract. The capsule also contains cellulose.
How long can I safely take cordyceps?
It's been studied for use up to one year and seems well tolerated over that timeframe, though long-term safety data are limited. Quality varies between products, so stick with a trusted brand.

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

Not sure if Cordyceps CS-4 Strain is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 CS-4 Strain label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cordyceps CS-4 Strain’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cordyceps CS-4 Strain'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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