Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Cordyceps Mushroom Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Brain Forza

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

Cordyceps Mushroom is a dietary supplement by Brain Forza 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 Mushroom by Brain Forza

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, a fungus traditionally used in herbal medicine. The capsules also include two inactive ingredients — pullulan and sorghum — which serve as the capsule material and base.

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: Cordyceps helps promote energy.
  • We looked for evidence on: Fatigue, Athletic performance, stamina, endurance.
  • 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 mixed and often thin. It's rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance.

For sexual dysfunction, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), asthma, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works. If you're considering cordyceps for any of these uses, that's a conversation to have with your doctor.

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 taken for up to a year, though the safety database is limited and product quality varies widely. The most common side effects are mild digestive ones — abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea — and these are uncommon.

Dry mouth and throat discomfort have also been reported. Taking it with food may help reduce these.

There's one case report of liver inflammation (jaundice) linked to a cordyceps product, though it's unclear whether cordyceps itself or a contaminant was responsible. The safety data advises against cordyceps during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe.

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 with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (such as warfarin, aspirin, or clopidogrel), immune-suppressing medications (especially after a transplant), or testosterone therapy before you start this product.

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 what it actually does is weak or absent. If you take blood thinners, immune-suppressing drugs, or testosterone therapy, you'll need to check with us or your doctor first.

For anyone else, talk to your pharmacist before starting — especially 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 Mushroom, straight from the product label.

Brand Brain Forza
Barcode (UPC) 857056006230
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2024
DSLD ID 317979
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic, Halal, 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 Mushroom by Brain Forza, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
857056006230
IngredientAmount% DV
Cordyceps1500 mg--

Other ingredients: Pullulan, Sorghum

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

100% Made and grown in the USA Lab-grown and toxin-free

Full-spectrum organic Certified Organic by CCOF Organic Mushrooms

Energy, Endurance & vascular health

Supports ATP production for energy Low-oxygen grown environment

Certified organic

Made in California

Brain Forza Mushrooms Brain Forza organic mushrooms are non-GMO, lab-grown, certified organic, full-spectrum and 100% made and grown in the USA. No rice or oatmeal - our mushrooms are grown on an ancient grain superfood which yields 95% mushroom tissue each batch. Gluten free

Formula

Brain Forza Mushrooms Brain Forza organic mushrooms are non-GMO, lab-grown, certified organic, full-spectrum and 100% made and grown in the USA. No rice or oatmeal - our mushrooms are grown on an ancient grain superfood which yields 95% mushroom tissue each batch. Cordyceps Sinensis

Our Cordyceps is grown in a low-oxygen environment, mimicking its natural growth habitat. This helps make the Cordyceps strong. Cordyceps helps promote energy.

Made with organic full-spectrum cordyceps sinensis mushrooms

Halal & Kosher Compliant

Halal & Kosher Compliant

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

General Statements

About Brain Forza Brain Forza has specialized in making the best organic mushroom and adaptogen powdered products since 2010. Above all, we prioritize quality and science. We are driven by our goal to make the most functional super supplements on the market.

Find us and tag us online @brainforza #brainforza

Seals/Symbols

Made in the USA

CCOF Certified Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take one capsule three times daily with water or, three capsules once daily with water.

Precautions

Allergens: Manufactured in a facility that processes wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, shellfish, and tree nut ingredients.

Warning: This product is for adults only. Keep out of reach of children.

Always contact a physician if you are taking medications, have a medical condition, or are pregnant or nursing.

See for yourself

Cordyceps Mushroom by Brain Forza label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cordyceps Mushroom by Brain Forza

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cordyceps

Interacts with
249 drugs
1500 mg per serving Form: Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps sinensis

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: Pullulan, Sorghum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cordyceps Mushroom by Brain Forza Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cordyceps Mushroom?

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 Mushroom 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 Mushroom, from the product label.

Brain Forza

See all Brain Forza products
Name
Brain Forza Labs Inc.
Street Address
200-871 Coronado Center Dr.
City
Henderson
State
NV
ZipCode
89052
Web Address
brainforza.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cordyceps Mushroom by Brain Forza: Common Questions

Does Cordyceps Mushroom by Brain Forza interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cordyceps Mushroom 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 Mushroom 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 is cordyceps, and what is it supposed to do?
Cordyceps is a fungus used in traditional herbal medicine. People take it hoping it'll help with athletic performance, sexual dysfunction, asthma, and other conditions — but the evidence for most of these uses is either thin or absent.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data to know either way, so the safety information advises against cordyceps during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
What side effects might I experience?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are mild digestive ones — abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, and throat discomfort — and they're uncommon. Taking it with food may help. There's one rare case report of liver inflammation, though the cause wasn't confirmed.
Does this product have fillers?
The capsule contains pullulan and sorghum as inactive ingredients. These are the capsule material and base, not fillers in the traditional sense.
How long has cordyceps been tested for safety?
The evidence we have shows it's generally well tolerated when taken for up to a year, but the overall safety database is limited and product quality varies widely from brand to brand.

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

Not sure if Cordyceps Mushroom 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 Mushroom label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cordyceps Mushroom'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

Keep exploring