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Dietary supplement

Cordyceps Mushroom Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by DC

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cordyceps Mushroom is a dietary supplement by DC 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 Cordy-Gen. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cordyceps Mushroom by DC

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: Cordy-Gen, a cordyceps mushroom extract. Cordyceps is a fungus traditionally used in some cultures for energy and sexual function, though modern evidence on those uses is mixed or thin.

The capsules also contain vegetable cellulose and vegetable magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients to hold and deliver the extract.

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: Fatigue, energy, athletic performance and stamina.
  • We looked for evidence on: Fatigue, Athletic performance, Asthma, Cough, Chronic kidney disease (CKD), Kidney failure — and 3 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, Cough, Fatigue, Kidney failure, and more.

The evidence for cordyceps is patchy. It's rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance — meaning studies haven't shown it meaningfully boosts exercise capacity.

For sexual dysfunction, asthma, COPD, arrhythmia (heart rhythm problems), and lung cancer, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether it works. If you're considering this for one of those conditions, the science simply isn't there yet to back it up.

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 in the short term, though the safety database is limited and product quality varies a lot from brand to brand. The most common side effects are mild — abdominal discomfort, constipation, or diarrhea — and often improve if you take it with food.

Dry mouth and throat discomfort have also been reported rarely. There's one case report of liver inflammation (hepatitis) linked to a cordyceps product, though it's unclear whether cordyceps itself or a contaminant was responsible.

Because safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding isn't adequate, the data advises against use during both.

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, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin (Moderate risk of bleeding), immunosuppressants like cyclosporine (Moderate risk of reduced effectiveness), or testosterone supplements (Minor additive effect). No interactions are documented for the other ingredients we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cordyceps may be worth exploring if you're looking for a traditional supplement for energy or sexual function, but the evidence is sparse for most uses. If you take blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or testosterone therapy, you need to check with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interactions are real, even if they haven't been seen in humans yet.

Stick with products from reputable makers, since quality varies widely.

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 Apr 11, 2022.

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 DC
Net contents 60 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 11, 2022
DSLD ID 265687
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Women (not pregnant or lactating), 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 Mushroom by DC, 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 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
IngredientAmount% DV
Cordy-Gen1200 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Vegetable Magnesium Stearate

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

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 2 vegetable capsules one to three times daily.

Precautions

Tamper Evident: Do not use this product if imprinted foil seal under cap is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Caution: If you are pregnant or nursing do not take this product.

Formulation

Mfg. in an FDA Registered Facility using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

Conforms to USP <2091> for weight. Meets USP <2040> disintegration for maximum bioavailability.

Gluten free

Nutritionally supports the immune system

Certified organic

Vegetarian/vegan

Made in USA

Storage

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature: 59 degrees - 86 degrees F (15 degrees to 30 degrees C).

Brand IP Statement(s)

Cordy-Gen is a registered trademark of Gourmet Mushrooms, Inc.

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.

Seals/Symbols

Quali Pure

Ko Kosher Service

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Ko Kosher Service

See for yourself

Cordyceps Mushroom by DC label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cordyceps Mushroom by DC

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

Serving size2 Vegetable Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cordy-Gen

Interacts with
249 drugs
1200 mg per serving Form: Cordyceps Mushroom

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

Cordy-Gen monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Cordyceps Mushroom by DC 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

Cordy-Gen 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.

Cordy-Gen3 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.

DC

See all DC products
Name
Dee Cee Laboratories, Inc.
Street Address
304 Dee Cee Rd.
City
White House
State
TN
ZipCode
37188
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cordyceps Mushroom by DC: Common Questions

Does Cordyceps Mushroom by DC 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.
Can I take Cordyceps Mushroom if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data. The evidence advises against cordyceps during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's safe for you and your baby.
Does cordyceps actually improve athletic performance?
The evidence says it's possibly ineffective — studies haven't shown it meaningfully enhances exercise or endurance. If you're taking it hoping for a workout boost, the science doesn't back that up yet.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people tolerate cordyceps fine. The common ones — if they happen — are mild: abdominal discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, and throat discomfort. Taking it with food often helps. One rare case reported liver inflammation, though it's not clear cordyceps caused it.
Is this safe to take for a long time?
Cordyceps seems well tolerated for up to a year based on the data we have. Beyond that, we don't know much, and product quality varies a lot. Stick with reputable brands and talk with your pharmacist if you plan to use it long-term.
What is Cordy-Gen?
It's a cordyceps mushroom extract — the active ingredient in this product. Cordyceps is a fungus used traditionally for energy and sexual function, though modern evidence on those uses is limited.

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

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