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Dietary supplement

Cordyceps Mushroom Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nootropics Depot

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

Cordyceps Mushroom Extract is a dietary supplement by Nootropics Depot 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 militaris. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cordyceps Mushroom Extract by Nootropics Depot

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 militaris, a medicinal mushroom extract. Cordyceps has been used in traditional medicine for energy and endurance, and it's the only active component in this powder — there are no other added ingredients.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Cordyceps product and its label doesn't state a use — see Cordyceps's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for cordyceps is mixed and limited. 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 rate whether it works. If you're considering cordyceps for one of these uses, talk with your doctor about whether the current evidence supports it for your situation.

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, though the research is still limited and product quality varies widely across brands. The most common side effects in studies were mild: diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, dry mouth, and throat discomfort — and these were uncommon.

Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. There is one case report of liver inflammation (hepatitis) in someone taking a cordyceps product, though it's unclear whether cordyceps or a contaminant caused it.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data, so the data advises against use. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether cordyceps is right for you if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, 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.

Before you take this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs — cordyceps may theoretically increase bleeding risk (Moderate severity). Also double-check if you're taking immunosuppressants like cyclosporine, as cordyceps may interfere with how they work (Moderate severity).

If you're on testosterone therapy or supplements, mention cordyceps to your provider as well (Minor severity).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cordyceps might appeal to you if you're interested in natural support for athletic performance or energy, though the evidence for it working is limited. If you take blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or testosterone medications, you need to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting cordyceps.

It's generally well tolerated, but talk it over with your own healthcare provider to make sure it fits your situation.

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 Aug 23, 2020.

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 Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Nootropics Depot
Net contents 2.11 Ounce(s); 60 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2020
DSLD ID 232137
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 Extract by Nootropics Depot, 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:
0.5 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.5 Gram(s)
Servings per container
120
IngredientAmount% DV
Cordyceps militaris500 mg--

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

Non GMO

USDA Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Beta-Glucan minimum content: 25%, Cordycepin minimum content: 0.2% by HPLC

Precautions

Disclaimer: Always consult with a qualified health physician before taking any new dietary supplement.

Warning: Keep out of reach of children. Do not take this or any other supplement if under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have any known or suspected medical conditions, and/or taking prescription drugs or over the counter medications.

Do not take this or any other supplement if under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have any known or suspected medical conditions, and/or taking prescription drugs or over the counter medications.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

As a dietary supplement, take 500mg 1-2 times daily.

General Statements

Transfer scoops are not accurate forms of measurement. A milligram scale is needed to accurately measure dosages.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.

See for yourself

Cordyceps Mushroom Extract by Nootropics Depot label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cordyceps Mushroom Extract by Nootropics Depot

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

Serving size0.5 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cordyceps militaris

Interacts with
249 drugs
500 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 militaris monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Cordyceps Mushroom Extract by Nootropics Depot Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cordyceps Mushroom Extract?

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 Mushroom Extract 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 militaris3 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 Extract, from the product label.

Nootropics Depot

See all Nootropics Depot products
Name
Nootropics Depot
Street Address
8380 S. Kyrene Rd. Ste. 110
City
Tempe
State
AZ
ZipCode
85284
Web Address
nootropicsdepot.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cordyceps Mushroom Extract by Nootropics Depot: Common Questions

Does Cordyceps Mushroom Extract by Nootropics Depot interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cordyceps Mushroom Extract 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 Extract 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 actually boost athletic performance?
The evidence suggests it's probably not effective for that purpose. While cordyceps is popular in sports supplements, the research doesn't support it as a performance enhancer at this point.
What are the most common side effects I might see?
The most common ones are mild: diarrhea, constipation, belly discomfort, dry mouth, and throat discomfort. These were uncommon in studies, and taking cordyceps with food may help reduce stomach upset.
Is it safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data, so it's best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing and want personalized advice.
Can I take this if I'm on a blood thinner?
You need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Cordyceps may theoretically increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners, though this hasn't been reported in humans yet.
What's in this product besides the cordyceps?
This powder contains only the active cordyceps extract — no fillers or other added ingredients.

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

Not sure if Cordyceps Mushroom Extract 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 Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cordyceps Mushroom Extract’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 Mushroom Extract'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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