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Dietary supplement

Cordyceps Sinensis Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Exploding Buds

Cordyceps Sinensis 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 Sinensis 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 Sinensis is a dietary supplement by Exploding Buds 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Cordyceps Sinensis by Exploding Buds

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cordyceps Sinensis by Exploding Buds

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 23, 2026

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 used in traditional medicine and supplements. It comes as a powder with no other inactive ingredients listed.

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, respiratory support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Fatigue, Athletic performance, Asthma, Cough, Stamina, Endurance — and 2 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.

The evidence on cordyceps is mixed and often limited. It is possibly ineffective for athletic performance.

For sexual dysfunction, asthma, arrhythmia, COPD, and lung cancer, there isn't enough reliable evidence in our data to say whether it works or doesn't.

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 overall safety data is sparse and product quality varies widely. The most common side effects are abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea—and these are uncommon.

Symptoms may be reduced by taking it after a meal. There is one case report of liver inflammation (hepatitis) in a 64-year-old man taking a cordyceps product, though it's unclear if cordyceps itself or a contaminant caused it; the inflammation resolved when he stopped.

There is not enough safety data to recommend cordyceps during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it.

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 doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you use blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin or aspirin), immunosuppressants (such as cyclosporine), or testosterone supplements or hormone therapy. The interactions are theoretically possible based on animal and lab research, though not yet reported in people.

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 considering if you're interested in athletic performance or sexual function, though the evidence is weak or absent. The main caution is if you take blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or testosterone—you'll want to check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Side effects are usually mild, but product quality varies, so choose a reputable 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 Aug 23, 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 Sinensis, straight from the product label.

Brand Exploding Buds
Barcode (UPC) 810012470261
Net contents 120 Gram(s); 4.2 Ounce(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2022
DSLD ID 272617
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 Sinensis by Exploding Buds, 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
60
UPC/BARCODE
810012470261
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories8 Calorie(s)--
Cordyceps2 Gram(s)--

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.
Formula

The name 'Cordyceps' is derived from the Greek words meaning 'club' and 'head.' This name is perhaps due to its characteristic club-like appearance. A member of the 'sac fungi' family, Cordyceps are parasitic to insects and other small organisms. There are over 400 different species of Cordyceps. Cordyceps sinensis in particular are native to the Himalayas and can also be found in mountainous regions of Asia.

Exploding Buds Full Spectrum Organic Mushrooms grown, dried, milled and packaged in a cGMP certified state-of-the-art indoor farm in California, USA naturally contain beta glucans, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, amino acids, proteins, peptides, polyphenols, flavonoids, selenium compounds, and an array of antioxidants including glutathione, ergothioneine, polyphenols, flavonoids, and SOD (superoxide dismutase).

Certified organic mushroom powder

Formulation

Certified Organic by A Bee Organics

Vegan

Non GMO Gluten free

Fermented

Warnings Aroma, color, consistency and taste may vary.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use Add one teaspoon (2 grams) to your favorite coffee, tea, juice, or smoothie or as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Storage

Best stored at room temperature 20 degrees C to 25 degrees C (68 degrees F to 77 degrees F). Improper storage conditions, such as extended exposure to direct sunlight, high heat & humidity can cause product degradation over time.

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Precautions

Double safety sealed, with outer shrink wrap film and inner bottle freshness seal.

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

See for yourself

Cordyceps Sinensis by Exploding Buds label

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

Cordyceps Sinensis 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 Sinensis by Exploding Buds

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 container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cordyceps

Interacts with
249 drugs
2 Gram(s) per serving Form: Cordyceps sinensis, Oats

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
Interaction report

Cordyceps Sinensis by Exploding Buds Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cordyceps Sinensis?

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

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cordyceps Sinensis interact with 249 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cordyceps Sinensis 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
Cordyceps full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Exploding Buds

See all Exploding Buds products
Name
Simple Brands Group, LLC
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cordyceps Sinensis by Exploding Buds: Common Questions

Does Cordyceps Sinensis by Exploding Buds interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cordyceps Sinensis 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 Sinensis 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 if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data, so it is best avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in these situations.
What side effects should I watch for?
The most common ones are abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea—though these are uncommon. Dry mouth and throat discomfort have also been reported. Taking cordyceps after eating may help reduce these. One case of liver inflammation has been reported, though it's unclear if cordyceps was the cause.
Does cordyceps actually improve athletic performance?
The evidence suggests it is possibly ineffective for athletic performance based on the data we hold.
How long is it safe to take cordyceps?
Cordyceps is generally well tolerated when used for up to 1 year, though the overall safety evidence is limited and product quality varies widely.
Will cordyceps help with sexual dysfunction?
There isn't enough reliable evidence in our data to say whether cordyceps works for sexual dysfunction.

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

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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 Sinensis label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cordyceps Sinensis’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 →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cordyceps Sinensis'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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