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Dietary supplement

Organic Cordyceps Powder Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Affair

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

Organic Cordyceps Powder is a dietary supplement by Herb Affair 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 Organic Cordyceps Powder by Herb Affair

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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • “Certified Organic Mushroom Powder Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (2 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains one active ingredient: Cordyceps, a mushroom traditionally used in herbal practice. The powder also includes oats (myceliated), an inactive ingredient.

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: increase oxygen utilization and athletic performance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Athletic performance, Fatigue, Asthma, Cough, Aerobic capacity, Energy — and 1 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 for cordyceps is mixed. For athletic performance, the data suggests it's possibly ineffective.

For sexual dysfunction, asthma, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there isn't enough reliable evidence yet to rate how well it works. If you're considering cordyceps for one of these uses, talk with your pharmacist about what the current research shows.

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 safety evidence is limited and product quality varies widely. The most common side effects reported in studies were abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea — these were uncommon, and some people found symptoms improved by taking it after eating.

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

During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data, so the advice is to avoid cordyceps. The same applies while breastfeeding — there's insufficient information to know whether 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.

Before taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), immune-suppressing medications (like cyclosporine), or testosterone therapy. These carry a Moderate or Minor risk of interaction.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure 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 exploring traditional supplements, but the evidence for what it actually does is thin. If you take blood thinners, immune-suppressing drugs, or testosterone therapy, check with your pharmacist first — cordyceps could theoretically affect how these work.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing any chronic condition.

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 Mar 25, 2025.

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 Organic Cordyceps Powder, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Affair
Barcode (UPC) 196852108411
Net contents 7.05 Ounce(s); 200 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2025
DSLD ID 321049
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses 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 Organic Cordyceps Powder by Herb Affair, 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
100
UPC/BARCODE
196852108411
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories10 Calorie(s)--
Certified Organic Mushroom Powder Blend2 Gram(s)--
Cordyceps 0 NP--

Other ingredients: Oats, Myceliated

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

USDA Organic

Non GMO Gluten free Soy free

Vegan

Certified Organic by: MOSA

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Formula

Cordyceps is the mushroom that works just as hard as you do. It helps to increase your body's oxygen utilization and aerobic capacity, which helps you feel more energized as well as adding a big boost to your performance. Cordyceps will help keep pushing to accomplish your goals!

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

How to use: Add 1 serving (1 tsp) every day to your coffee, water or milk, or make your own supplement using a capsule filler.

General Statements

Instagram #MakeHealthHappen

2 grams per scoop is an average. Scooping technique may vary by individual and may yield slight more or slightly less than 2 grams. Questions or comments? 866-445-9040

Storage

Note: Store in a cool dry place. This product is packaged by weight, not by volume. Settling of contents occurs over time and cannot be avoided.

See for yourself

Organic Cordyceps Powder by Herb Affair label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Organic Cordyceps Powder by Herb Affair

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 container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Certified Organic Mushroom Powder Blend

2 Gram(s) per serving

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

Interaction report

Organic Cordyceps Powder by Herb Affair Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Organic Cordyceps Powder?

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 Organic Cordyceps Powder 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 3 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 Organic Cordyceps Powder, from the product label.

Herb Affair

See all Herb Affair products
Name
Herb Affair
City
Libertyville
State
IL
ZipCode
60048
Phone Number
866-445-9040
Web Address
HerbAffair.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Organic Cordyceps Powder by Herb Affair: Common Questions

Does Organic Cordyceps Powder by Herb Affair interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Organic Cordyceps Powder 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?
Organic Cordyceps Powder 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 are the common side effects of cordyceps?
The most common ones are abdominal discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea — though they're uncommon. Dry mouth and throat discomfort have also been reported. Taking it after eating may help reduce symptoms.
Is cordyceps safe to take long-term?
It's generally well tolerated when used for up to a year, but safety evidence beyond that is limited and product quality varies widely. Stick with established brands and talk with your pharmacist if you're considering long-term use.
Can I take cordyceps if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data, so the advice is to avoid it during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's safe for your situation.
Does cordyceps actually improve athletic performance?
The available evidence suggests it's possibly ineffective for athletic performance. If you're looking to boost your workouts, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about options with stronger evidence behind them.
What is cordyceps used for?
Cordyceps is a mushroom traditionally used in herbal practice, and people have looked at it for athletic performance, sexual dysfunction, asthma, irregular heartbeat, lung cancer, and COPD. However, evidence is limited or absent for most of these uses.

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

Not sure if Organic Cordyceps Powder 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.

Organic Cordyceps Powder label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Organic Cordyceps Powder’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Organic Cordyceps Powder'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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