Cordyceps mushrooms have a long history in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine, where they were historically reserved for royalty and elite warriors due to their perceived ability to support stamina and vitality. Modern researchers have since begun investigating the molecular mechanisms that may underlie these traditional uses, with particular interest in how cordyceps bioactive compounds interact with energy metabolism and oxygen utilization. The evidence remains preliminary in several areas, but a growing body of studies provides useful context for evaluating these claims.
What Cordyceps Contains: The Bioactive Foundation
The two most studied species in the context of human performance are Cordyceps sinensis (now reclassified as Ophiocordyceps sinensis) and Cordyceps militaris. The latter has become more prominent in research because it can be cultivated in controlled environments, allowing for more consistent standardization of bioactive compounds.
Among the key compounds identified in Cordyceps extracts, cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) and adenosine are considered central to many of the proposed mechanisms. Both are adenosine analogs that may influence cellular energy production via adenosine triphosphate (ATP) pathways. Polysaccharides, including certain beta-glucans, also appear in significant concentrations and are associated with immune-modulating properties.
Oxygen Utilization and Aerobic Capacity: What Studies Have Examined
One of the most frequently cited areas of investigation involves the relationship between cordyceps supplementation and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), a key marker of aerobic fitness. A 2026 narrative review published in Nutrients evaluated five human intervention studies comprising 321 participants aged 16 to 35 years, with supplementation protocols ranging from one to sixteen weeks at daily doses between 1 and 12 grams. The review found that while some studies reported improvements in selected aerobic performance parameters including time to exhaustion and peripheral oxygen saturation during high-intensity exercise, findings across trials were inconsistent. The authors noted that methodological limitations including small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, and absence of standardized preparations with quantified bioactive constituents constrained the strength of conclusions that could be drawn.[1]
A separate review published in Current Nutrition Reports in 2025 examined the ergogenic potential of Cordyceps supplementation across human studies, focusing specifically on aerobic performance. The review noted that long-term supplementation ranging from two to sixteen weeks appeared to improve time to exhaustion in a dose-dependent manner in active young populations, though effects on VO2max and broader aerobic fitness markers remained inconsistent. The authors also highlighted that cordyceps may show enhanced effects on aerobic parameters when combined with other herbal ingredients or exercise training, and that the evidence in aging or sedentary populations remained insufficient.[2]
Cellular Energy Production: The ATP Mechanism
At the cellular level, researchers have proposed that cordyceps bioactives may support energy production through pathways related to ATP synthesis rather than direct enhancement of cardiovascular oxygen delivery. A 2020 study published in Mycobiology examined the effects of a Cordyceps militaris ethyl acetate extract on exercise performance in a murine model, measuring grip strength and biochemical markers over the supplementation period. While grip strength showed modest improvement comparable to a red ginseng control group, biochemical analysis indicated that the extract influenced biomarkers associated with ATP generation pathways while showing minimal impact on muscle fatigue-related markers. The researchers proposed that the ergogenic potential of C. militaris may relate more to cellular energy production mechanisms than to reductions in peripheral fatigue.[3]
Research on cordycepin, the primary active alkaloid, has provided additional mechanistic context. A 2022 study published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications investigated the anti-fatigue properties of cordycepin in a weight-loaded swimming model, using doses of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg administered for 28 days. The study found that cordycepin extended swimming time, increased hepatic and muscle glycogen stores, elevated ATP content, and reduced biomarkers of oxidative stress. Metabolomic profiling identified alterations in energy metabolism pathways, and the authors observed enhanced expression of proteins associated with the TIGAR/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway, which is linked to mitochondrial biogenesis and energy regulation. The researchers concluded that cordycepin may exert anti-fatigue effects through modulation of energy metabolism rather than through a single mechanism.[4]
What a High-Quality Human Trial Found
One of the more rigorous human trials examined a commercial supplement combining Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Ganoderma lucidum in 96 physical education students, randomly assigned to low-dose, high-dose, or placebo groups for 28 to 33 days. Participants underwent graded treadmill VO2max testing and a Wingate anaerobic cycle test before and after the intervention. The study found no statistically significant differences in VO2max, physiological responses at peak exercise load, maximal or mean anaerobic power, or fatigue index between any group. A borderline interaction suggested a somewhat lower resting heart rate after supplementation, but post-hoc analysis did not confirm statistical significance. The authors concluded that the combination supplement had no meaningful effect on the tested aerobic or anaerobic parameters in this healthy young population.[2]
This result illustrates a recurring challenge in the field: findings that appear promising in animal models or smaller pilot studies do not consistently replicate in well-controlled human trials. Differences in extract standardization, bioavailability, population fitness levels, and duration of supplementation all contribute to variability across the literature.
Cordyceps Compared to Other Functional Mushrooms for Performance
Among functional mushrooms, cordyceps remains the most studied in the context of physical performance and energy metabolism. Other species such as lion’s mane and reishi are primarily researched for neurological and immune endpoints. If energy metabolism and endurance are primary concerns, cordyceps is the more relevant species to evaluate. For a broader comparison of cordyceps species and their distinct characteristics, see our article on Cordyceps Militaris vs Sinensis: What’s the Difference and Does It Matter?
It is also worth noting that supplementation context matters: testosterone levels and broader hormonal health are closely related to exercise capacity and recovery. Research on how lifestyle factors intersect with endurance performance can be found at Modern Men’s Health: How to Increase Testosterone Naturally.
Practical Considerations for Supplementation
For those considering cordyceps supplementation in the context of exercise performance, several practical points emerge from the current literature:
- Standardization matters: Studies that reported positive outcomes typically used preparations standardized for cordycepin content. Consumer products vary widely in their bioactive concentrations, and label claims do not always reflect verified content.
- Duration and timing: The available human studies suggest that supplementation periods of several weeks may be needed before any measurable changes in performance markers are detectable. Short-term acute use is less well-studied.
- Population specificity: Most positive findings come from studies in young, active participants. Evidence in older adults, sedentary populations, or clinical settings is limited.
- Combination products: Several trials have used cordyceps as part of multi-ingredient formulations, making it difficult to attribute observed effects to cordyceps specifically.
Summary
The relationship between cordyceps supplementation and oxygen utilization or endurance performance is one of the more actively researched areas in functional mushroom science. Preclinical and mechanistic studies suggest plausible pathways involving ATP synthesis, mitochondrial signaling, and anti-fatigue effects at the cellular level. Human trials present a more nuanced picture: some evidence for modest improvements in aerobic endurance in active individuals exists, particularly with extended supplementation, but VO2max as a direct marker does not appear to improve consistently across well-controlled trials. The certainty of the available evidence remains moderate at best, and individuals considering cordyceps for performance support should weigh these findings alongside the limitations of the current literature.
References
- [1] Jędrejko M, et al. Current Evidence of Ergogenic and Post-Exercise Recovery Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Cordyceps militaris in Humans. Nutrients. 2026. PMID 41829950
- [2] Dewi L, Khemtong C. Ergogenic Aid by Cordyceps: Does It Work? Curr Nutr Rep. 2025. PMID 40768109
- [3] Choi E, Oh J, Sung GH. Beneficial Effect of Cordyceps militaris on Exercise Performance via Promoting Cellular Energy Production. Mycobiology. 2020. PMID 33312018
- [4] Chai X, et al. Cordycepin exhibits anti-fatigue effect via activating TIGAR/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2022. PMID 36399798
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
