'Zombie fungus' supplement use rising: Physicians discuss why
Key Takeaways
Cordyceps, a medicinal fungus, contains bioactives like cordycepin and adenosine with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Early clinical studies suggest it may aid muscle recovery and improve aerobic performance.
Animal studies hint at benefits for diabetes and neuroprotection, but human trials are still needed to confirm efficacy.
Cordyceps, also known as "zombie fungus," is a parasitic fungus that grows by infiltrating insect larvae, replacing the host’s tissues, and producing slender stems that protrude from the body.
While many first heard of Cordyceps through the popular television show The Last of Us (where it turns humans into terrifying creatures), this fungus has been part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries—and for good reason.
Potential health benefits
Out of more than 750 species, Cordyceps sinensis and C. militaris are the ones researchers are currently interested in.[] Recently, studies have been digging into its potential to improve muscle recovery, slow down aging, and even help with conditions like diabetes and neurodegeneration.
In an interview with MDLinx, Ramit Singh Sambyal, MBBS, a general physician at the Metro Multispeciality Hospital in Delhi, explains, "Fungi produce bioactive compounds that influence biological systems, [such as] antibiotics like penicillin. It’s possible the metabolites from zombie fungi have similar properties."
Michael Lahey, MD, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, adds, "Cordyceps has bioactive compounds like cordycepin and adenosine that provide anti-inflammatory effects, improve insulin sensitivity, and may enhance cognitive function.”
Muscle recovery
One of the biggest headlines about C. sinensis is how it could help muscles recover faster after a tough workout. A recent study out of the University of Taipei found that taking 500 mg twice a day speeds up stem cell activity in muscles, helping them repair more quickly after high-intensity interval training (HIIT).[]
The researchers tested Cordyceps on young men who did a high-intensity cycling workout.
The results were impressive—the group that took Cordyceps had a significant increase in bone-derived muscle stem cells over the placebo group within 3 hours post-workout. CD34+/Pax7+, which are indicators of muscle repair, marked the stem cells in the Cordyceps group.
Stem cells play an essential role in repairing muscle after exercise-induced microdamage. However, with age, the body’s efficiency in recruiting these cells declines, contributing to slower recovery and sarcopenia.
Promotes longevity
Beyond its role in exercise recovery, Cordyceps shows promise in anti-aging research; consider the following:
In a 12-week clinical trial with amateur marathon runners, daily intake of 2 grams of C. sinensis improved aerobic performance and reduced resting heart rate—two critical markers for cardiovascular fitness and longevity.[]
Similarly, in a 2024 trial, topical application of a C. sinensis extract increased sirtuin expression, NAD+ synthesis, ATP production, reduced ROS by 30%, boosted collagen production by 69% in vitro and 10% in vivo, and reduced wrinkles by 28%.[]
Animal studies have demonstrated a 10% increase in lifespan following Cordyceps supplementation.[]
Neuroprotective properties
C. militaris and C. sinensis also show neuroprotective properties.
In animal studies, their bioactive compounds have been found to stimulate neurogenesis, reduce oxidative stress, inhibit neuroinflammation, and improve cognition and memory retention—critical factors in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ischemic stroke.[]
According to Chinese authors writing in the Annals of Translational Medicine, C. sinensis contains seven active ingredients that target proteins involved in depression and mood regulation.[] Animal studies show it improves cognition and memory retention while reducing oxidative stress.[]
Potential applications in diabetes
Studies suggest Cordyceps could help manage type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and diabetic kidney disease.[] A 2024 animal study showed C. militaris extracts improved glucose and lipid metabolism, reduced inflammation, and stimulated a favorable gut microbiome composition with a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio.[]
The need for additional research
Despite promising results with Cordyceps, Dr. Lahey cautions, "Larger clinical trials are necessary to establish its therapeutic potential." Dr. Sambyal adds, "The idea of using zombie fungus as a remedy is speculative."
"Until rigorous research supports these claims, rely on proven treatments."
— Ramit Singh Sambyal, MBBS
While Cordyceps shows promise in animal and preliminary human studies, much remains unknown. Dr. Lahey warns, "It may be useful as supportive therapy but could have contraindications for conditions like diabetes or depression."
Safety concerns also exist. A report from Toxins highlights the potential for dose-dependent toxicities, including cytotoxic and neurological effects, in humans and animals.[] There is also uncertainty about whether Cordyceps produces mycotoxins, such as trichothecenes and PR-toxin. However, actual mycotoxin production has not yet been clearly demonstrated.
What this means for you
For now, Cordyceps should be considered an exciting, yet experimental, supplement that requires further research before it can be fully integrated into medical practice. Advise your patients to avoid self-medicating and instead use it under your supervision, alongside conventional treatments, to ensure safety and efficacy.