Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi and some of its members including Cordyceps mycelium are commonly used in herbal medicine. The popular species in commercial products are Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps ophioglossoides, Cordyceps capita, and Cordyceps militaris.

Cordyceps sinensis has been suggested to possess anti-tumor, immunostimulant and antioxidant activities.

The chemical constituents for most species include cordycepin (3'-de-oxyadenosine) and its derivatives, ergosterol, polysaccharides, a glycoprotein and peptides containing alpha-aminoisobutyric acid.  Their benefits are suggested to include anti-tumur, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antimicrobial, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, anti-aging, neuroprotective and renoprotective effects. Polysaccharide accounts for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, hypoglycaemic, steroidogenic and hypolipidaemic effects. Cordycepin contributes to the anti-tumour, insecticidal and antibacterial activity. Ergosterol exhibits anti-tumur and immunomodulatory activity.

Cordyceps is used to treat coughs, chronic bronchitis, respiratory disorders, kidney disorders, nighttime urination, male sexual problems, anemia, irregular heartbeat, high cholesterol, liver disorders, dizziness, weakness, ringing in the ears, unwanted weight loss, and opiumaddiction.

It is also used for strengthening the immune system, improving athletic performance, reducing the effects of aging, promoting longer life, and improving liver function in people with hepatitis B.

Some people use cordyceps as a stimulant, a tonic, and an “adaptogen,” which is used to increase energy, enhance stamina, and reduce fatigue.

How does it work?
Cordyceps might improve immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system. It may also have activity against cancer cells and may shrink tumor size, particularly with lung or skin cancers.

Side Effects
“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Cordyceps might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using cordyceps.

More about Cordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps sinensis, a well-known and valued traditional Chinese medicine, is also called Dong Chong XiaCao (winter worm summer grass) in Chinese. In herbal medicient, it is commonly used to replenish the kidney and soothe the lung and it is belived to benefit fatigue, night sweating, hyposexualities, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, asthemia after severe illness, respiratory disease, renal dysfunction and renal failure, arrhythmias and other heart disease, and liver disease.

Mycelial Strains
As the rarity and upstanding curative effects of natural Cordyceps, several mycelial strains have been isolated from natural Cordyceps and manufactured by fermentation technology, and they are commonly sold in large quantities for the Asian markets.

We offer three grades:

• Cordyceps Sinensis 4:1 Concentrate Powder SKU#ERF888
• Cordyceps Sinensis Standardized Powder Extract Guaranteed 7% Cordycepin Acid
• Cordyceps Sinensis Standardized Powder Extract Guaranteed 40% Cordycepin Acid
• Mycelium Cordyceps 50 and 150 Veg Capsules 500mg (listed as "Other" above)

Botanical Name: Cordyceps mycelium/Cordyceps sinensis
aka: Caterpillar fungus, Deer fungus parasite, Chongcao, dong chong xia cao, winter worm summer grass
Origin: USA (Cordyceps mycelium)/China (Cordyceps sinensis)
Notes: Non-GMO. Kosher Certified. Non-irradiated
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
* FDA disclaimer

References
Zhion
webmd