Cordyceps Supplements for Men in Their 40s

Cordyceps militaris, shown here growing as an orange club-like mushroom on its host, is one of the two main Cordyceps species used in supplements. Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to combat fatigue, boost vitality, and treat ailments like kidney disease and low sex drive . Modern Cordyceps supplements (usually made from cultivated Cordyceps militaris or the mycelial CS-4 strain of Cordyceps sinensis) have become popular for their potential health benefits. Below is a detailed look at Cordyceps’ benefits, effects on testosterone, dosage guidance, safety, and some of the top capsule brands for quality and efficacy.

General Health Benefits of Cordyceps

Cordyceps is considered an adaptogen, supporting overall wellness and helping the body resist stress. Key potential benefits for men in their 40s include:

• Enhanced Energy & Stamina: Cordyceps has notable anti-fatigue effects. It may increase the body’s production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), improving oxygen utilization and energy output . In one small 2024 human study, 1 gram of Cordyceps taken before high-intensity exercise led to less muscle damage and faster recovery . These fungi have traditionally been used in Asia by athletes and high-altitude climbers for endurance. The Cleveland Clinic notes Cordyceps’ reputed anti-aging and anti-fatigue properties could improve energy levels and even sex drive in users.
• Immune System Support: Cordyceps can modulate immunity by stimulating various immune cells. Research suggests it activates immune cells and chemicals, thereby boosting the body’s defense against illness . A 2015 clinical trial in healthy adult males found that taking 1.5 g of Cordyceps daily for 4 weeks significantly enhanced markers of cellular immune response . More recently, a 2023 study indicated Cordyceps supplementation was a safe adjunct therapy to improve recovery in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 . Many users take Cordyceps during cold/flu season for its immune tonic effects.
• Improved Athletic Performance: By supporting ATP production and oxygen use, Cordyceps may boost exercise performance. Some athletes report increased endurance and VO₂ max from Cordyceps. For example, mice given Cordyceps had increased grip strength in trials, presumably due to higher energy output . While older studies on exercise gave mixed results, newer evidence is promising. Cordyceps is also reported to support lung function and respiration, which can aid endurance . Many runners and gym-goers use it to aid training, recovery, and reduce fatigue.
• Heart Health & Healthy Aging: Cordyceps contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may benefit cardiovascular health and aging. In animal studies, Cordyceps extract helped reduce heart muscle damage and unhealthy cholesterol levels . It has been shown to lower triglycerides and fight arterial plaque buildup in rodents . By scavenging free radicals, Cordyceps might protect the heart and blood vessels . Research published in 2022 even concluded that mushrooms (including Cordyceps) may help counteract some age-related issues like hypertension and memory decline . While human data is limited, these findings suggest Cordyceps could be a useful anti-aging supplement for mid-life adults.
• Libido and Sexual Function: Traditionally, Cordyceps was used as an aphrodisiac and fertility booster. Historical texts praise it for restoring sexual vigor in both men and women . Modern supplement makers claim it supports healthy libido and reproductive function . Improved energy levels and reduced fatigue from Cordyceps may translate to improved sexual wellness. The Cleveland Clinic notes Cordyceps’ potential to enhance sex drive as one of its popularized benefits (though this is largely anecdotal) . Men in their 40s experiencing a dip in libido sometimes turn to Cordyceps for a natural boost.

Other potential benefits: Cordyceps has also shown promise in preliminary research for blood sugar regulation, anti-diabetic effects, kidney health, and anti-cancer properties . However, these are based on animal or lab studies. Overall, Cordyceps is valued as a general wellness tonic that can support multiple body systems, pending further human research.

Cordyceps and Testosterone Levels

One question of interest for men is whether Cordyceps can affect testosterone. Current evidence is mixed:

• Preclinical Studies: Several animal and test-tube studies suggest Cordyceps might increase testosterone production. The fungus contains bioactive nucleosides like cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine) which may stimulate testosterone release from Leydig cells in the testes . Indeed, research reviews have noted that Cordyceps species induce testosterone production in experimental models . For example, a 2022 multi-omics study on Cordyceps sobolifera found it promoted Leydig cell proliferation and boosted testosterone secretion in mice . Additionally, a 2021 Nutrients journal study reported Cordyceps militaris extract might reduce testosterone breakdown and protect against testosterone-related prostate enlargement . These findings support the traditional reputation of Cordyceps as a male tonic.
• Human Studies: In human trials, robust evidence of testosterone increases is lacking. Cordyceps has not consistently raised testosterone in the few clinical studies conducted. For instance, one placebo-controlled trial in young adult males performing resistance training found no significant effect on testosterone levels from Cordyceps sinensis supplementation (12 weeks) compared to placebo . Many Cordyceps studies in people focus on energy and endurance outcomes rather than direct hormone measurements. While some users report improvements in symptoms of low testosterone (like fatigue or low libido), we don’t have clear clinical proof that Cordyceps causes a notable rise in serum testosterone in middle-aged men.
• Expert Opinions: Health authorities advise caution in assuming testosterone benefits from Cordyceps. WebMD notes that Cordyceps “might increase testosterone levels” based on mechanistic reasoning, but it’s not clear how significant or relevant this is in humans . No consensus exists yet, and Cordyceps is not an established therapy for low testosterone. Its potential hormone effects seem mild at best. That said, indirectly, by improving energy, reducing stress, and supporting overall health, Cordyceps could positively influence hormonal balance over time. More research (especially in men over 40 with borderline low testosterone) is needed to confirm any direct T-boosting effect.

Summary: Cordyceps shows intriguing hormone-related activity in lab studies, but men shouldn’t rely on it as a primary testosterone booster. It may support sexual health and vitality in a general sense, but it’s no substitute for medically approved treatments for low testosterone. Consider Cordyceps a helpful adjunct for energy and libido, while managing expectations about big hormonal changes.

Recommended Dosages for Cordyceps

Dosage guidelines for Cordyceps can vary, as there is no official RDA. However, research and clinical use provide a rough range to consider:

• Common Daily Range: Most supplements and studies use about 1,000–3,000 mg (1–3 grams) per day of Cordyceps extract. Doses in this range are well-tolerated and not associated with serious side effects . Many capsule products contain ~500–750 mg each, with a typical serving being 2 capsules 1–3 times daily.
• Athletic/Clinical Doses: Some trials have tested higher amounts. Studies on exercise performance have used doses from 1 g up to 4.5 g per day with some benefits noted at the higher end . In certain clinical contexts (like studies on kidney health or older adults), 3–6 grams per day of Cordyceps have been used safely for several months up to a year . For example, patients with chronic renal failure took 3–5 g daily in some reports . These higher doses should only be used under professional guidance.