Introduction
Cordyceps is a fungus that grows in China. It has been used to improve kidney function and help the body fight illness. Cordyceps can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract. It can also be made into a tea.
Dosages
1 to 5 grams once daily
What Research Shows
May Be Effective
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take cordyceps in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
REFA Chronic Kidney Disease
REFA1 Zhang HW, Lin ZX, et al. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Dec 18;(12):CD008353.
REFB Diabetic Kidney Disease
REFB1 Luo Y, Yang SK, et al. Use of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn. Cordyceps sinensis) combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) versus ACEI/ARB alone in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease: a meta-analysis. Ren Fail. 2015 May;37(4):614-634.
REFC Kidney Transplant Support
REFC1 Hong T, Zhang M, et al. Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for kidney transplant recipients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(10):CD009698.
REFC2 Ong BY, Aziz Z. Efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis as an adjunctive treatment in kidney transplant patients: A systematic-review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2017 Feb;30:84-92.