A traditional caterpillar fungus, now mostly lab-grown, valued as a stamina tonic. The best-supported benefit for active adults is a modest gain in aerobic endurance after several weeks of higher-dose use. There is reasonable evidence it nudges immune-cell activity upward; longevity claims stay speculative. The main concern is product quality, not the fungus itself. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting glucose | 75–86 mg/dL | Detects additive glucose-lowering, especially if on diabetes medication |
| HbA1c | < 5.4% | Tracks longer-term glucose effect |
| eGFR | > 90 mL/min/1.73m² | Relevant for those using Cordyceps for kidney support or with chronic kidney disease |
| Serum creatinine | 0.6–1.0 mg/dL | Primary kidney marker improved in CKD trials |
| hs-CRP | < 1.0 mg/L | Captures the anti-inflammatory/immune signal |
| CBC with platelets | Within standard lab range | Screens immune/blood effects and bleeding risk |
| Heavy metals (blood/urine arsenic) | Below detectable/regulatory limits | Surveillance for contamination with long-term use |
Cadence: Baseline before the first dose; recheck at ~3 months, then every 6–12 months for long-term users; more frequent glucose checks in the first few weeks for those on diabetes medication.