Jang D, Lee E, Lee S, Kwon Y, Kang KS, Kim CE, Kim D. System-level investigation of anti-obesity effects and the potential pathways of Cordyceps militaris in ovariectomized rats. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2022;22(1):132. doi:10.1186/s12906-022-03608-y

Publication Date: "May 12, 2022."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "We applied an approach combining in vivo, in vitro, and in silico methods."

Methodology: Ovariectomized rats treated with CME, body weight, adipocyte area, liver and uterus weight, lipid levels measured, MCF-7 cells exposed to CME, cell proliferation and phosphorylation measured, network pharmacological methods used to predict mechanisms.

Sample Size: "The rats were randomly divided into the following groups: sham surgery with intact ovaries group (Sham, [formula omitted]); ovariectomized model group (OVX,[formula omitted]); 17[beta]-estradiol-treated positive group (E2, 25 [mu]g/kg/d,[formula omitted]); CME low-dose group (37.5 mg/kg/d,[formula omitted]); CME middle-dose group (75 mg/kg/d,[formula omitted]); and CME high-dose group (150 mg/kg/d, [formula omitted])."

Controls Used: "Sham surgery with intact ovaries group," "ovariectomized model group."

Dose Used: "CME low-dose group (37.5 mg/kg/d), CME middle-dose group (75 mg/kg/d), and CME high-dose group (150 mg/kg/d)."

Statistical Significance Declared: "CME exhibited weight loss effects in a dose-dependent manner at week 4 (p = 0.014) and week 8 (p = 0.024)." "Levels of triglyceride in CME groups were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner (p = 0.047)."

Adverse Events: "The effect was limited to doses of less than 25 [micro]g/mL." "Caution should be exercised when applying CME therapy for ER-positive breast cancer."

Conflict of Interest: "No conflict of interest."

Zhang DW, Wang ZL, Qi W, Zhao GY. The effects of Cordyceps sinensis phytoestrogen on estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis in Ovariectomized rats. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;14(1):484. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-14-484

Publication Date: "Dec. 13, 2014."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of isoflavones obtained from CS on development of estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats."

Methodology: Wistar rats divided into five groups, ovariectomized or sham-operated, treated with CSIF or saline, body weight recorded weekly, urine, blood, and tissue samples collected and analyzed, histological examination performed.

Sample Size: "The rats were randomly divided into five groups."

Controls Used: "Sham-operation (control)," "OVX group."

Dose Used: "CSIF (20 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg) for 8 weeks."

Statistical Significance Declared: "Significant increase was observed with CSIF (p < 0.05, p < 0.01)." "Significantly decreased plasma total calcium and inorganic phosphate concentrations." "Significantly increased uterine weight." "Significantly decreased ALP and TRAP levels (p < 0.01)." "CSIF treated to the OVX rats decreased significantly the IFN-[gamma] level (P < 0.05)."

Adverse Events: "Body weights of rats in CSIF treated groups increased gradually 5 weeks later." "Cytoplasmic vacuolization of vaginal epithelium was noted in rats on high dose of 100 mg CSIF."

Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare that they have no competing interests."

Ontawong A, Pengnet S, Thim-Uam A, Munkong N, Narkprasom N, Narkprasom K, Kuntakhut K, Kamkeaw N, Amornlerdpison D. A randomized controlled clinical trial examining the effects of Cordyceps militaris beverage on the immune response in healthy adults. *Scientific Reports*. 2024;14(1):7994. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-58742-z

Publication Date: "Published: 05 April 2024."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "A randomized controlled clinical trial."

Methodology: Healthy men and women provided either FCM containing 2.85 mg of cordycepin or placebo for 8 weeks, immune cell markers, immunoglobulins, and safety parameters assessed at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks.

Sample Size: "Sixty-two participants were evaluated for eligibility, and 40 participants (20 men and 20 women) met the inclusion criteria."

Controls Used: "Placebo."

Dose Used: "FCM containing 2.85 mg of cordycepin."

Statistical Significance Declared: "NK cell activity markedly increased in the male FCM group from baseline (p = 0.049)." "NK activity in women who received FCM for 8 weeks significantly increased (p = 0.023)." "IL-1β levels were markedly reduced in the male FCM group (p = 0.049)." "The IL-6 levels decreased from baseline in the female FCM group (p = 0.047)."

Adverse Events: "Symptoms and adverse events were noted at each visit."

Conflict of Interest: Not stated in the provided text.

Huang BM, Hsiao KY, Chuang PC, Wu MH, Pan HA, Tsai SJ. Upregulation of steroidogenic enzymes and ovarian 17β-estradiol in human granulosa-lutein cells by Cordyceps sinensis mycelium. Biol Reprod. 2004 May;70(5):1358-1364. doi:10.1095/biolreprod.103.022855.

Publication Date: "1 May 2004."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "Evaluate the effects of CS on steroidogenic enzyme expression and E2 biosynthesis in human granulosa-lutein cells (GLC)."

Methodology: GLCs from women undergoing assisted reproduction treated with various concentrations of CS for different times, mRNA levels measured by real-time RT-PCR, protein levels measured by Western blot, E2 levels measured by competitive ELISA.

Sample Size: "GLCs from women undergoing assisted reproduction treatment."

Controls Used: "Control medium with or without 1 mg/ml of CS."

Dose Used: "0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, or 10 mg/ml of CS extract."

Statistical Significance Declared: "Treatment for 3 h with 0.1, 1, or 10 mg/ml of CS caused a significant 1.7- to 2.3-fold increase in E2 production." "CS treatment had no significant effect on StAR and CYP17 mRNA levels, but upregulated P450scc and 3β-HSD mRNA levels by 25–35% and aromatase mRNA levels by over 300%."

Adverse Events: Not specified in the provided text.

Conflict of Interest: Not specified in the provided text.

Kim KM, Kwon YG, Chung HT, et al. Methanol extract of Cordyceps pruinosa inhibits in vitro and in vivo inflammatory mediators by suppressing NF-kappaB activation.Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2003;190(1):1-8. doi:10.1016/s0041-008x(03)00152-2

Publication Date: "Available online 11 June 2003."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "We examined how the methanol extract of C. pruinosa regulates production of IL-1β, TNF-α, nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in vitro and in vivo."

Methodology: RAW264.7 cells and primary macrophages stimulated with LPS, treated with CPME, measured inflammatory mediators, gene expression analysis, Western blot, ELISA, and electromobility shift assay.

Sample Size: "Mice were divided into four groups and treated with saline, LPS (4 mg/kg), CPME (5 mg/kg), or LPS + CPME."

Controls Used: "Saline."

Dose Used: "CPME (5 mg/kg)."

Statistical Significance Declared: "*p < 0.05; **p < 0.01 versus LPS alone."

Adverse Events: "No cytotoxic effect of CPME was observed under the same experimental condition."

Conflict of Interest: Not stated in the provided text.

Weng SC, Chou CJ, Lin LC, Tsai WJ, Kuo YC. Immunomodulatory functions of extracts from the Chinese medicinal fungus Cordyceps cicadae.J Ethnopharmacol. 2002;83(1-2):79-85. doi:10.1016/s0378-8741(02)00212-x

Publication Date: "Published 24 October 2002."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "The effects of Cordyceps cicadae extracted fractions on human mononuclear cells (HMNC) proliferation were determined by tritiated thymidine uptake."

Methodology: HMNC isolated from human peripheral blood, treated with various extracts from C. cicadae, proliferation measured by tritiated thymidine uptake, cytokine production measured by EIA.

Sample Size: "Ten healthy male subjects (24–36 years, mean age 28 years) were chosen for this investigation."

Controls Used: "Medium," "0.1% DMSO."

Dose Used: "CC-1-2 enhanced HMNC proliferation activated with PHA with an EC50 of 13.8±4.6 μg/ml." "The methanol (100%) extracts of C. cicadae insect-body portion (CC-2-1) suppressed HMNC proliferation stimulated by PHA with an IC50 of 32.5±5.2 μg/ml."

Statistical Significance Declared: "The positive result indicated enhancement of HMNC proliferation but negative result indicated inhibition of HMNC proliferation."

Adverse Events: "Neither the viability of resting or PHA activated HMNC were reduced by DMSO (71.2±9.9 vs. 66.3±12%; 72.6±8.8 vs. 67.7±9.0%)."

Conflict of Interest: Not stated in the provided text.

Won SY, Park EH. Anti-inflammatory and related pharmacological activities of cultured mycelia and fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris.J Ethnopharmacol. 2005;96(3):555-561. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2004.10.009

Publication Date: "Available online 1 December 2004."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "This study aimed to elucidate pharmacological activities of Cordyceps militaris."

Methodology: Ethanolic extracts of Cordyceps militaris cultured mycelia and fruiting bodies tested for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anti-angiogenic activities, NO production and iNOS expression in vitro and in vivo.

Sample Size: Not specified in the provided text.

Controls Used: "Indomethacin was used as a positive control."

Dose Used: "CME (12.5 mg/kg body weight, 50 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced carrageenin-induced paw swelling." "Oral administration of CME at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight."

Statistical Significance Declared: "The reduction in edema was statistically significant as assessed by Student's t-test." "Each column represents mean ± S.E. (), P < 0.05; (), P < 0.01; (), P < 0.001."

Adverse Events: "No effects on cell viability were observed in used concentrations of CME as determined by MTT assay."

Conflict of Interest: Not stated in the provided text.

Bizarro A, Ferreira IC, Soković M, et al. Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link Fruiting Body Reduces the Growth of a Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line by Increasing Cellular Levels of p53 and p21.Molecules. 2015;20(8):13927-13940. Published 2015 Jul 31. doi:10.3390/molecules200813927

Publication Date: " Published: 31 July 2015."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "This study aimed at understanding the mechanism of action of a methanolic extract of C. militaris, particularly its effect in cellular proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and DNA damage, using the NCI-H460 non-small cell lung cancer cell line as a model."

Methodology: Methanolic extract of C. militaris fruiting body tested on NCI-H460 cells for cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and DNA damage.

Sample Size: "Results are the mean ± SEM of three independent experiments."

Controls Used: "Complete medium (Blank)," "H2O."

Dose Used: "25 μg/mL or 50 μg/mL of the extract."

Statistical Significance Declared: "** p ≤ 0.001 blank vs. treatment." "* p ≤ 0.05 blank vs. treatment."

Adverse Events: Not explicitly stated beyond "No effects on cell viability were observed in used concentrations of CME."

Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare no conflict of interest."

Lee HH, Lee S, Lee K, Shin YS, Kang H, Cho H. Anti-cancer effect of Cordyceps militaris in human colorectal carcinoma RKO cells via cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial apoptosis.Daru. 2015;23(1):35. Published 2015 Jul 4. doi:10.1186/s40199-015-0117-6

Publication Date: "Date: July 4, 2015."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "We investigated the inhibitory effect of Cordyceps militaris ethanol extract on a human colorectal cancer-derived cell line, RKO."

Methodology: RKO cells treated with various concentrations of nucleosides-enriched ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris for 48 h, cytotoxicity measured using CCK-8 assay, xenograft Balb/c nude mice injected with RKO cells and orally administered with extract for 3 weeks, cell cycle and apoptosis measured using flow cytometry, expression of p53 and apoptotic markers detected using western blot.

Sample Size: "Ten mice per group in the xenograft model."

Controls Used: "Drinking water group."

Dose Used: "Ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris (100 mg/kg)."

Statistical Significance Declared: "*P < 0.05. **p = 0.0002. * p = 0.003. P < 0.0001."

Adverse Events: "No significant side effects or toxicity was observed in the mice treated with the ethanol extract."

Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare that they have no competing interests."

Ng TB, Wang HX. Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine.J Pharm Pharmacol. 2005;57(12):1509-1519. doi:10.1211/jpp.57.12.0001

Publication Date: "Accepted August 29, 2005."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "The aim of this article is to review the chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Cordyceps species."

Methodology: Review of chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Cordyceps species, summarizing data from various studies.

Sample Size: Not applicable (review article).

Controls Used: Not applicable (review article).

Dose Used: Not applicable (review article).

Statistical Significance Declared: Not applicable (review article).

Adverse Events: "No cytotoxic effect of CPME was observed under the same experimental condition as measured by lactate dehydrogenase release and crystal violet staining."

Conflict of Interest: Not stated in the provided text.

Wu JY, Zhang QX, Leung PH. Inhibitory effects of ethyl acetate extract of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium on various cancer cells in culture and B16 melanoma in C57BL/6 mice.Phytomedicine. 2007;14(1):43-49. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2005.11.005

Publication Date: "Jan. 2007."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "The present study is to further evaluate the cytotoxic effects of the EtOAc and other solvent extracts of the Cs mycelium on different cancer cells and the in vivo antitumor effect of the EtOAc extract on B16 melanoma in C57BL/6 mice."

Methodology: Cs mycelium cultivated and extracted by PE, EtOAc, EtOH, and hot water, extracts tested on cancer cell lines MCF-7, B16, HL-60, HepG2, and normal mouse bone marrow cells, tumor growth in mice measured after treatment with EtOAc extract.

Sample Size: "Eight mice in each group."

Controls Used: "Double distilled water," "Positive control drug Cytoxan (CTX)."

Dose Used: "0.05 g/kg-d EtOAc extract."

Statistical Significance Declared: "* p<0.05. ** p<0.01."

Adverse Events: "No significant side effects or toxicity was observed in the mice treated with the ethanol extract."

Conflict of Interest: Not stated in the provided text.

Liu X, Zhong F, Tang XL, et al. Cordyceps sinensis protects against liver and heart injuries in a rat model of chronic kidney disease: a metabolomic analysis.Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2014;35(5):697-706. doi:10.1038/aps.2013.186

Publication Date: "Published online 2014 Mar 17."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "The aim of this article is to review the chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Cordyceps species."

Methodology: Male SD rats divided into CKD rats (with 5/6-nephrectomy), CKD rats treated with Cordyceps sinensis (4 mg·kg-1·d-1, po), and sham-operated rats. After 8-week treatment, metabolites extracted from hearts and livers, subjected to 1H-NMR-based metabolomic analysis.

Sample Size: "Experimental animals were randomly divided into three groups: (A) an oral administration of C sinensis (4 mg·kg-1·d-1) nephrectomized group (CS group, n=7); (B) an untreated nephrectomized group (OP group, n=7); (C) a sham-operated group (SO group, n=7)."

Controls Used: "Sham-operated group."

Dose Used: "4 mg·kg-1·d-1."

Statistical Significance Declared: "Significant differences (Table 1) among the mean values (Table S1) were evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a Bonferroni correction. The threshold for statistical significance was set to P<=0.05."

Adverse Events: "One animal in the CS group died on the 6th day after the operation and was excluded in the later experiments."

Conflict of Interest: Not stated in the provided text.

Guo P, Kai Q, Gao J, et al. Cordycepin prevents hyperlipidemia in hamsters fed a high-fat diet via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase.J Pharmacol Sci. 2010;113(4):395-403. doi:10.1254/jphs.10041fp

Publication Date: "Received February 4, 2010; Accepted June 24, 2010."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "In this study, we investigated the antihyperlipidemic and lipid-lowering capacities of cordycepin in Syrian golden hamsters fed a high-fat diet (HFD)."

Methodology: Male Syrian golden hamsters were fed a high-fat diet, treated with various dosages of cordycepin, and examined for serum lipid levels, fat accumulation, and liver lipid deposition. HepG2 cells were used to test AMPK activation and lipid biosynthesis inhibition.

Sample Size: "Fifty-eight male Syrian golden hamsters."

Controls Used: "A control diet consisting of normal food."

Dose Used: "12.5, 25, or 50 mg/kg per day."

Statistical Significance Declared: "P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant."

Adverse Events: "Incubating HepG2 cells with cordycepin (1 or 10 μM) for 1, 3, 6, or 12 h had no adverse effect on cell proliferation."

Conflict of Interest: Not declared.

Koh JH, Kim JM, Chang UJ, Suh HJ. Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Hot-Water Extract from Mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Biol Pharm Bull. 2003;26(1):84-87. doi:10.1248/bpb.26.84

Publication Date: "Received July 15, 2002; accepted September 18, 2002."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "This study was conducted to investigate the hypocholesterolemic effect of the hot-water fraction (HW) from cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis in a 5 l fermenter."

Methodology: 24 ICR mice were divided into six groups, fed cholesterol-free or cholesterol-enriched diets with 150 or 300 mg/kg/day HW extract for 7 days. Serum and liver lipids were measured.

Sample Size: "24 ICR mice."

Controls Used: "Mice received distilled water alone instead of the sample solution."

Dose Used: "150 and 300 mg/kg body weight, respectively."

Statistical Significance Declared: "p<0.05."

Adverse Events: None reported.

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Chen S, Li Z, Krochmal R, Abrazado M, Kim W, Cooper CB. Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.J Altern Complement Med. 2010;16(5):585-590. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0226

Publication Date: "Volume 16, Number 5, 2010."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "This was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, prospective study."

Methodology: Twenty healthy subjects, aged 50–75, were randomized to receive either Cs-4 (333 mg) or placebo three times a day for 12 weeks. Exercise performance was assessed before and after supplementation.

Sample Size: "Twenty (20) healthy elderly (age 50–75 years) subjects."

Controls Used: "Placebo capsules."

Dose Used: "Cs-4 333 mg or placebo capsules 3 times a day for 12 weeks."

Statistical Significance Declared: "p < 0.02" for metabolic threshold and "p = 0.031" for ventilatory threshold.

Adverse Events: "No adverse events occurred."

Conflict of Interest: "No competing financial interests exist."

Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation.J Diet Suppl. 2017;14(1):42-53. doi:10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386

Publication Date: "published: Jan 1, 2017."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "This was a randomized, repeated measures, double-blind, placebo-controlled design."

Methodology: 28 participants (16 males, 12 females) completed a VO2max test and a 3-minute maximal cycle test after 1 week and 3 weeks of Cordyceps militaris or placebo supplementation (4 g/day).

Sample Size: "28 adults (16 males; 12 females)."

Controls Used: "Maltodextrin (PL) in the form of placebo capsules."

Dose Used: "4 g·d−1 mushroom blend (MR) or maltodextrin (PL) for 1 week."

Statistical Significance Declared: "p = 0.042" for VO2max, "p = 0.514" for ventilatory threshold, "p = 0.540" for TTE, "p = 0.134" for RPP.

Adverse Events: Not reported.

Conflict of Interest: "The authors report no conflicts of interest."

Vasiljevic JD, Zivkovic LP, Cabarkapa AM, Bajic VP, Djelic NJ, Spremo-Potparevic BM. Cordyceps sinensis: Genotoxic Potential in Human Peripheral Blood Cells and Antigenotoxic Properties Against Hydrogen Peroxide by Comet Assay.Altern Ther Health Med. 2016;22 Suppl 2:24-31.

Publication Date: "Published: Sep 3, 2016."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "The research team designed a pilot study."

Methodology: Six healthy individuals provided blood samples. Cells were treated with four concentrations of CS extract. Genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity were assessed using the comet assay with hydrogen peroxide as the DNA-damaging agent.

Sample Size: "6 healthy individuals (2 males and 4 females)."

Controls Used: "As a positive control, quercetin was used," and "cells treated only with PBS were used as negative control."

Dose Used: "Four concentrations of the CS extract—125 μg/mL, 250 μg/mL, 500 μg/mL, and 1000 μg/mL."

Statistical Significance Declared: "A difference at P < .05 was considered statistically significant."

Adverse Events: None reported.

Conflict of Interest: "The authors have nothing to disclose."

Ji DB, Ye J, Li CL, Wang YH, Zhao J, Cai SQ. Antiaging effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract.Phytother Res. 2009;23(1):116-122. doi:10.1002/ptr.2576

Publication Date: "Published online 19 September 2008."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "This experiment studied the effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract (CSE) on mice aged by D-galactose and castrated rats to analyze its antiaging effect."

Methodology: Male and female rats and mice were divided into groups receiving D-galactose or CSE for 6 weeks. Learning, memory, sexual function, enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation were measured.

Sample Size: "The values shown are the mean ± SD of 12 mice."

Controls Used: "The normal group received sodium chloride s.c. and water orally. The positive control group received vitamins E and C (50 mg/kg, orally)."

Dose Used: "CSE (1.0, 2.0, 4.0 g/kg orally)."

Statistical Significance Declared: "Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05."

Adverse Events: None reported.

Conflict of Interest: None stated.

Li XT, Li HC, Li CB, Dou DQ, Gao MB. Protective effects on mitochondria and anti-aging activity of polysaccharides from cultivated fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris.Am J Chin Med. 2010;38(6):1093-1106. doi:10.1142/S0192415X10008494

Publication Date: 2010

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "This study was performed to investigate the effects of polysaccharides from cultivated fruiting bodies of C. militaris (CMP) on mitochondrial injury, antioxidation and anti-aging activity."

Methodology: Mice were injected with D-galactose for 7 weeks. CMP was administered by oral gavage in different concentrations. Mitochondrial injury, enzyme activities, and oxidative stress markers were measured.

Sample Size: "Sixty mice were randomly assigned into 6 groups."

Controls Used: "Vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day) was administered to mice in the Vit E group and an equivalent volume of normal saline to mice in the Normal and Model groups."

Dose Used: "CMP (40, 80, 160 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage."

Statistical Significance Declared: "p < 0.05" for differences between groups.

Adverse Events: None reported.

Conflict of Interest: Not mentioned.

Xiao JH, Xiao DM, Chen DX, Xiao Y, Liang ZQ, Zhong JJ. Polysaccharides from the Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps taii Show Antioxidant and Immunoenhancing Activities in a D-Galactose-Induced Aging Mouse Model.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:273435. doi:10.1155/2012/273435

Publication Date: "Received 1 November 2011; Revised 26 December 2011; Accepted 13 January 2012."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "The antioxidant pharmacological properties of C. taii were systematically investigated in a D-galactose-induced aging mouse model."

Methodology: Mice were injected with D-galactose to induce aging. They were administered with varying doses of Cordyceps taii polysaccharides. Antioxidant enzyme activity and immune function were assessed through biochemical assays.

Sample Size: "Six groups of ten mice each."

Controls Used: "The normal group was administered with 0.2 mL of normal saline s.c., and 0.5 mL of water p.o. daily."

Dose Used: "100, 200, and 400 mg/kg APCT p.o. daily."

Statistical Significance Declared: "P < 0.05" for differences between treated and control groups.

Adverse Events: Not mentioned.

Conflict of Interest: Not mentioned.

Savioli, F. P., Zogaib, P., Franco, E., Alves de Salles, F. C., Giorelli, G. V., & Andreoli, C. V. (2022). Effects of cordyceps sinensis supplementation during 12 weeks in amateur marathoners: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. *Journal of Herbal Medicine*, 34, 100570. doi: 10.1016/j.hermed.2022.100570

Publication Date: "Received 4 February 2021, Revised 12 August 2021, Accepted 4 May 2022, Available online 9 May 2022, Version of Record 24 May 2022."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study."

Methodology: Thirty amateur marathoners, divided into placebo and CS groups, received either 300 mg maltodextrin or 667 mg Cordyceps sinensis three times a day (2 g/day) for 12 weeks. Performance was measured via cardiopulmonary and 5k tests at weeks 8 and 12.

Sample Size: "Thirty amateur marathoners, of both sexes (13 women and 17 men)."

Controls Used: "Placebo group (capsule with 300 mg of maltodextrin)."

Dose Used: "Cordymax CS-4® in the dosage of 667 mg per capsule, ingested 3 times a day, totaling 2 g of CS per day."

Statistical Significance Declared: "P < 0.05" for improvement in aerobic performance in the 5k test at week 12.

Adverse Events: "No adverse events were reported."

Conflict of Interest: "I, Fellipe P. Savioli, author of the manuscript... have no financial or other interest in the product Cordyceps sinensis." "This study did not receive any specific grants from funding agencies in the public, private, or not-for-profit sectors."

Jung SJ, Jung ES, Choi EK, Sin HS, Ha KC, Chae SW. Immunomodulatory effects of a mycelium extract of Cordyceps (Paecilomyces hepiali; CBG-CS-2): a randomized and double-blind clinical trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019 Mar 29;19(1):77. doi: 10.1186/s12906-019-2483-y.

Publication Date: "Date: Mar. 29, 2019."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "This study was an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial."

Methodology: 80 healthy male and female subjects were divided into a CBG-CS-2 group and a placebo group. They were administered 1.68 g/day of CBG-CS-2 or placebo in capsules for 8 weeks. NK cell activity and cytokine levels were measured.

Sample Size: "A total of 80 participants were randomly assigned into one of the study groups (40 subjects each)."

Controls Used: "The placebo was composed of 84.0% microcrystalline cellulose, 14.2% hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose, and 0.6% orange yellow."

Dose Used: "1.68 g/day of CBG-CS-2 in capsules for 8 weeks."

Statistical Significance Declared: "A significant difference between these two groups was observed (P = 0.019)" for NK-cell activity.

Adverse Events: "No serious adverse events were reported during the study period."

Conflict of Interest: "The authors declare that they have no competing interests."

Heo JY, Baik HW, Kim HJ, Lee JM, Kim HW, Choi YS, Won JH, Kim HM, Park WI, Kim CY. The Efficacy and Safety of *Cordyceps militaris* in Korean Adults Who Have Mild Liver Dysfunction. *J Clin Nutr*. 2015;7(3):81-86. doi:10.15747/jcn.2015.7.3.81

Publication Date: "Published online December 31, 2015."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "This single center, randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial."

Methodology: 57 adults with mild liver dysfunction were randomly assigned to receive 1.5 g/day of C. militaris or placebo for 8 weeks. Liver function was assessed using blood tests and CT scans before and after administration.

Sample Size: "28 in the C. militaris group and 29 in the placebo group."

Controls Used: "The placebo was manufactured in the same volume, consisting mainly of microcrystalline cellulose and lactose."

Dose Used: "1.5 g/day of C. militaris (2 capsules per dose, twice per day)."

Statistical Significance Declared: "P=0.0987" for improvement in Hounsfield units on liver CT scan; "P < 0.05" was used for statistical significance in safety tests.

Adverse Events: "No case of serious adverse effects related to administration was reported during the study."

Conflict of Interest: None reported.

Dudgeon WD, Thomas DD, Dauch W, Scheett TP, Webster MJ. The Effects of High and Low-Dose Cordyceps Militaris-Containing Mushroom Blend Supplementation After Seven and Twenty-Eight Days. American Journal of Sports Science. 2018;6(1):1-7. doi:10.11648/j.ajss.20180601.11

Publication Date: "Published: January 12, 2017."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "A randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind design."

Methodology: Recreationally active adults were randomly assigned to consume 1-2 g/day of a mushroom blend for 28 days or 12 g/day for 7 days. VO2peak, time to fatigue, blood lactate, and heart rate were measured before and after supplementation.

Sample Size: "Forty subjects (24 men, 16 women) completed the trial 2."

Controls Used: "Placebo consisting of whole-wheat flour."

Dose Used: "1.0-2.0 g/day for 28 days or 12.0 g/day for 7 days."

Statistical Significance Declared: "p < 0.05" for changes in VO2peak, time to fatigue, blood lactate, and heart rate.

Adverse Events: "One subject suffered an adverse response of gastrointestinal distress and had to withdraw."

Conflict of Interest: "This study was funded by Disruptive Nutrition, Burlington, NC."

Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. *J Dietary Suppl*. 2017;14(1):42-53. doi:10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386.

Publication Date: "Published online: 2018."

Peer Reviewed: Yes.

Study Design: "A randomized, repeated measures, double-blind, placebo-controlled design."

Methodology: 28 participants were randomized into two groups. They consumed either 4 g/day of mushroom blend or placebo for 1 week. 10 participants continued for an additional 2 weeks. VO2max, TTE, ventilatory threshold, and RPP were measured.

Sample Size: "Twenty-eight individuals (Mean ± standard deviation [SD]; Age = 22.7 ± 4.1 yrs)."

Controls Used: "Placebo (maltodextrin)."

Dose Used: "4 g·d−1 mushroom blend for 1 week."

Statistical Significance Declared: "p = 0.042" for VO2max increase in MR, "p = 0.540" for TTE, "p = 0.514" for VT.

Adverse Events: Not reported.

Conflict of Interest: "The authors report no conflicts of interest."