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What it is
A standardized extract of Cordyceps sinensis (the Cs-4 fermented strain), a mushroom adaptogen used for centuries to support stamina and the body's capacity to meet physical demand. It is standardized by HPLC to guaranteed levels of adenosine and polysaccharides for a consistent dose, and it is stimulant-free -- its energy support comes from metabolic mechanisms rather than caffeine-style stimulation.
Why the evidence supports it
Cordyceps pairs a long traditional track record with a real, if mixed, modern research base. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials in healthy older adults found Cs-4 raised the ventilatory (metabolic) threshold by around 10 percent during exercise, while an honest null trial in already well-trained cyclists showed no added endurance benefit -- a fair picture of who tends to respond. Lab work points to a plausible mechanism: cordycepin activates AMPK, a master metabolic-adaptation enzyme. That lands in the cell's Adapt function -- how cells and mitochondria adjust their energy output to the load you put on them. Standardization keeps the dose consistent, though this is still an emerging, non-stimulant support rather than a settled one.
What it supports
- Supports steady, non-jittery everyday energy
- Supports healthy stamina and exercise capacity
- Supports the body's ability to adapt to physical demand
- Supports healthy mitochondrial energy production
Which function it supports
Ties to the cell's Adapt function -- supporting how cells and mitochondria adjust their energy output to meet the demand you put on them.
Learn the why behind this pillarHow it relates to your cells and mind
Every product here ties back to a specific job your body does. This one touches the functions below -- follow either link to see the mechanism in full, then dig into the studies.
What it is made of -- and the mechanisms behind it
Each ingredient acts on several of the body's functions. Taken together, this product touches these cell and mind functions -- follow any to see the mechanism in full.
The ingredients
Mechanisms drawn from our ingredient knowledge base (1 profiled ingredients). Structure and function only -- not a treatment claim.
What’s actually in it
Label revision 2015Transcribed from the manufacturer’s official Product Information Page, exactly as printed. Ingredient names that link open our research page for that ingredient, with the studies behind it.
| Amount per 2 capsules | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | <1 g | 1% |
| Cordyceps Cs-4 Mushroom MyceliaPaecilomyces hepiali | 1050 mg | * |
- Servings per container:
- 60
- Other ingredients:
- Gelatin, Stearic Acid. May contain soy and/or peanuts.
Standardized by HPLC to a minimum 0.14% adenosine and <6% mannitol (a polysaccharide indicator). Mycelia is the underground portion of the mushroom.
Source: official Product Information Page . Amounts are the manufacturer’s, not ours. Structure and function only -- nothing here is medical advice, and nothing here may be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
The science on the ingredients
These studies are research on the ingredients and mechanisms in this product, not on the finished product itself, and they are shown for education. For this ingredient most of the published work is laboratory or animal research rather than human trials, so read it as biology worth knowing rather than proof of an effect in people. Nothing here is medical advice, and nothing here may be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your own provider about what is right for you.
- Cordyceps Sinensis (CordyMax Cs-4) supplementation does not improve endurance exercise performancePubMed
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism · 2004
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial in trained cyclists found that five weeks of Cordyceps sinensis supplementation did not significantly improve aerobic capacity or endurance performance, an honest null finding in already well-trained athletes.
- Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation.PMC
3 weeks of mushroom blend (4g/day) improved VO2max (~10.9%) and time-to-exhaustion vs · 2017
In 28 young adults, a randomized placebo-controlled trial of a Cordyceps militaris mushroom blend showed no significant change after one week, and in the 10 continuing three weeks, maximal oxygen uptake improved.
- Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trialPubMed
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine · 2010
Twelve weeks of Cs-4 Cordyceps sinensis raised the metabolic (ventilatory) threshold by about 10 percent in healthy older adults during exercise testing.
- Astragalus and Cordyceps Derivatives in the Treatment of Aging-Related Chronic Diseases and Neurodegenerative DisordersSource
2026
Astragalus and Cordyceps contain multiple bioactive constituents associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and organ-protective effects in experimental models.
- Cordyceps sinensis and Sonodynamic Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Pharmacological Basis, Therapeutic Potential, and Future DirectionsPubMed
2026
A narrative review argued that water-based decoctions of a medicinal fungus carry inorganic arsenic at roughly four times the Chinese Pharmacopoeia limit, and proposed magnetic nanoparticles with focused ultrasound as a workaround.
- Cordyceps militaris-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in DermatologyPubMed
Gels · 2025
This review summarized Cordyceps militaris compounds such as cordycepin reported to induce apoptosis against melanoma and to promote collagen synthesis, noting clinical trials are still needed.
Skeletal muscle mitochondrial-methylation-neurotransmitter crosstalk: a novel synergistic model of betaine, tyrosine, and Cordyceps for exercise performance in older adults, individuals with metabolic disorders, and healthy populationsEmergingExpert review2026
This review proposes an untested theoretical model integrating Cordyceps, betaine, and tyrosine for exercise performance; mechanistic and clinical evidence is needed to evaluate efficacy.
Chunhong Xu; Weilu Cai; Jing Li; Ying Ma
Current Evidence of Ergogenic and Post-Exercise Recovery Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Cordyceps militaris in Humans-A Narrative ReviewEmergingExpert review2026
Five small studies examining Cordyceps militaris supplementation in athletes reported inconsistent effects on performance and recovery, with quality limited by heterogeneous protocols.
Maciej Jędrejko; Karol Jędrejko; Dominika Granda; Katarzyna Kała; Andrzej Pokrywka; Bożena Muszyńska
Astragalus and Cordyceps Derivatives in the Treatment of Aging-Related Chronic Diseases and Neurodegenerative DisordersEmergingExpert review2026
Astragalus and Cordyceps contain multiple bioactive constituents associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and organ-protective effects in experimental models.
Kiran Reddy Kanubaddi; Chih-Liang Yaung; Horng-Jyh Harn; Tzyy-Wen Chiou; Shao-Xi Hsu; Ivan Wijaya; Shinn-Zong Lin; Wei Wuli
Cordyceps sinensis and Sonodynamic Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Pharmacological Basis, Therapeutic Potential, and Future DirectionsEmergingExpert review2026
A narrative review argued that water-based decoctions of a medicinal fungus carry inorganic arsenic at roughly four times the Chinese Pharmacopoeia limit, and proposed magnetic nanoparticles with focused ultrasound as a workaround.
Zhewei Zhang; Chidi Huang; Xinyi Ling; Xiao Gan; Qiqing Zheng; Bohan Zhang; Jingyue Li; Liang Wang
Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Mapping the Spatial Distribution of Bioactive Compounds in Medicinal Fungi: Applications, Challenges, and Future PerspectivesEmergingExpert review2026
This review of mass spectrometry imaging in medicinal fungi such as Ganoderma and Cordyceps concludes the method can map bioactive compounds' spatial distribution, supporting quality control and biosynthesis studies.
Hui Fan; Suzhen Dong; Yun Zhao
Effects of fungal supplementation on endurance, immune function, and hematological profiles in adult athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysisEmergingExpert review2025
Meta-analysis of randomized trials in athletes linked Cordyceps sinensis supplementation to higher endurance and VO2peak, and Ganoderma lucidum to lower blood lactate and higher hematocrit.
Meng-Yuan Shu; Xiu-Chang Zhang; Li Zuo; Fang-Lin Jiang; Jian Liang; Fang Li
Preclinical Evidence of Withania somnifera and Cordyceps spp.: Neuroprotective Properties for the Management of Alzheimer's DiseaseEmergingExpert review2025
Preclinical evidence reviewed in this paper suggests Withania somnifera and Cordyceps compounds may have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects relevant to Alzheimer's disease.
Gabriele Tancreda; Gabriele Tancreda; Silvia Ravera; Isabella Panfoli
Cordyceps militaris-Derived Bioactive Gels: Therapeutic and Anti-Aging Applications in DermatologyEmergingExpert review2025
This review summarized Cordyceps militaris compounds such as cordycepin reported to induce apoptosis against melanoma and to promote collagen synthesis, noting clinical trials are still needed.
Trung Quang Nguyen; Pham Văn Thinh; Yusuf Andriana; Trương Ngọc Minh -- Gels
Effects of Protease-Hydrolyzed and Cordyceps militaris-Fermented Sea Cucumber Viscera Hydrolysates on Cellular Function and Energy Metabolism in HCT116 CellsEmergingPrimary research (design unspecified)2026
Sea cucumber viscera hydrolysates induced colorectal cancer cell apoptosis and suppressed migration/invasion, with fermentation distinctly modifying glycolytic versus mitochondrial energy metabolism effects.
Biyi Chen; Yuyang Li; Xinghe Chen; Xinyue Jia; Ying Li; Rui Mi; Zunchun Zhou
Anti-cancer effects of cordyceps sinensis, C. militaris and C. cicadae and their mechanisms of action.2026
A review found that Cordyceps species and their bioactive components, including cordycepin, showed anti-cancer activity in preclinical studies through apoptosis induction, cell-cycle arrest, and signaling pathway modulation.
Gunter NV; Ong YS; Lai ZW; Morita H; Chamyuang S; Owatworakit A; Mah SH -- Journal of Asian natural products research
New Pyridinone Alkaloid and Polyketide from the Cordyceps-Colonizing Fungus Pseudogymnoascus roseusEmergingPrimary research (design unspecified)2026
Harzianic acid isolated from Pseudogymnoascus roseus showed cytotoxicity to lung and gastric cancer cell lines in vitro.
Jie Lin; Yutong Guo; Jing Wang; Fang Wang; Ling Liu
Cordyceps militaris Enhances Wound Repair Through Regulation of HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling in Diabetic Skin.2026
In diabetic mice and keratinocyte cell models, Cordyceps militaris extract accelerated wound closure and epidermal regeneration by restoring HIF-1alpha and TGF-beta1 expression and modulating SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.
Lin TK; Tsai CL; Tsai BC; Kuo CH; Ho TJ; Hsieh DJ; Kuo WW; Huang CY; Lee PY -- Life (Basel, Switzerland)
Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms and Translational Relevance of Cordyceps sinensis and Its Bioactive ConstituentsEmergingPrimary research (design unspecified)2026
Cordyceps sinensis cordycepin, cordycepic acid, polysaccharides and sterols exerted anti-inflammatory effects in respiratory, autoimmune, neuroinflammatory, and metabolic diseases.
Jiahao Xie; Jingwen Xu; Qi Fan; Yu-Chan Chen -- Journal of Inflammation Research
Nature's marvel: unravelling the multiphase composition of Cordyceps militaris mushroom and its implications as a dietary supplement.2026
A review characterizes the multiphase chemical composition of Cordyceps militaris mushroom, examining its profile as a dietary supplement ingredient.
Parthasarathy S; Tharumasivam SV; Aly SH; Giridharan B; Durairaj S; Elbadry AMM; El-Shazly M -- Journal of food science and technology
Drying-Induced Changes in Metabolite Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Cordyceps militaris: Insights from Integrated Metabolomics and Network PharmacologyEmergingPrimary research (design unspecified)2026
Vacuum freeze drying and vacuum drying of Cordyceps militaris better preserved bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity than oven or sun drying.
Xiaodan Wu; Weidi Fu; Wen Zhang; Hao Yu; Jian-Shuang Zhang -- Foods
Strain Evaluation and Multi-Generational Stability of Cordyceps militaris for Functional Bioactive Compound Production.2026
Cordyceps militaris strain KTDT8 produced the highest cordycepin, adenosine, and polysaccharide levels along with the strongest antioxidant activity, remaining genetically stable across four generations of cultivation.
Thi Gam D; Ngoc Minh T; Khac Hung N; Thuy Diep N; Thi Thuy T; Thi Dung K; Thi Thanh Ha D; Thi Phuong Doai N; Tien Phat D; Thi Huyen T; Huu Trung K -- Current drug metabolism
A Review on Adaptogenic Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds and Pharmacological InsightsEmergingPrimary research (design unspecified)2026
Adaptogenic mushrooms including Ganoderma lucidum and Cordyceps exhibited anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and metabolic effects through HPA axis and NRF2 pathway activation.
Adhikari, Pragati; Raj, Rishu; Fayaz, Asma; Kundal, Munish -- Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology
Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Bioactive Compounds: From Traditional Use to Therapeutic Potential.2026
Medicinal mushrooms including Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, and Grifola frondosa contain polysaccharides and triterpenoids studied for immune support, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer bioactivity across preclinical and clinical research.
Sadowska A; Włosek-Pawełas D; Car H -- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
Evaluating Cordyceps militaris capsules on post-bronchodilator FEV1 decline in patients with COPD: a study protocol for double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trialEmergingPrimary research (design unspecified)2026
This registered trial protocol plans to test whether 24 weeks of Cordyceps militaris versus placebo changes post-bronchodilator lung function in 160 adults with mild-to-moderate COPD; no results are reported yet.
Siqi Lin; Tianming Liao; Feiting Fan; Yuanbin Chen; Yue Yan; Hangming Dong; Shaofeng Zhan; Yuanbing Zhang; Kun Xiao; Lin Lin; Lei Wu
Comparative bioaccumulation and biotransformation of selenate, selenite, and selenomethionine in Cordyceps militaris.2026
Selenomethionine showed faster absorption than selenite or selenate in Cordyceps militaris mycelium, with sulfur, phosphorus, and methionine competitively reducing selenium uptake, identifying selenite as the optimal biofortification form.
Zhang Y; Hu T; Zhao B; Guo Y -- Biochemistry and biophysics reports
Cordyceps Polysaccharides Attenuate Experimental Ischemic Stroke Injury: Association with IL-17/NF-κB SignalingEmergingPrimary research (design unspecified)2026
In rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion, a Cordyceps polysaccharide preparation at 1000 mg/kg oral was associated with reduced infarct volume and lower IL-17A/IL-17RA expression, linked to attenuated IL-17/NF-κB neuroinflammation.
Huizhang Wang; Yifan Chen; Yang Jiang; Yan Liao; Saiwen Xi; Xia Li; Huiming Qi; Yihui Ma; Yutong Li; Mujie Fang; Changhua Shi; Cong Gai; Yibo Tang
Anti-Diabetic Activity of Cordyceps-Fermented Edible Insects by the Promotion of Glucose Absorption.2025
Fermenting edible insects with Cordyceps militaris increased protein content and decreased carbohydrate content while producing cordycepin, and the fermented insects promoted glucose absorption in L6-GLUT4myc cells.
Kim BS; Turk A; Lee S; Lee HH; Kim MH; Jeong SY; Kwon EB; Hwang BY; Lee MK -- Journal of medicinal food
Elucidation of mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of cordycepin on pulmonary hypertension, with a focus on cell senescence and gut microbiotaEmergingPrimary research (design unspecified)2026
Cordycepin, a compound from Cordyceps militaris, ameliorated pulmonary vascular and cardiac remodeling in rat and mouse pulmonary hypertension models.
Gaopeng Li; Zhixin Zhao; Mitsuhiro Machitani; Ryou Ishikawa; Kaori Ishikawa; Naoya Yokota; Reiji Haba; Kazufumi Nakamura; Zhihong Sun; Lin-Hai Kurahara; Katsuya Hirano
Effect of Cordyceps militaris extract containing cordycepin on the adipogenesis and lipolysis of adipocytes.2025
In 3T3-L1 adipocytes and a diabetic obese mouse model, Cordyceps militaris extract and its compound cordycepin reduced lipid droplet formation, increased hormone-sensitive lipase activation, lowered LDL/VLDL cholesterol, and reduced oxidative stress and cell senescence markers.
Kusama K; Oka K; Yashiro Y; Yoshida K; Miyaoka H; Tamura K -- FEBS open bio
Balanced by design -- we show supporting and contradicting findings. Search all studies
No product works in isolation
Every cell function above -- Sense, Exchange, Transform, Build, Maintain, Adapt -- needs the same broad base of optimal micronutrient levels running underneath it, all the time. CordyMax Cs-4 is not a stand-alone fix; it is one piece that plugs into that larger system. The foundation comes first, and this supports it.
Stacks well with
Pick your goal -- here is what CordyMax Cs-4 pairs with for each. Nothing works in isolation; these share the same systems.
For Energy & Mitochondria
For Immune
For Gut Health
Foundational, or targeted?
Not everything in the shop is meant to be taken forever. Some products here are foundational -- a daily nutrient base built for long-term, ongoing use. Others are targeted -- shorter-term support for a specific season, not a lifelong habit. If you are not sure which one this is, that is a fair question to ask us before you buy.
Learn more, on your terms
Do not take our word for it -- go read. Each topic below opens a pre-loaded search so you can explore the nutrient, the mechanism, or the device for yourself.
Search the full studies libraryHow to use it
Take with water, usually earlier in the day since it is energizing for some people. Many take it before activity. Follow the brand's serving size.
Where to get it
Ready when you are. This link takes you to the official, verified source for this product.
Get CordyMax Cs-4The studies
See the research behind the science we point to.
Explore studiesThe blog
Plain-language reads on how it all fits together.
Read the blogOptimal nutrients are the definition of longevity
Long-term cell function depends on having what it needs, at the level it needs it, for as long as it needs it. That is the whole thesis behind everything we point you to here.
When you buy through our links, we earn a small commission -- and that is what funds all the free education here. It never costs you more. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
CordyMax Cs-4 is a standardized cordyceps mushroom extract, an adaptogen traditionally used to support stamina and the body's capacity to adapt to physical demand. It is a classic energy-and-endurance botanical rather than a stimulant. It suits people who want steady energy that comes from the cell, not a jolt of caffeine.
FAQ
What does CordyMax Cs-4 support?
It supports steady, non-jittery everyday energy, healthy stamina and exercise capacity, the body's ability to adapt to physical demand, and healthy mitochondrial energy production.
How do I take it?
Take with water, usually earlier in the day since it is energizing for some people. Many take it before activity. Follow the brand's serving size.
What makes it different?
As an adaptogen it supports the body's own ability to meet load instead of whipping it with a stimulant, and a standardized extract keeps the dose consistent.