Cordycepin

PhytochemicalNucleoside analogBest with a meal

What is it

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) is a nucleoside analog originally isolated from the Cordyceps militaris fungus. It is the main bioactive constituent of Cordyceps and has been studied for antitumor, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Immune support / energy (whole Cordyceps)

Limited Evidence

Some small RCTs of Cordyceps extracts suggest exercise tolerance and immune effects; isolated cordycepin trials are lacking.

Cancer adjunct (preclinical)

Mixed Evidence

Significant in vitro and animal evidence for anticancer activity, but human evidence for isolated cordycepin is essentially absent.

How it works

Cordycepin is structurally similar to adenosine but lacks the 3' hydroxyl group. After cellular uptake it is phosphorylated to its triphosphate form, which can be incorporated into RNA, terminating chain elongation and inhibiting protein synthesis. It also modulates adenosine receptors and can activate AMPK signaling. In cell-culture and animal models cordycepin shows anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity, but it is rapidly deaminated to inactive 3'-deoxyinosine by adenosine deaminase in human plasma, limiting bioavailability after oral or systemic dosing. Most human studies use Cordyceps militaris extracts rather than isolated cordycepin.

Dosage

No established RDA. Cordyceps militaris extract doses range from 1-3 g/day; isolated cordycepin doses are not standardized.

When and how to take it

Cordyceps extracts are typically taken with meals once or twice daily.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Cordyceps militaris extract (contains cordycepin)

Most common practical source.

Standardized extracts list cordycepin content.

Isolated cordycepin

Available as research chemical.

Rapidly deaminated; limited oral bioavailability.

Safety

Cordyceps extracts are generally well tolerated. High-dose isolated cordycepin has not been well characterized for safety in humans.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in autoimmune conditions on immunosuppressants without medical guidance.

Interactions

Potential interactions with immunosuppressants, antidiabetic agents, and anticoagulants based on animal data.

Food sources

Cordyceps militaris fungus

Amount
varies
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is cordycepin the same as Cordyceps?⌄

Cordycepin is the main active compound in Cordyceps militaris, but Cordyceps extracts contain many additional substances.

Is cordycepin a cancer treatment?⌄

No. Preclinical research is interesting but it is not an approved or proven cancer therapy.

References

Cordycepin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Cordycepin (ChEBI:29014) — ChEBI link

Cordycepin (PubChem CID 6303) — PubChem link

Cordycepin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cordycepin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Cordycepin with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.