Cordyceps is booming as a supplement for energy, lungs, kidneys, and recovery. But not all Cordyceps are equal – and in the UK/EU, regulations make a big difference.
Key Strains Breakdown
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Cs-4 (fermented mycelium, often called Paecilomyces hepiali / Samsoniella hepiali)
The strain behind 95% of human clinical studies (mostly from China).
Prescribed in Asia (e.g., JinShuiBao brand) for decades.
Officially recognized as a safe substitute for wild Cordyceps sinensis. -
C. militaris (fruiting body)
Popular for high cordycepin (antiviral potential in lab studies).
Growing evidence for performance and inflammation.
Strong Evidence for Cs-4
- Kidney protection (CKD stages 3–4): Slows eGFR decline, reduces proteinuria (multiple RCTs/meta-analyses).
- Lungs (COPD/asthma): Improves FEV1 by ~8–12%, fewer exacerbations (strongest data base).
- Exercise in older adults: Boosts VO₂ max 7–11% at 3g/day.
- Energy/fatigue: Solid for general boosts; some post-viral benefits emerging.
- Other uses: Supports chemo recovery; mixed/weak for diabetes, thyroid, depression.
Weaker or Overhyped Claims
- No "70–85% improvement" in chronic/post-viral fatigue from multiple RCTs.
- Cordycepin levels: Actually higher in militaris, not Cs-4.
- Not 200+ dedicated trials – dozens, mostly Chinese.
Cs-4 Advantages
- Consistent composition (lab-fermented).
- Lower heavy metal risk vs. wild.
- Higher mannitol for kidney effects.
UK/EU Legal Status (December 2025)
- Cs-4 (Samsoniella hepiali mycelium): Legal to sell – clarified as non-novel (same status as wild Cordyceps sinensis mycelium).
- C. militaris: Novel food – requires authorisation; currently restricted/unauthorised in most cases. Harder to find legally.
Bottom Line
If you want the proven clinical track record (kidneys, lungs, endurance) and legal availability in the UK/EU → Go for Cs-4.
Militaris shines in lab data for cordycepin, but lacks the human evidence volume and faces regulatory hurdles.
Typical dose: 2–3g/day. Always check labels for strain and consult a doctor. Evidence is promising but often from lower-quality Chinese studies – more Western RCTs needed!