The Bottom Line Cordyceps Extract are well known in Traditional Chinese Medicine and have been used for centuries to treat many health ailments. Though the fungi show promise in many areas, theres little research on their effects in humans. Thus, more research is needed before experts can make any recommendations. Animal and lab studies suggest Cordyceps have the potential to improve heart health and fight inflammation, cancer, diabetes and aging. However, many of these studies are poor quality, and the results cannot be extended to humans. Nevertheless, there have been human studies on Cordyceps effects on exercise performance. The fungi have been found to potentially boost energy and oxygen use during exercise. Currently, there is no consensus on the dosage people should take to reap its potential health benefits, or how safe it is. If you choose to take Cordyceps supplements, make sure theyve been tested by a third-party organization for purity and quality. Only time will tell if the health benefits of Cordyceps observed in animal and laboratory studies apply to humans.