Outcome
    Preliminary
    Effectiveness 2/5

    Cordyceps for Natural Killer Cell Activity

    Cordyceps raises NK activity in rodent models, but controlled human immune-outcome trials are largely absent.

    Overview

    Cordyceps raises NK activity in rodent models, but controlled human immune-outcome trials are largely absent.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    Animal NK data are encouraging; human evidence is minimal.

    How It Works

    Cordycepin and polysaccharides modulate macrophage and NK signalling in preclinical models, increasing cytotoxic mediator release.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    No dose established; 1-3 g/day studied, with NK activity data mostly from cell and animal work
    Expected timeframe
    Not established

    Protocol

    dose
    1-3 g/day studied in humans
    form
    Cordyceps militaris fruiting body extract or CS-4 mycelium
    steps
    The evidence here is insufficient. Cordyceps polysaccharides increase natural killer cell activity in cell culture and in rodents, but human trials at 1-3 g/day are few, small, and have not established a clinically meaningful change in NK function or in infection rates.,A shift in an immune marker is not the same as fewer or shorter illnesses — no trial has shown the latter.,If your goal is fewer infections, the measures with real evidence are vaccination, sleep, correcting vitamin D deficiency, and hand hygiene.,If your NK activity was measured as part of a medical investigation, that is a clinical matter for an immunologist, not a supplement decision.,If you trial cordyceps anyway, 1-3 g/day of a third-party-tested product is the studied range.
    timing
    Not established
    duration
    Not established

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Human research focuses on exercise performance rather than immunity. The few immune studies are small, short and often use fermented Cs-4 mycelium rather than wild cordyceps, limiting generalisability.

    No studies are yet linked to both Cordyceps and Natural Killer Cell Activity.

    Safety

    Caveats

    Immunostimulant activity means cordyceps should be avoided in autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS), by transplant recipients, and by anyone on immunosuppressants or biologics. Possible mild antiplatelet effect — caution with anticoagulants and stop before surgery. Product mislabelling and heavy metal contamination documented. Not studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

    Less likely to help if

    Healthy adults with normal immune function; anyone expecting fewer colds from a laboratory marker change.

    Medical Disclaimer

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    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.