Cordyceps is one of the most studied functional mushrooms in the context of male reproductive health. While much of the early interest centered on its traditional use as a tonic in Tibetan and Chinese medicine, a growing body of preclinical research has begun examining how specific compounds in Cordyceps species may influence androgen levels and reproductive function. This overview focuses on what the current evidence shows, where findings are promising, and where important limitations remain.
What Is Cordyceps and Why Is It Associated With Male Vitality?
The term “Cordyceps” encompasses a genus of parasitic fungi, the most commercially relevant being Cordyceps militaris and the traditionally prized (and now wild-harvested) Cordyceps sinensis. The latter, historically collected at high altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as a restorative for fatigue, kidney function, and male reproductive capacity.
Modern interest in Cordyceps has focused on several of its bioactive constituents, including cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), polysaccharides, and nucleoside derivatives. These compounds have been studied in various models for their effects on cellular energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and hormonal signaling. The testosterone connection, specifically, has attracted attention from researchers examining how Cordyceps may interact with Leydig cells, which are the primary testosterone-producing cells in the testes.
Research on Cordyceps and Testosterone Levels
Several preclinical studies have investigated whether Cordyceps extracts influence testosterone biosynthesis. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology used multi-omics analysis to examine how Cordyceps sobolifera affects Leydig cell function. The researchers found that both the extract and its constituent guanosine appeared to promote Leydig cell proliferation and bolster testosterone secretion in isolated rat cells, with effects traced to the cAMP signaling pathway and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways.[1]
A separate study published in Nutrients investigated Cordyceps militaris fruit body extract in rat models and cultured testicular cells. The researchers observed that the extract maintained serum levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and increased testosterone secretion in primary testicular cell cultures. Notably, the same extract also appeared to inhibit testosterone-stimulated prostate cell proliferation, suggesting a potentially dual role in supporting androgen levels while modulating prostate tissue response.[2]
Reproductive Function and Sperm Quality
Beyond testosterone levels, some research has looked at broader markers of male reproductive health. A study published in Scientific Reports examined the effects of various Cordyceps militaris fermentation products on juvenile male mice, finding that certain fractions, particularly extracellular polysaccharides and mycelia preparations, were associated with increased seminiferous tubule area and higher sperm concentrations compared to controls.[3]
Additional animal model research has investigated Cordyceps in contexts of reproductive impairment. A study in Veterinary World using streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats found that C. militaris supplementation was associated with improved sperm parameters, elevated serum testosterone levels, and improved copulatory behavior. The authors attributed these findings in part to reduced oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity in testicular tissue.[4]
The Role of the HPT Axis
The hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis governs testosterone production through a cascade of hormonal signals: the hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn signal the testes to produce testosterone. Some Cordyceps research has examined whether polysaccharide fractions may influence this axis.
A 2024 study in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research found that a purified polysaccharide fraction from Cordyceps cicadae elevated GnRH, FSH, and LH levels in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced reproductive impairment, with downstream increases in testosterone. While this context involves pharmacologically induced injury rather than healthy physiology, the findings illustrate a plausible pathway through which Cordyceps polysaccharides may interact with reproductive hormone signaling.[5]
Important Limitations of the Current Evidence
The research on Cordyceps and testosterone is almost entirely preclinical. The studies described above were conducted in rodent models or isolated cell cultures, which do not necessarily translate to effects in healthy adult humans. No large-scale, placebo-controlled human clinical trials have specifically examined Cordyceps supplementation and its effect on testosterone levels in men with normal endocrine function.
Additionally, the species and extract types used across studies vary considerably. Cordyceps militaris, C. sinensis, C. sobolifera, and C. cicadae have distinct phytochemical profiles, and the preparations used in laboratory research often differ substantially from commercially available supplements. Findings from one species or extract may not apply to others.
Consumers should also be aware that the bioavailability of cordycepin and polysaccharide fractions when taken orally is not well characterized in humans, and that processing methods during supplement manufacturing can significantly affect the concentration of active constituents.
How This Compares to Other Aspects of Cordyceps Research
The testosterone-related research is one dimension of a broader profile. Cordyceps has been more extensively studied for its potential effects on oxygen utilization, endurance performance, and fatigue. For a wider discussion of what the research shows about Cordyceps and sexual health, including libido-related findings, see our overview: Cordyceps for Libido: Science or Marketing?
Summary
Preclinical research suggests that certain Cordyceps species and their constituent compounds may support testosterone biosynthesis through effects on Leydig cells and the HPT axis. Studies in animal models indicate possible benefits for sperm quality, hormone levels, and reproductive tissue integrity, particularly under conditions of oxidative stress or metabolic challenge. However, human clinical evidence in this area remains limited, and extrapolating animal findings to healthy individuals should be done cautiously. More well-designed human trials are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
References
- [1] Li Z, et al. Multi-omics reveals the testosterone promotion effect mechanism of Cordyceps Sobolifera on Leydig cells. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024;325:117817. PMID: 38316217
- [2] Kusama K, et al. Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract Decreases Testosterone Catabolism and Testosterone-Stimulated Prostate Hypertrophy. Nutrients. 2020;13(1):50. PMID: 33375244
- [3] Lin S, et al. Effects of Cordyceps militaris fermentation products on reproductive development in juvenile male mice. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):13720. PMID: 35962055
- [4] Nguyen TV, et al. A study of the aphrodisiac properties of Cordyceps militaris in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. Vet World. 2021;14(2):537-544. PMID: 33776321
- [5] Wu F, et al. Polysaccharides from Cordyceps cicadae Ameliorate Reproductive Impairments in Male Mouse through the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2024;68(22):e2400446. PMID: 39543784
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Functional mushroom supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any supplementation regimen.
