The Cordyceps Militaris Probiotic Solid Beverage by ufun positions itself at the intersection of traditional herbal medicine and modern probiotic science. The product's name highlights Cordyceps militaris as the central component, suggesting a focus on immune modulation, energy enhancement, and antioxidant support—effects well-documented in preclinical research. While human clinical trials on C. militaris are limited, its bioactive polysaccharides and cordycepic acid have demonstrated antitumor, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties in animal models, supporting its role in functional wellness.
Complementing the fungal ingredient are two probiotic strains—Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT8145 and B420—selected for their potential to modulate gut microbiota and support metabolic and immune health. Although strain-specific data for CECT8145 and B420 are sparse, closely related B. lactis strains like HN019 and BB-12 have shown benefits in improving gut transit time and increasing fecal bifidobacteria counts. As a dietary supplement, this product aims to deliver synergistic effects between a medicinal mushroom and gut-targeted probiotics, though efficacy hinges on adequate dosing and ingredient viability.
Quick Summary
Transparency is extremely low as no ingredient amounts are disclosed. The presence of proprietary blends or omission of quantities prevents assessment of dosing adequacy and clinical relevance.
Efficacy cannot be confirmed due to undetected ingredient amounts. While Cordyceps militaris is a promising primary ingredient with preclinical support, absence of dosing data prevents determination of clinical relevance. Probiotic strains are plausible but lack strain-specific evidence and quantification.
Cordyceps fruiting body or mycelium form is not specified, affecting polysaccharide content. Probiotic delivery method (e.g., freeze-dried, microencapsulated) is unknown, impacting survival through the GI tract. Without formulation details, bioavailability remains uncertain.
Generally safe for healthy adults, but potential interactions with antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and anticoagulant drugs exist due to Cordyceps. Probiotics are safe in immunocompetent individuals but pose risks in immunocompromised populations. Lack of standardization raises contamination concerns.
Suggested: 10 servings/day to reach clinical midpoint
Why Take This Product
Key Benefits
- Immune System Support: Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides enhance immune cell activity and exhibit immunostimulatory effects in preclinical models [1]. Probiotic strains like B. animalis may further support immune regulation through gut-associated lymphoid tissue interaction.
- Metabolic Health Support: Cordyceps militaris has shown hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in diabetic rat models, reducing fasting glucose and kidney damage at doses of 0.5–2.0 g/kg/day [2], indicating possible adjunctive use in metabolic syndrome.
- Exercise Performance and Energy: Traditional use and animal studies suggest Cordyceps may improve oxygen utilization and reduce fatigue, with human trials on related species showing enhanced exercise tolerance [16].
Who Should Take This
Potential Side Effects
Ingredient Breakdown
Each ingredient is evaluated based on its classification as primary or supporting, with Cordyceps militaris considered primary due to its prominence in the product name and traditional role. Probiotic strains are supporting ingredients, while other components like dried tangerine peel and fructooligosaccharides are not quantified and assumed to be present in subclinical amounts.
Primary Ingredients
Cordyceps militaris powder
Immune support, antioxidant, metabolic regulation
Primary ingredient by product name. Clinical dose for immune support is 1–1.5 g/day. Without disclosed amount, efficacy cannot be confirmed. Animal studies use higher doses (e.g., 150 mg/kg/day for antitumor effects).
Medicinal mushroom rich in polysaccharides and cordycepic acid, shown in preclinical studies to inhibit tumor growth, reduce hyperglycemia, and enhance antioxidant defenses [1][2]. Effects in humans are less established but suggest potential for immune and metabolic support.
Supporting Ingredients
There are 6 supporting ingredients.
Practical Recommendations
- Verify Ingredient Quantities: Request full disclosure of milligram amounts for Cordyceps militaris and CFU counts for probiotic strains to assess clinical relevance.
- Ensure Probiotic Viability: Confirm that the product is stored and labeled to maintain live colony-forming units (CFUs) through expiration, ideally with third-party testing.
- Consult Healthcare Provider: Individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or on blood thinners should consult a professional before use due to potential interactions with Cordyceps.
- Start With Low Dose: Begin with one serving daily to assess tolerance, especially for those new to probiotics or medicinal mushrooms, to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Is it Safe?
Safety considerations include potential herb-drug interactions with Cordyceps (e.g., anticoagulants, antidiabetics), probiotic use in immunocompromised populations, and lack of standardization in herbal components. Product authenticity and microbial contamination are additional concerns with non-verified supplements.
Safety & Considerations
- Drug Interaction: Cordyceps may enhance effects of antidiabetic and antihypertensive medications; monitor blood sugar and blood pressure.
- Drug Interaction: Potential interaction with anticoagulants due to possible anticoagulant effects of Cordyceps.
- Medical Condition: Avoid in immunocompromised individuals due to risk of probiotic-associated bacteremia.
- Quality Risk: Herbal ingredients like Cordyceps and hawthorn are prone to adulteration; source from reputable brands with third-party testing.
The Science
Efficacy is primarily determined by whether primary ingredients are present at clinically effective doses. Cordyceps militaris is the key driver of expected benefits, with probiotics playing a secondary but potentially synergistic role. However, without disclosed amounts, efficacy assessment relies on assumed dosing and extrapolation from related studies.
Polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris exhibit immunostimulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and metabolic regulatory activities.
Aqueous extract of Cordyceps militaris reduces hyperglycemia and nephropathy in diabetic rats at 0.5–2.0 g/kg/day.
Oral supplementation with B. infantis 35624 increased fecal excretion, indicating survival through the GI tract, a relevant finding for B. animalis strain delivery.
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 at 1.8 and 17.2 billion CFU/day improved whole gut transit time in adults with functional GI symptoms.
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 increased fecal bifidobacteria in elderly subjects in a dose-dependent manner.
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