Cordyceps: Interactions

• Cordyceps is a fungus that lives on certain caterpillars in the high mountain regions of China

Rationale For Use

• More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of cordyceps for these uses
• Cordyceps MIGHT improve immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system
• coughs, chronic bronchitis, respiratory disorders, kidney disorders, nighttime urination, male sexual problems, anemia, irregular heartbeat, high cholesterol, liver disorders, dizziness, weakness, ringing in the ears, unwanted weight loss, and opiumaddiction. 
• It is also used for strengthening the immune system, improving athletic performance, reducing the effects of aging, promoting longer life, and improving liver function in people with hepatitis B. 
• Some people use cordyceps as a stimulant, a tonic, and an “adaptogen,” which is used to increase energy, enhance stamina, and reduce fatigue.

Safety

• Cordyceps is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately by mouth, short-term

Pregnancy and breast-feeding:

• There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking cordyceps if 
• Stay on the safe side and avoid use

Interactions

Cyclophosphamide

• might decrease the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide

Immunosuppressants

• Cordyceps might increase the immune system.
• Decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.
  Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Prednisolone

• Prednisolone is sometimes used to decrease the immune system.
• Taking cordyceps might make prednisolone less effective for decreasing the immune system.

Drugs that increase the risk of bleeding

• aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).
• Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto

Antidiabetic Medications

• Cordyceps may lower blood sugar levels.
• Caution is advised in people with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar.
• Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored

Antihypertensives

• Cordyceps may cause low blood pressure.
• Caution is advised in people taking drugs or herbs and supplements that lower blood pressure.

Bleeding disorders

• Cordyceps might slow blood clotting.
• might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery

• might increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
• Stop taking cordyceps 2 weeks before surgery

References:

1. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-602-cordyceps.aspx?activeingredientid=602
2. http://www.wellness.com/reference/herb/cordyceps-cordyceps-sinensis/dosing-and-safety
3. https://www.drugs.com/npp/cordyceps.html
4. http://www.rxlist.com/cordyceps-page3/supplements.htm#Interactions