Cordyceps for Respiratory Health

Research suggests that Cordyceps may have potential benefits for respiratory health, particularly through its anti-inflammatory properties. The available evidence consists of a single preclinical animal study examining a Cordyceps militaris extract, which found reductions in lung inflammation, immune cell infiltration, mucus production, and key inflammatory proteins in a mouse model of acute lung injury, with lab findings pointing to interference with NF-κB signaling as a possible mechanism. While these results are promising, it is important to note that the current evidence base is extremely limited — consisting only of animal and cell-based research — and it remains unclear whether these findings would translate to similar effects in humans. Well-designed human clinical trials, including randomized controlled trials, are needed before stronger conclusions can be drawn about Cordyceps and respiratory health.