Plant Comparison
Cordyceps vs Ashwagandha
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Cordyceps and Ashwagandha: they share 7 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cold & flu, fatigue / low energy, …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Cordyceps | Ashwagandha | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Cordyceps |
| Cold & flu | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Cordyceps |
| Fatigue / low energy | 6/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Cordyceps |
| Immune support | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Cordyceps |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Cordyceps |
| Muscle soreness | 6/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Cordyceps |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Cordyceps |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
A nucleoside analogue considered the marker bioactive compound, studied for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and metabolic effects.
Immunomodulatory and antioxidant polysaccharides, a major focus of both oral and topical product development.
Additional characteristic fungal sterol and nucleoside constituents.
Steroidal lactones considered the principal bioactive compounds, responsible for most of the plant's adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer research interest.
Minor tropane-type alkaloids contributing to the traditional sedative reputation.
Glycowithanolides linked to adaptogenic and immunomodulatory activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Physical performance / strength improvement
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from ergogenic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from ergogenic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from immunomodulator action
inferred from ergogenic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from neuroprotective action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from ergogenic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated short-term in human studies, but research is still limited (Ontawong et al., 2024; Hirsch et al., 2016). Possible side effects: stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, headache (reported broadly for “Cordyceps” supplements; not everyone gets this) (Jędrejko, Lazur and Muszyńska, 2021). Avoid / use medical guidance if you have: autoimmune disease, you’re on immunosuppressants, you have a bleeding disorder, or you take blood thinners/antiplatelet drugs (theoretical interaction + caution used in reviews) (Jędrejko, Lazur and Muszyńska, 2021). Pregnancy/lactation: not enough safety data → best to avoid (Jędrejko, Lazur and Muszyńska, 2021). Quality matters: choose reputable brands with testing for contaminants and clear labeling (fruiting body vs mycelium; extract ratio) (Jędrejko et al., 2022).
Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials at doses up to 600 mg/day for up to 12 weeks. Common side effects may include mild drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, and diarrhea at higher doses. Contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential abortifacient effects. May interact with sedatives, immunosuppressants, thyroid medications, and blood sugar medications. People with autoimmune diseases, hyperthyroidism, or scheduled for surgery should consult healthcare providers before use. May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Not recommended for children without medical supervision.
Duke (2002) classifies ashwagandha activities primarily at the experimental level (score 1), with adaptogenic, sedative, immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory actions demonstrated in animal and in vitro models. Root preparations are used at 2–3 g powdered root three times daily, or 150–300 mg of standardized extract. Importantly, the plant has documented abortifacient and antifertility properties in animal studies, and its use should be avoided during pregnancy. It may potentiate the effects of barbiturates and sedatives (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Entomopathogenic fungus (not a true plant) that develops from a mycelium infecting and consuming an insect host - classically a moth caterpillar or pupa buried in the soil. In late season it produces a slender, bright orange, club-shaped fruiting body (stroma) that emerges from the ground above the mummified host, its surface minutely roughened with embedded spore-producing structures.[4]
Erect, branching perennial shrub with soft, downy, oval to lance-shaped leaves. Small, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow bell-shaped flowers are borne in the leaf axils, followed by a small orange-red berry enclosed in a papery, lantern-like calyx, giving rise to the name 'winter cherry'.[5]
Habitat
Grows on insect larvae and pupae in cool, moist forest soils and grassland across temperate and alpine East Asia; commercially, most Cordyceps militaris is now cultivated on grain or insect-based substrate rather than wild-collected.[4]
Native to the drier regions of India, the Middle East and parts of Africa; cultivated in warm, semi-arid climates on well-drained soils, notably in central and western India.[5]
Harvesting
Wild fruiting bodies are dug up carefully with the insect host attached, in autumn when they emerge; cultivated material is harvested from the growing substrate once the orange fruiting bodies mature, then dried.
The root is dug in winter from plants around one year old, when withanolide content is highest, then cleaned, cut and dried; the leaves are picked through the growing season.[5]
Traditional Uses
Ashwagandha root is one of the most important rasayana (rejuvenative) tonics of Ayurvedic medicine, traditionally used to build strength and vitality, support healthy stress response, and promote restful sleep; this traditional adaptogenic reputation is now supported by clinical trials of standardised root extract for stress, sleep and physical performance.[1, 5]
Preparations
Cultivated fruiting-body extract, standardised to cordycepin or polysaccharide content, taken as capsules or powder.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
Dosage
Not documented
Clinical trials for stress and sleep commonly use around 300-600 mg of standardised root extract daily, in divided doses, over several weeks. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
Both ashwagandha and valerian are calming, sleep-promoting herbs; using them together may add to drowsiness and sedation, so take care especially before driving or when using other sedatives.[1, 23]
References & Sources
- Lan, T., Yu, Y., Zhang, J., Li, H. et al (2021) 'Cordycepin Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis by Activation of the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway', Hepatology, 74(2), pp. 686-703. doi:10.1002/hep.31749 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.31749 - Wei, P., Wang, K., Luo, C., Huang, Y. et al (2021) 'Cordycepin confers long-term neuroprotection via inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury', Journal of Neuroinflammation, 18(1), pp. 137. doi:10.1186/s12974-021-02188-x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-021-02188-x - Tan, L., Song, X., Ren, Y., Wang, M. et al (2020) 'Anti-inflammatory effects of cordycepin: A review', Phytotherapy Research. doi:10.1002/ptr.6890 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6890 - Kanlayavattanakul, M. and Lourith, N (2023) 'Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides: preparation and topical product application', Fungal Biology and Biotechnology, 10(1), pp. 3. doi:10.1186/s40694-023-00150-5 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40694-023-00150-5 - Yang, W., Fu, C., Hu, B., Yan, Y. and Cheng, Y (2024) 'Five undescribed cyclopeptides from Cordyceps militaris', Phytochemistry, 222, pp. 114074. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114074 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114074 - Miao, M., Yu, W., Li, Y., Sun, Y. and Guo, S (2022) 'Structural elucidation and activities of Cordyceps militaris-derived polysaccharides: a review', Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, pp. 898674. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.898674 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.898674 - Jedrejko, K.J., Lazur, J. and Muszynska, B (2021) 'Cordyceps militaris: an overview of its chemical constituents in relation to biological activity', Foods, 10(11), pp. 2634. doi:10.3390/foods10112634 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112634 - Malucka, L.U., Uhrinova, A. and Lysinova, P (2022) 'Medicinal mushrooms Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris', Ceska a Slovenska Farmacie, 71(6), pp. 259-265. doi:10.5817/csf2022-5-259 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.5817/csf2022-5-259 - Sun, J., Jin, M., Zhou, W., Diao, S., Zhou, Y., Li, S., Wang, X., Pan, S., Jin, X. and Li, G (2017) 'A new ribonucleotide from Cordyceps militaris', Natural Product Research, 31(21), pp. 2537-2543. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1323210 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2017.1323210 - Choi, E., Oh, J. and Sung, G.H (2020) 'Antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects of Cordyceps militaris', Mycobiology, 48(3), pp. 228-232. doi:10.1080/12298093.2020.1763115 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/12298093.2020.1763115 - Zhang, J., Wen, C., Duan, Y., Zhang, H. and Ma, H (2019) 'Advance in Cordyceps militaris (Linn) Link polysaccharides: isolation, structure, and bioactivities: a review', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 132, pp. 906-914. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.020 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.020 - Chiu, C.P., Liu, S.C., Tang, C.H., Chan, Y., El-Shazly, M., Lee, C.L., Du, Y.C., Wu, T.Y., Chang, F.R. and Wu, Y.C (2016) 'Anti-inflammatory cerebrosides from cultivated Cordyceps militaris', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 64(7), pp. 1540-1548. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.5b05931 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b05931 - Chamyuang, S., Owatworakit, A. and Honda, Y (2019) 'New insights into cordycepin production in Cordyceps militaris and applications', Annals of Translational Medicine, 7(Suppl 3), pp. S78. doi:10.21037/atm.2019.04.12 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2019.04.12 - Cui, J.D (2015) 'Biotechnological production and applications of Cordyceps militaris, a valued traditional Chinese medicine', Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 35(4), pp. 475-484. doi:10.3109/07388551.2014.900604 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3109/07388551.2014.900604 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Zhu, J.S., Halpern, G.M. and Jones, K (1998) 'The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis', 4(3), pp. 289--303. doi:10.1089/acm.1998.4.429 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.1998.4.429 - Hirsch, K.R., Smith-Ryan, A.E., Roelofs, E.J., Trexler, E.T. and Mock, M.G (2017) 'Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation', 14(1), pp. 42--53. doi:10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Chemistry World (Royal Society of Chemistry) 'Poisons leave no mushroom for error'. Available at: https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/poisons-leave-no-mushroom-for-error/4011376.article Traditional / reference
https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/poisons-leave-no-mushroom-for-error/4011376.article - Choe, S. and In, S. and Jeon, Y. and Choi, H. and Kim, S (2018) 'Identification of trichothecene-type mycotoxins in toxic mushroom Podostroma cornu-damae and biological specimens from a fatal case by LC-QTOF/MS', Forensic Science International, 291, pp. 234-244. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.043 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.043 - Ahn, J.Y. and Seok, S.J. and Song, J.E. and Choi, J.H. and Han, S.H. and Choi, J.Y. and Kim, C.O. and Song, Y.G. and Kim, J.M (2013) 'Two cases of mushroom poisoning by Podostroma cornu-damae', Yonsei Medical Journal, 54(1), pp. 265-8. doi:10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.265 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.265
- Cheah, K.L., Norhayati, M.N., Husniati Yaacob, L. and Abdul Rahman, R (2021) 'Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', PLoS One, 16(9), pp. e0257843. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257843 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257843 - Speers, A.B., Cabey, K.A., Soumyanath, A. and Wright, K.M (2021) 'Effects of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) on stress and the stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders anxiety, depression, and insomnia', Current Neuropharmacology, 19(9), pp. 1468-1495. doi:10.2174/1570159X19666210712151556 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X19666210712151556 - Arumugam, V., Vijayakumar, V., Balakrishnan, A., B Bhandari, R., Boopalan, D., Ponnurangam, R., Sankaralingam Thirupathy, V. and Kuppusamy, M (2024) 'Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) on stress and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Explore, 20(6), pp. 103062. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2024.103062 - Lopresti, A.L., Smith, S.J., Malvi, H. and Kodgule, R (2019) 'An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study', Medicine, 98(37), pp. e17186. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000017186 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000017186 - Paul, S., Chakraborty, S., Anand, U., Dey, S., Nandy, S., Ghorai, M., Saha, S.C., Patil, M.T., Kandimalla, R. and Prockow, J (2021) 'Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): a comprehensive review on ethnopharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, biomedicinal and toxicological aspects', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 143, pp. 112175. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112175 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112175 - Dar, N.J., Hamid, A. and Ahmad, M (2015) 'Pharmacologic overview of Withania somnifera, the Indian ginseng', Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 72(23), pp. 4445-4460. doi:10.1007/s00018-015-2012-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-015-2012-1 - Pandit, S., Srivastav, A.K., Sur, T.K., Chaudhuri, S., Wang, Y. and Biswas, T.K (2024) 'Effects of Withania somnifera extract in chronically stressed adults: a randomized controlled trial', Nutrients, 16(9), pp. 1293. doi:10.3390/nu16091293 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091293 - Wankhede, S., Langade, D., Joshi, K., Sinha, S.R. and Bhattacharyya, S (2015) 'Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial', Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12, pp. 43. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9 - Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S. and Bose, S (2017) 'Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root extract in improving memory and cognitive functions', Journal of Dietary Supplements, 14(6), pp. 599-612. doi:10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970 - Tiwari, S., Gupta, S.K. and Pathak, A.K (2021) 'A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera dunal.) root extract in improving cardiorespiratory endurance and recovery in healthy athletic adults', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 272, pp. 113929. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.113929 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.113929 - Singh, N., Yadav, S.S., Rao, A.S., Nandal, A., Kumar, S., Ganaie, S.A. and Narasihman, B (2020) 'Review on anticancerous therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 270, pp. 113704. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113704 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113704 - Bonilla DA, Moreno Y, Gho C, et al. Effects of ashwagandha (2021) ';6(1):20', 6(1). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B6%281%29%3A20. - Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012;34 (2012) ';34(3):255-262', 34(3). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B34%283%29%3A255-262. - Downer S, Berkowitz SA, Harlan TS, et al. Ashwagandha (2023) ';10:1043034'. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10147008/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10147008/ - Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of ashwagandha (2019) ';13(2):1557988319835985', 13(2). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B13%282%29%3A1557988319835985. - Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (2019) ';98(37):e17186', 98(37). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6979308/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6979308/ - National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep? Health Professional Fact Sheet. 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/ (2024) 'https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/'. Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/ Traditional / reference
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/ - Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. Cureus. 2019;11 (2019) ';11(12):e6466', 11(12). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B11%2812%29%3Ae6466. - Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: A Rasayana (2011) ';8(5 Suppl):208-213'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=%3B8%285%20Suppl%29%3A208-213. - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Sharma, A.K., Basu, I. and Singh, S (2018) 'Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(3), pp. 243-248. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0183 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0183 - Gannon, J.M., Forrest, P.E. and Roy Chengappa, K.N (2014) 'Subtle changes in thyroid indices during a placebo-controlled study of an extract of Withania somnifera in persons with bipolar disorder', Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 5(4), pp. 241-245. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.146566 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.146566 - Caus, M.N., Lupoae, M. and Chitescu, C.L (2026) 'Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action: A Review of Clinical Data and Toxicological Risks', Pharmaceuticals, 19(3), pp. 399. doi:10.3390/ph19030399 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19030399 - Cheah, K.L., Norhayati, M.N., Husniati Yaacob, L. and Abdul Rahman, R (2021) 'Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', PLoS One, 16(9), pp. e0257843. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0257843 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257843 - Makhlouf, E.A., AlamElDeen, Y.K., El-Shiekh, R.A. and Okba, M.M (2024) 'Unveilling the antidiabetic potential of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) and its withanolides - a review', Natural Product Research, 39(24), pp. 7203-7218. doi:10.1080/14786419.2024.2439009 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2024.2439009
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.