Chinese Caterpillar Fungus — Safety & Interactions
Dong Chong Xia Cao · Cordyceps
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Myelogenous-type cancers
- Use of expensive or unverified cordyceps products without authentication
- Patterns of acute excess heat without underlying deficiency
Cautions
- Cordyceps is frequently adulterated, so source quality matters more than with ordinary low-cost tonic herbs
- MSK notes that cordyceps should not be used by those with myelogenous-type cancers because animal studies showed proliferation of erythroid progenitor cells
- A case report of excessive bleeding after a dental procedure has been linked to daily tonic use of cordyceps
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemics / insulin | Laboratory studies suggest additive hypoglycemic effects that may increase blood-sugar-lowering activity | Moderate | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| Anticoagulants / antiplatelets | May inhibit platelet aggregation and increase bleeding risk; MSK also cites a case report of excessive bleeding | Moderate | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.