Cordyceps for Reproductive Function in Diabetic Men

Published:December 7, 2024Viktor7 min readCordyceps militaris

Cordyceps militaris has been shown to improve reproductive function in diabetic men by restoring testosterone levels, reducing oxidative stress in testicular tissue, and improving sperm motility and count in preclinical diabetic animal models.

Cordyceps Militaris has been studied for its ability to restore reproductive function in men with diabetes, addressing one of the most common but often overlooked complications of the condition.Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by a chronic increase in the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood above the norm. The number of patients with DM is growing rapidly both among children and among adults. DM increases the risk of developing other related complications, DM is often associated with sexual dysfunction in men and women.DM negatively affects male reproductive capacity in both humans and animals. Male patients with DM often have sexual dysfunctions, such as decreased libido and impotence, disruption of the sperm production process, which leads to a decrease in sperm motility, concentration and viability, erectile and ejaculation problems, decreased serum testosterone and antioxidant levels, which can even lead to infertility.

Why Diabetes Damages Male Reproductive Function

Chronically elevated blood glucose damages reproductive tissue through several overlapping pathways. High glucose promotes the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which accumulate in blood vessels and nerves supplying the testes and penis, impairing both blood flow and nerve signaling needed for erection and sperm production. Diabetes also drives up oxidative stress — an excess of free radicals relative to the body's antioxidant defenses — which directly damages sperm cell membranes and DNA, and disrupts the Leydig cells in the testes responsible for producing testosterone. This combination of vascular damage, nerve damage, oxidative stress, and hormonal disruption is why diabetic men experience sexual dysfunction at substantially higher rates than non-diabetic men, and why any intervention that addresses oxidative stress and hormone levels — as Cordyceps militaris appears to — is of particular research interest for this population, especially given how often this complication goes undiscussed between diabetic men and their treating physicians.

Conducted research – Cordyceps militaris

Between July 2018 and September 2019, a group of scientists from Thailand conducted a study on the aphrodisiac properties of Cordyceps militaris in male diabetic rats. This study aimed to study the effect of Cordyceps militaris on reproductive function in male diabetic rats and to understand the mechanism of action of Cordyceps

Research methods – Cordyceps militaris

Scientists induced diabetes in animals by injecting them with a special substance. After 3 days, the blood glucose level was determined using a glucometer. Rats with high blood glucose levels were considered diabetic and were used in this experiment. The animals were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 consisted of healthy who were injected with Tween (a substance that helps mix other substances together); Group 2 consisted of healthy rats receiving 100 mg/kg Cordyceps militaris; Group 3 consisted of diabetic rats that received a 1% suspension of Tween (a substance that helps mix other substances together); and group 4 consisted of diabetic rats treated with 100 mg/kg Cordyceps militaris. The blood glucose level and body weight of the rats in all groups were monitored once a week during the experiment.During the research, tests were conducted on sexual behavior, sperm concentration, their appearance and structure, after which the percentage of viability and deviations from the norm were determined. The level of testosterone in the blood serum and the parameters of the antioxidant system, which helps to determine how effectively the body's defense system works, were also determined.

The results

A study of the aphrodisiac properties of Cordyceps militaris in male diabetic rats revealed significant positive effects on reproductive function. The diabetic rat group treated with Cordyceps (100 mg/kg) showed significant improvement compared to the diabetic group (without treatment) in the following parameters Serum testosterone level increased by 308.3%Sperm count increased by 89%Sperm motility increased by 18.2%Sperm viability improved by 10%MDA (Reduction of Oxidative Stress) has an effect on improving the general state of health and reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases. The improvement was observed by 29.73%.GSH (Enhancing Antioxidant Defense) helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and slows down the aging process. Improvement was seen by 62.8%.CAT (Improved Detoxification) helps the body remove harmful substances. The improvement was observed by 18.19%.In general, sexual desire increased and the time required to initiate intercourse decreased, sexual stamina and overall sexual function improved.

Conclusion

These results confirm that Cordyceps militaris has potential antidiabetic and aphrodisiac properties that may contribute to the improvement of reproductive function in male diabetic rats. According to this study, the use of Cordyceps militaris may be beneficial in reducing the reproductive impairment caused by diabetes. due to its antioxidant properties and ability to increase testosterone levels, and increased serum testosterone levels after Cordyceps militaris treatment may be responsible for improved sexual behavior and increased libido, reduces oxidative stress in testicular dysfunction, and may improve sperm concentration, motility, and viability.Interestingly, Cordyceps militaris stimulated sexual behavior not only in diabetic patients, but also in healthy subjects. The study showed that serum testosterone and estrogen levels significantly increased 2 and 6 weeks after taking Cordyceps militaris, which also indicates a high preventive effect.

From Animal Models to Human Relevance: What We Can and Can't Conclude

It is important to be precise about the strength of this evidence. The 308.3% testosterone increase and other dramatic figures come from a controlled rat study using a specific induced-diabetes model, not from human clinical trials — animal doses and physiological responses do not translate directly into predictable human outcomes. That said, the biological mechanisms identified (reduced oxidative stress via improved MDA, GSH, and CAT markers, and restored testosterone production) are consistent with mechanisms also observed in human studies of Cordyceps for general antioxidant and hormonal support, which is why researchers consider this a promising but preliminary line of evidence rather than a proven human treatment. Men considering Cordyceps for diabetes-related sexual dysfunction should treat it as a complementary approach investigated for its plausible mechanism, not a substitute for standard diabetes management, which remains the primary way to prevent and reverse this type of reproductive damage.

Practical Use for Diabetic Men Considering Cordyceps

Given the antioxidant and hormonal mechanisms involved, consistent daily use over at least 6–8 weeks appears most aligned with how the research measured results — the human-relevant animal data showed hormonal changes emerging over 2 to 6 weeks of continuous administration. A typical supplemental dose is 1 to 3 grams of dried Cordyceps militaris equivalent daily, taken with food, with dual-extraction tinctures and capsules being the most common delivery formats for this purpose. Because diabetes medications and blood sugar levels are involved, and because Cordyceps has documented effects on blood glucose in some studies, diabetic men should monitor their glucose levels closely when starting supplementation and discuss it with their endocrinologist or physician, particularly if they are on insulin or other glucose-lowering medication where an additive effect could increase hypoglycemia risk. You can also buy them in our store.
1. Cordyceps fruit
2. Cordyceps capsules
3. Cordyceps extract
4. Forest Cardio Power

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cordyceps militaris?

Cordyceps militaris is a functional mushroom studied for its antioxidant, hormonal, and reproductive-support properties, including specific research in diabetic animal models.

How do you use Cordyceps militaris?

Cordyceps militaris is commonly available as extracts, tinctures, capsules, or dried preparations — the best form depends on your health goals and lifestyle.

Is Cordyceps militaris safe?

Cordyceps militaris is generally considered safe for healthy adults at recommended doses, but diabetic men should monitor blood glucose closely and consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, especially alongside glucose-lowering medication.

Does the rat study mean Cordyceps will raise testosterone in humans by the same amount?

No — the 308.3% figure reflects a specific induced-diabetes rat model, not a guaranteed human outcome. Human studies on Cordyceps and testosterone exist but generally show more modest changes, so the animal figures should be read as mechanistic evidence, not a direct human prediction.

How long until reproductive benefits might appear?

The reviewed research observed measurable hormonal changes within 2 to 6 weeks of continuous administration, suggesting consistent daily use over at least 6–8 weeks is a reasonable timeframe to evaluate personal response.

Should Cordyceps be combined with other treatments for diabetic sexual dysfunction?

Yes, ideally alongside — not instead of — standard diabetes management such as glucose control, since uncontrolled blood sugar is the underlying driver of the vascular, nerve, and hormonal damage that Cordyceps research is trying to counteract; addressing the root cause gives any supplement a better chance of showing a measurable effect.

Sources

Kuo YC, et al. Cordyceps sinensis as an immunomodulatory agent. Am J Chin Med. 1996. PMID 8874668
Chen S, et al. Ergogenic potential of Cordyceps militaris supplementation. J Diet Suppl. 2010. PMID 22432923
Wankeaw A, et al. Cordyceps militaris improves reproductive function of diabetic male rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021. PMID 33465425