COULD CORDYCEPS EVER INFECT HUMANS?

By Dr. Julie Daoust, BSc, PhD, Chief Science Officer, M2 Ingredients 

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the popularity of The Last of Us, it’s that people are fascinated by fungi. And honestly? I love that. 

As a lifelong mycophile and scientist, I’m truly grateful that this show has brought mushrooms—and specifically Cordyceps—into the spotlight. When more people are talking about mushrooms, asking questions, and seeking to understand how they work, that’s a win for everyone in our industry and, more importantly, for public health. 

But let’s gently clear something up: Cordyceps militaris—the species cultivated for functional benefits—cannot and will not infect humans or turn us into zombies. 

The Real Cordyceps: Complex, Safe, and Scientifically Fascinating 

The species featured in the show is more closely aligned with Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a fungus that targets ants in a very specific host-parasite interaction. That species has evolved to influence the behavior of certain insects—not mammals—and certainly not humans. 

Cordyceps militaris, on the other hand, is a completely different species. At M2 Ingredients, we cultivate it organically in controlled environments. It has been used in traditional health systems and modern research for its ability to support energy, endurance, and recovery. 

Humans and ants have vastly different biology. There’s no known mechanism—nor any scientific evidence—to suggest that Cordyceps militaris could influence human behavior or cause infection. It’s a safe, well-characterized ingredient that’s been used in functional foods and supplements for decades. Our own toxicology studies on our proprietary strain of Cordyceps militaris have shown that the ingredient is well tolerated and safe for inclusion in foods and supplements. 

So What Can Cordyceps militaris Do? 

Cordyceps militaris will not turn you into a zombie, but what it can do is pretty remarkable: 

💪 Support Energy and Endurance 

One of Cordyceps’ most researched benefits is its ability to support the body’s production of ATP—the cellular fuel that powers everything we do. Studies have shown that Cordyceps militaris may improve oxygen uptake, enhance stamina, and reduce fatigue—especially during physical activity. It’s a favorite among athletes and active individuals looking for sustainable energy without a caffeine crash. 

🧘‍♀️ Act as an Adaptogen 

Cordyceps helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress. While it’s not typically thought of as a cognitive mushroom (like Lion’s Mane), many users report a noticeable boost in resilience and motivation—likely tied to its support for cellular energy and recovery. 

🦠 Promote Gut Health 

We’re especially excited about emerging research showing that M2 Cordyceps 116™ (our proprietary strain of Cordyceps) acts as a strong prebiotic, (performing better than the industry standard inulin in our studies) helping to nourish beneficial gut bacteria in unique ways.  

Our studies in partnership with ProDigest using in vitro gut simulation models have found: 

• Substantial increase in production of short-chain fatty acids (like butyrate), which help regulate inflammation and support gut barrier integrity 

• Improved microbial diversity of beneficial species in the microbiome  

• A gentle modulation of gas levels, indicating a supportive environment for good microbes 

These benefits come from the whole mushroom—including both fruiting body and mycelium—working together in synergy. That’s why at M2, we focus on minimally processed, full-spectrum mushroom powders rather than extracts alone. 

From Myth to Meaningful Impact 

While we don’t need to worry about Cordyceps militaris taking over our minds, we should be excited about how this mushroom can support our health. The attention generated by The Last of Us has opened the door to important conversations about the power of fungi—and for that, I’m grateful. If you are worried about a fungus taking over your mind you should worry about yeasts with which we make alcohol. Those have definitely turned a few people into zombies! 

As scientists, it’s our job to guide those conversations with clarity, humility, and evidence. And the evidence is clear: Cordyceps militaris is safe, effective, and an exciting tool for energy, performance, and gut health. 

Let’s keep the mushroom conversation going—for the science, for the sustainability, and for the incredible potential fungi have to support human health. 

— Dr. Julie Daoust