I have read a number of places where studies have shown where this product raises cortisol levels.

http://forum.avantlabs.com/lofiversion/index.php/t167.html

http://www.thomasincledon.com/FreeArticles...%20sinensis.htm

If so, this may be a good product for overtrained individuals who are experiencing adrenal fatifue and who have levels of cortisol that have TESTED in low normal or below normal ranges... but would not, I would think, be a good recommendation for other individuals due to the catabolic effect of cortisol.

Most individuals would - I would believe - be more concerned with looking into products that would LOWER cortisol levels.

Siberian ginseng (not panax ginseng - it too raises cortisol levels).

Rhodiola rosea.

Phosphatidyl serine (high dose - 800 mg daily)

Those would be better choices in situations where cortisol reduction would be the primary objective.

Stat1951 you make a good point that anything inclined to elevate cortisol levels is undesirable, BUT cordyceps also raises testosterone, which is anabolic and hence will help offset the marginal gain in cortisol levels

Also, cortisol is only bad when levels are high enough to cause catabolism - low cortisol levels are very bad too (completely wipes you out)

The solution is simple - stack Cordyceps with other supplements that LOWER cortisol levels (e.g. Rhodiola, PS, Gerovital-H3, 7-Keto OH (e.g. Lean Xtreme) etc.) and you can reap the benefits of Cordyceps (e.g. increased testosterone) without worrying about cortisol levels!