Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that colonize insects and arthropods. The wild harvested species — Cordyceps sinensis (now reclassified as Ophiocordyceps sinensis) — grows by parasitizing the larvae of ghost moths on the Tibetan plateau, producing a mummified caterpillar with a small mushroom emerging from its head. Wild C. sinensis commands extraordinary prices ($15,000–$60,000 USD/kg) due to scarcity, and has been used in Tibetan medicine for respiratory and kidney health.

The commercially cultivated species relevant to most supplement markets is Cordyceps militaris — a related but distinct species that can be cultivated on grain or liquid media and contains substantially higher levels of cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), the compound of primary pharmacological interest. A 2010 study in the *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine* found that Cordyceps supplementation improved VO2 max in older adults. A 2017 study in *Journal of Dietary Supplements* confirmed aerobic performance improvements in younger healthy adults.

The primary mechanism proposed involves adenosine and cordycepin's effects on cellular ATP production and oxygen utilization efficiency.

Active Compounds

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), Adenosine, Beta-glucans, Polysaccharides, N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine (HEA), Ergosterol

Researched Benefits: Aerobic performance and VO2 max (human clinical data), Cellular energy (ATP) production support (in vitro and animal data), Anti-fatigue effects (traditional use and animal studies), Kidney protection (traditional use; limited clinical data for C. sinensis)

Contraindications: Immunosuppressant medications — immune modulation reported, Anticoagulants — cordycepin has antiplatelet activity, Autoimmune conditions, Pregnancy — insufficient data

Qty

Cordyceps militaris is bright orange and produces club-shaped fruiting bodies on insect hosts. In commercial cultivation, it is grown on substrates of brown rice, grain, or liquid fermentation media — eliminating the need for insect hosts. Commercially cultivated Cordyceps militaris contains measurable cordycepin; wild-harvested Cordyceps sinensis contains very little cordycepin but higher polysaccharide content.

Consumers should note that many 'Cordyceps sinensis' products on the market are actually myceliated grain — C. sinensis cannot be commercially cultivated as a fruiting body. The resulting products are primarily grain starch with minimal fungal content. Products from fruiting body C. militaris are preferable and more substantiated.

Origin: C. militaris is cultivated globally; wild C. sinensis is harvested on the Tibetan Plateau (3,000–5,000m elevation).

Scientific Name: Cordyceps militaris
Origin: Tibetan Plateau (C. sinensis); Globally cultivated (C. militaris)

Cordyceps

Active Compounds

Research Citations

Collection