Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps militaris is a parasitic fungus that naturally infects insects such as moth larvae and forms a striking orange‑brown fruiting body. In modern nutraceuticals, it is cultivated on grain or liquid media and used primarily as a dietary supplement aimed at supporting energy metabolism, immune function, and exercise performance.

• Cordycepin (3′‑deoxyadenosine): C₁₀H₁₃N₅O₃, IUPAC: 9‑(2‑deoxy‑β‑D‑ribofuranosyl)adenine. It lacks a 3′‑hydroxyl group, conferring resistance to adenosine‑degrading enzymes.
• Cordycepic acid (D‑mannitol): C₆H₁₄O₆, a sugar alcohol that contributes to osmotic balance.
• β‑glucans: High‑molecular‑weight polysaccharides (β‑1,3/1,6 linkages) with molecular weights 10⁴–10⁶ Da.
• Ergosterol: C₂₈H₄₄O, a sterol precursor for vitamin D₂ synthesis.
• Solubility: These molecules are water‑soluble (cordycepin) and partially soluble (β‑glucans), allowing extraction by hot water, ethanol, or super‑critical CO₂ methods.
• Interaction: Their structures enable interaction with nucleotide‑binding enzymes and pattern‑recognition receptors.

• Cultivation Locations: Cordyceps militaris is cultivated primarily in China, Japan, and Korea.
• Cultivation Conditions: Cultivated on sterilized grains (e.g., rice, soy) under controlled temperature (20–25 °C) and humidity (70–80 %).
• Extraction Methods: Commercial extracts are produced via hot‑water extraction for polysaccharides and ethanol/macroporous resin chromatography for cordycepin enrichment.
• Premium Extraction: Premium products employ super‑critical CO₂ for sterol‑rich fractions, preserving bio‑activity.
• Quality Criteria: Quality criteria include ≥10 % cordycepin (HPLC‑validated) and low microbial contamination (<10³ CFU/g).
• Contamination Control: Certified organic, GMP‑certified farms that use substrate‑free, fungal‑only cultures reduce contamination from host insects.
• Testing: Third‑party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins is essential to ensure safety and potency.