Introduction
The naturally growing caterpillar fungi, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, a fungi of the family Cordycipitaceae has been collected for centuries in the Indian Himalayan regions and used as traditional medicines by the royals and wealthy people. Cordyceps militaris, a member of the same family is lab cultivated for decades because of its ease of cultivation and significantly lower pricing than the original caterpillar fungi. Because of its natural scarcity and extremely limited supply, Ophiocordyceps sinensis fruiting body boasts to be the costliest fungus on this planet, with a price tag of around ₹ 30,00,000 (USD 35,957) per kg.
However, its higher retail pricing pushes its far beyond the reach of a large population across the globe. Its price has dropped a bit in a couple of years, but is still considerably high. Currently, there’s no regulation over the pricing of this mushroom. In India, the general retail price ranges is INR 30,000 – 3,00,000 (USD 360 – 3,600) per kilogram of the dry fruiting body. The price variance depends of the source of cultivation, cordycepin content (higher cordycepin content fetches higher price), cost and method of cultivation, drying and storage, brands and several other factors.
Cordyceps militaris is one of the most exquisite nature’s gifts to the mankind that can be cultivated under laboratory conditions without losing its medicinal properties. Impregnated with the molecules of immense pharmacological potentials (cordycepin, cordycepic acid, adenosine, polysaccharides, etc.), the fungus has exhibited promising anticancer, antioxidant, antiaging, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, improvement of male fertility, and many others. By acting as the most adaptogen, its regular consumption can greatly improve the physical and psychological wellbeing.
Cordyceps militaris: The Plethora of Nutraceuticals
Most of the members of the genus Cordyceps, including Cordyceps militaris express several unique biomolecules of immense pharmaceutical potentials, with cordycepin at the top. Besides this, this mushroom and its mycelia are rich in antioxidants, anti-cancer molecules, fibrinolytic enzymes, antimicrobial compounds, adaptogens, immunomodulators, etc. With ongoing research works over decades on its medicinal properties, numerous unique molecules of pharmaceutical potentials have been identified. These molecules, alone or combination of others, exert an orchestrating effect on the human body for its overall physiological and psychological wellness.
A summary of bioactive components from Cordyceps militaris with their biological activities and implication in therapeutics is tabulated below.
| Bioactive Compounds | Biological activity / Therapeutic effects |
| Cordycepin | Antitumor, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, inhibit platelet aggregation, hypolipidemic, analgesic, immunomodulatory |
| Adenosine | Anticonvulsant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-tumor |
| Exopolysaccharide Fraction (EPSF) | Anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulatory |
| Acid polysaccharides (APS) | Antioxidant, Immunomodulatory effect |
| CPS-1 | Antioxidant |
| CPS-2 | Cell proliferation inhibition |
| Mannoglucan | Cytotoxicity activity |
| CME-1 | Antioxidant |
| PS-A | Inhibitory activity against cholesterol esterase |
| PS-A | Anti-tumor |
| D-mannitol (Cordycepic acid) | Diuretic, anti-tussive and anti-free radical activities |
| Ergosterol | Antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-arrhythmic effects, Helps in bone development |
| beta-Sitosterol | Protect from breast, colon and prostate cancer |
| H1-A | Immunoregulation |
| CSDNase | DNA hydrolysis, nucleolytic properties |
| CSP | Fibrinolytic activity |
| Cordymin | Anti-diabetic effect, antifungal |
| Cordycedipeptide A | Cytotoxic activity |
| Cordyceamides A and B | Cytotoxic activity |
| Tryptophan | Serves as precursor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter’s serotonin and tryptamine |
| Xanthophylls | Anticancer |
| Fibrnolytic enzyme | Treatment of thrombosis |
| Proteoglucans | Enhanced anticancer effect on bladder cancer cells |
| Phenolic compounds | Antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-arthritic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-hypertensive, cardio-protective, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic |
| N-acetylgalactosamine | Necessary for intercellular communication |
| Exopolysaccharides, Chitinase, macrolides, cicadapeptins, myriocin, superoxide dismutase, protease, napthaquinone, Cordyheptapeptide and dipicolinic acid | Nutraceutical, pharmaceutical |
| B1 | Essential in neurologic activities |
| B2 | Helps in energy production |
| B12 | Help in cellular metabolism, DNA synthesis, methylation and mitochondrial metabolism |
| E | Antioxidant, help in formation of blood cells, muscles, lung and nerve tissues, Increase immunity |
| K | Essential for blood clotting |
Nutrient Profile of Cordyceps militaris
The fruiting body and mycelia of Cordyceps militaris are rich in proteins, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and mineral.
The nutrient profile of the mycelia and fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris is tabulated below. Note that the the nutrient composition may vary depending in the strain, substrate composition, incubation conditions and duration, mode of drying, storage, etc.
| Nutrient Profile | Mycelia | Fruiting Body |
| Cordycepin | 1.74 – 1.82 mg / g | 1.10 – 10.28 mg/ g |
| D-mannitol (Cordycepic acid) | 5.2 mg / kg | 4.7 mg / kg |
| Ergothioneine | 130.6 mg/ kg | 782.3 mg/ kg |
| GABA | 68.6 – 180.1 mg/ kg | 756.30 ug / g |
| Lovastatin | 37.7 – 57.3 mg / kg | 2.76 ug / g |
| Vit A (Retinol) | 100 mg/ kg | 96 mg/ kg |
| Vit E (Tocopherols) | 1.3 mg/ kg | 3.6 mg/kg |
| Vit B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.32 mg/ kg | 0.16 mg/ kg |
| Vit B3 (Niacin) | 1.2 mg/ kg | 4.9 mg/ kg |
| Vit C (Ascorbic acid) | Not Detected | < 2 mg/ kg |
| Total amino acids (mg/ g) | 24.98 | 57.39 |
| Calcium | 11 mg/kg | 797 mg/kg |
| Potassium | 12183 mg/ kg | 15938 mg/ kg |
| Sodium | 1567 mg/kg | 171 mg/kg |
| Phosphorus | 14293 mg/kg | 7196 mg/kg |
| Magnesium | 3414 mg/ kg | 4227 mg/ kg |
| Sulphur | 2558 mg/ kg | 5088 mg/ kg |
| Selenium | < 0.5 mg/ kg | 0.4 mg/ kg |
| Iron | 9 mg/ kg | 31 mg/ kg |
| Calcium | 11 mg/ kg | 797 mg/ kg |
| Zinc | 10 mg/ kg | Not Detected |
| Protein | 39.5% | 59.8% |
| Fat | 2.2% | 8.8% |
| Carbohydrate | 39.6% | 29.1% |
| Energy (kcal/ 100 g) | 336 | 401 |
Health Benefits of Cordyceps militaris
By acting as one of the most potent natural adaptogens, Cordyceps militaris equilibrates the physiological and psychological state towards overall wellbeing.
It fights and stimulates our innate and adaptive immunity against viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan and other microbial infections. It orchestrates and suppresses hyperactivity of the immune system to alleviate inflammations, allergies and some of autoimmune disorders.
To name a few, it’s antidiabetic and antilipidemic that accounts for its medicinal property to alleviate and/or treat diabetes and hyperlipemia as well their subsequent complications. It promotes oxygenation level of the body that help improve the performance of aerobic exercise simultaneously with keep the body energized throughout the day. It also exerts organoprotective effect on liver, kidney, lungs and other organs and glands. The list is most likely to grow promisingly with upcoming research works in future. Some of the health benefits of consuming Cordyceps militaris are summarized below.
1. Antibiotic free remedy of Common Cold
Even for a severe common cold episode (cough, bronchitis, running nose, teary eyes, throat sore, stuffy nose, nasal congestion, shallow breathing, etc.), a single tea will relieve around 25% symptoms within 1 hours of taking the tea- probably the most potent natural nutraceutical or medicine to relieve common cold!
In most cases, the common cold subsides in next 2-3 days.
Effectively controls Nighttime Cough from day 1.
2. Respiratory Health
Prevents common cold, Asthma and Pneumonia incidences
Ameliorates SARS, Influenza and common cold infections
Alleviates Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, etc.
Increases O2 uptake, ventilation and aerobic performances
Relieves allergic Cough, Sneeze, Running nose, etc.
May alleviates silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis.
3. Improves Cardiovascular Health, Anti-obesity
Corrects arrhythmic cardia (abnormal heart rate), bradycardia (slower heart rate) and tachycardia (faster heart rate).
Prevents blood vessel blockage by exerting Antiplatelet effects
Inhibits ceramide biosynthesis and attenuates metabolic impairments of obesity, diabetes and associated cardiovascular disease.
Decreases total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol simultaneously with increasing HDL-cholesterol.
Hypocholesterolemic, Hypotensive and Vasorelaxation Activities
4. Digestive Health
Enhances proliferation of probiotics and phenolic acid abundance in gut.
Modulates the intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota, which may provide a new strategy for improving intestinal health.
Alleviate inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and other gastrointestinal conditions by reducing gut inflammation.
Stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, thus improving digestion of food and subsequent absorption of nutrients.
5. Anti-diabetic, Hypoglycemic
Ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites.
Improves and repairs the impaired islet β-cells in pancreatic tissue.
Increases fasting serum insulin.
Decreases fasting body glucose (hypoglycemic), blood glycosylated Hb and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance.
Attenuated high glucose-induced cell damage, inflammation and abnormal energy metabolism.
May prevent diabetic nephropathy (chronic kidney disease).
6. Organoprotective
Promotes osmoregulation and hemopoietic functions.
Relieves fibrosis of Liver, Kidney, Lungs, Pancreas, etc.
Protects Liver, Kidney, Lungs, etc. from inflammation, toxicities and oxidative damages and improves their functioning.
Relieve fibrosis in the lung by inhibiting TGF-b1 expression and promotion of collagen degradation.
Lowered serum uric acid in blood of experimental mice.
7. Promotes Skin Health, may alleviate Acne
Exhibits efficacy against some Skin Pathogenic Bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Cutibacterium acnes and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).
Down-regulate the mecA gene expression in MRSA.
Promotes overall skin health
May alleviate acne by inhibiting growth of Cutibacterium acnes.
Promotes wound healing, may lighten scar tissues
8. Bidirectional Immunomodulator
Promotes the adaptive immune system, including cellular and humoral immunity
Acts as a bidirectional modulator with both potentiating and suppressive effects on the immune system through regulating innate and adaptive immunity.
May control autoimmune disorders and graft rejections.
Anti-allergic, minimizes inflammation of Tissues and Organs.
Anti-arthritic, anti-asthmatic
Ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inhibiting leukocyte infiltration and reducing neuroinflammation.
9. Anti-inflammatory
Reduces pulmonary inflammations in various respiratory diseases such as asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Improves mucus clearance and airway surface hydration.
Minimizes inflammation of tissues and organs.
Downregulates outcomes of allergic reactions.
10. Antioxidant, Antiaging
Slows down aging of organs & body
Scavenges Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
Minimizes oxidative damage of Nucleic acids, Lipids, proteins, etc.
Minimizes lipid peroxidation
Busts stress and improves sleep pattern.
11. Boosts Energy & Oxygenation
Improves performance of Aerobic Exercise
Boosts Energy Level, Delays Fatigue
Most potent natural Adaptogen
Promotes Overall Wellness
12. Neurotropic & Neuroprotective
Improves cognitive performance, Reverses memory impairment, improves dementia.
Promotes neuron growth and functions.
Prevents neuropathy of Diabetes.
May improves cognitive performance in Autism.
Cordycepin confers long-term neuroprotection via inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury.
13. Broad spectrum Antimicrobial
Broad spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, insecticidal, larvicidal and antiparasitic Fights viral infections (Influenza, SARS, Dengue, HIV 1, etc.).
Inhibits protein and nucleic acid synthesis of Plasmodium (c.a. of Malaria)
Cordycepin Inhibits Virus Replication in Dengue Virus-Infected Vero Cells
Cordycepin Inhibits Replication of Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) , the causative agent of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD).
Cordycepin kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis through hijacking the bacterial adenosine kinase.
14. Reproductive Health
Increases sperm concentrations and ratio of motile sperm.
Improves libido by boosting acting as aphrodisiac, anti-fatigue, anti-depressant and promoting hormonal balance.
Improves fertility in both sexes.
Aphrodisiac
15. Anti-Covid
The only molecules on this Earth to neutralize SARS-CoV2 virus by targeting 1. Spike protein, 2. Main protease, 3. RNA dependent RNA polymerase, as well as 4. acting as Adenosine analog.
Reduces inflammation of respiratory system.
Increases O2 uptake, ventilation and aerobic performances.
Kills SARS-CoV2 virus and develops immunity.
16. Anti-tumor and anti-cancer
Antiproliferative effect various tumor cell lines.
Accelerates the Kupffer cells mediated phagocytosis to prevent metastasis.
Stronger antitumor activity against MCF-7, B16, HL-60, and HepG2 cancer cell lines.
Apoptosis and autophagy of various types of cancer cells.
Restrains the proliferation of cancer cells and angiogenesis in solid tumors.
I. As an adjuvant enhances the chemosensitivity of gall bladder cancer cells
II. Cordycepin enhances the chemosensitivity of esophageal cancer cells to cisplatin by inducing the activation of AMPK and suppressing the AKT signaling pathway.
III. Compared with conventional treatment, adjuvant treatment with Cordyceps sinensis of lung cancer not only improve TRR, QOL and immune function, but also reduce the incidence of ADRs and radiation pneumonitis.
IV. Cordyceps militaris Exerts Antitumor Effect on Carboplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer via Activation of ATF3/TP53 Signaling.
V. Cordycepin disrupts leukemia association with mesenchymal stromal cells and eliminates leukemia stem cell activity.
References
1. Lin B, Li S. Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92758
2. Das G, Shin HS, Leyva-Gómez G, Prado-Audelo MLD, Cortes H, Singh YD, Panda MK, Mishra AP, Nigam M, Saklani S, Chaturi PK, Martorell M, Cruz-Martins N, Sharma V, Garg N, Sharma R, Patra JK. Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Feb 8;11:602364. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.602364. PMID: 33628175; PMCID: PMC7898063.
3. Dubhashi S, Sinha S, Dwivedi S, et al. (August 18, 2023) Early Trends to Show the Efficacy of Cordyceps militaris in Mild to Moderate COVID Inflammation. Cureus 15(8): e43731. doi:10.7759/cureus.43731
4. Lee CT, Huang KS, Shaw JF, Chen JR, Kuo WS, Shen G, Grumezescu AM, Holban AM, Wang YT, Wang JS, Hsiang YP, Lin YM, Hsu HH, Yang CH. Trends in the Immunomodulatory Effects of Cordyceps militaris: Total Extracts, Polysaccharides and Cordycepin. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Nov 30;11:575704. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.575704. PMID: 33328984; PMCID: PMC7735063.
5. Pu, S., Yang, Z., Zhang, X. et al. Fermented cordyceps powder alleviates silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in rats by regulating the Th immune response. Chin Med 18, 131 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-023-00823-8
6. Shweta, Abdullah, S., Komal, & Kumar, A. (2023, June). A brief review on the medicinal uses of Cordyceps militaris. Pharmacological Research – Modern Chinese Medicine, 7, 100228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prmcm.2023.100228
7. Tuli, H.S., Kashyap, D., Sharma, A.K. (2015). Cordycepin: A Cordyceps Metabolite with Promising Therapeutic Potential. In: Merillon, JM., Ramawat, K. (eds) Fungal Metabolites. Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19456-1_2-1
8. Yi, X., Xi-zhen, H. & Jia-shi, Z. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 10, 187–192 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02836405
9. Panya A, Songprakhon P, Panwong S, Jantakee K, Kaewkod T, Tragoolpua Y, Sawasdee N, Lee VS, Nimmanpipug P, Yenchitsomanus PT. Cordycepin Inhibits Virus Replication in Dengue Virus-Infected Vero Cells. Molecules. 2021 May 23;26(11):3118. doi: 10.3390/molecules26113118. PMID: 34071102; PMCID: PMC8197141.
10. Rabie, A. M. (2022). Potent Inhibitory Activities of the Adenosine Analogue Cordycepin on SARS-CoV-2 Replication. ACS Omega, 7(3), 2960–2969. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c05998
11. Jones, A. N., Mourão, A., Czarna, A., Matsuda, A., Fino, R., Pyrc, K., Sattler, M., & Popowicz, G. M. (2022). Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 replication complex elongation and proofreading activity. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 9593. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-13380-1
12. Cordycepin as a Promising Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). (2022). Current Medicinal Chemistry, 29(1). https://doi.org/10.2174/1875533xmte3pndes0
13. Chellapandi P, & Saranya S. (2021). Cordycepin and its nucleoside analogs for the treatment of systemic COVID-19 infection. Coronaviruses, 02. https://doi.org/10.2174/2666796702666210910111551
14. Ashraf SA, Elkhalifa AEO, Siddiqui AJ, Patel M, Awadelkareem AM, Snoussi M, Ashraf MS, Adnan M, Hadi S. Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Cordyceps Medicinal Fungus and Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential. Molecules. 2020 Jun 12;25(12):2735. doi: 10.3390/molecules25122735. PMID: 32545666; PMCID: PMC7356751.
15. Hu P, Chen W, Bao J, Jiang L, Wu L. Cordycepin modulates inflammatory and catabolic gene expression in interleukin-1beta-induced human chondrocytes from advanced-stage osteoarthritis: an in vitro study. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2014 Sep 15;7(10):6575-84. PMID: 25400736; PMCID: PMC4230148.
16. Gao, Y., Chen, DL., Zhou, M. et al. Cordycepin enhances the chemosensitivity of esophageal cancer cells to cisplatin by inducing the activation of AMPK and suppressing the AKT signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 11, 866 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-020-03079-4
17. Wang C, Wang J, Qi Y. Adjuvant treatment with Cordyceps sinensis for lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Mar 12;327:118044. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118044. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38484953.
18. Jo, E., Jang, H. J., Yang, K. E., Jang, M. S., Huh, Y. H., Yoo, H. S., Park, J., Jang, I. S., & Park, S. J. (2020, January). Cordyceps militaris exerts Antitumor Effect on Carboplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer via Activation of ATF3/TP53 Signaling In Vitro and In Vivo. Natural Products Communications, 15(1), 1934578X2090255. https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578×2090255
19. Jeong, M. H., Lee, C. M., Lee, S. W., Seo, S. Y., Seo, M. J., Kang, B. W., Jeong, Y. K., Choi, Y. J., Yang, K. M., & Jo, W. S. (2013, August 6). Cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps militaris induces immunomodulation and tumor growth delay in mouse-derived breast cancer. Oncology Reports, 30(4), 1996–2002. https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2013.2660
20. Liang, SM., Lu, YJ., Ko, BS. et al. Cordycepin disrupts leukemia association with mesenchymal stromal cells and eliminates leukemia stem cell activity. Sci Rep 7, 43930 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/srep43930
21. Hu P, Chen W, Bao J, Jiang L, Wu L. Cordycepin modulates inflammatory and catabolic gene expression in interleukin-1beta-induced human chondrocytes from advanced-stage osteoarthritis: an in vitro study. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2014 Sep 15;7(10):6575-84. PMID: 25400736; PMCID: PMC4230148.
22. Lee Y-P, Yu C-K, Wong T-W, Chen L-C, Huang B-M. Cordycepin Inhibits Enterovirus A71 Replication and Protects Host Cell from Virus-Induced Cytotoxicity through Adenosine Action Pathway. Viruses. 2024; 16(3):352. https://doi.org/10.3390/v16030352
23. Panya A, Songprakhon P, Panwong S, Jantakee K, Kaewkod T, Tragoolpua Y, Sawasdee N, Lee VS, Nimmanpipug P, Yenchitsomanus PT. Cordycepin Inhibits Virus Replication in Dengue Virus-Infected Vero Cells. Molecules. 2021 May 23;26(11):3118. doi: 10.3390/molecules26113118. PMID: 34071102; PMCID: PMC8197141.
24. Eiamthaworn K, Kaewkod T, Bovonsombut S, Tragoolpua Y. Efficacy of Cordyceps militaris Extracts against Some Skin Pathogenic Bacteria and Antioxidant Activity. J Fungi (Basel). 2022 Mar 22;8(4):327. doi: 10.3390/jof8040327. PMID: 35448557; PMCID: PMC9030010.
25. Kumar Gupta, S., Kumar Mali, S., Prakash Yadav, R., & Sohi, S. (2023, October 31). Exploring the Medicinal Marvel: The Potential of Yarsagumba as Regenerative Medicine and in Wound Healing. International Journal of Advanced Research, 11(10), 818–840. https://doi.org/10.21474/ijar01/17772
26. Jędrejko KJ, Lazur J, Muszyńska B. Cordyceps militaris: An Overview of Its Chemical Constituents in Relation to Biological Activity. Foods. 2021 Oct 30;10(11):2634. doi: 10.3390/foods10112634. PMID: 34828915; PMCID: PMC8622900.
27. Chan JS, Barseghyan GS, Asatiani MD, Wasser SP. Chemical Composition and Medicinal Value of Fruiting Bodies and Submerged Cultured Mycelia of Caterpillar Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps militaris CBS-132098 (Ascomycetes). Int J Med Mushrooms. 2015;17(7):649-59. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.v17.i7.50. PMID: 26559699.
28. Ashraf SA, Elkhalifa AEO, Siddiqui AJ, Patel M, Awadelkareem AM, Snoussi M, Ashraf MS, Adnan M, Hadi S. Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps with Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential. Molecules. 2020; 25(12):2735. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25122735
29. Lin B, Li S. Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92758/
30. Hirsch KR, Mock MG, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Smith-Ryan AE. Chronic supplementation of a mushroom blend on oxygen kinetics, peak power, and time to exhaustion. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015 Sep 21;12(Suppl 1):P45. doi: 10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P45. PMCID: PMC4594151.
31. Hur H. Chemical Ingredients of Cordyceps militaris. Mycobiology. 2008 Dec;36(4):233-5. doi: 10.4489/MYCO.2008.36.4.233. Epub 2008 Dec 31. PMID: 23997632; PMCID: PMC3755201.
32. Ma L, Zhang S, Du M. Cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris prevents hyperglycemia in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Nutr Res. 2015 May;35(5):431-9. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2015.04.011. Epub 2015 Apr 18. PMID: 25940982.
33. Jhou BY, Fang WC, Chen YL, Chen CC. A 90-day subchronic toxicity study of submerged mycelial culture of Cordyceps militaris in rats. Toxicol Res (Camb). 2018 Jun 6;7(5):977-986. doi: 10.1039/c8tx00075a. PMID: 30310675; PMCID: PMC6116727.
34. Hirsch KR, Smith-Ryan AE, Roelofs EJ, Trexler ET, Mock MG. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. J Diet Suppl. 2017 Jan 2;14(1):42-53. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386. Epub 2016 Jul 13. PMID: 27408987; PMCID: PMC5236007.
