Cordyceps Mushroom Extract

Cordyceps, also known as Chinese caterpillar fungus, is a terrestrial fungus parasitizing larvae of ghost moths and produces a fruiting body. It is one of the most valued medicinal fungi in China, used for its tonic effects in strengthening the body and restoring energy. The fungus is endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings including Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan provinces in China, and the Himalayas such as Bhutan, India, and Nepal.

The name Cordyceps comes from the Greek word ‘kordyle’ meaning ‘club’ and Latin word ‘ceps’ meaning ‘head.’ The four major industrial species of cordyceps include Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps cicadae, and Cordyceps sobolifera.

The fruiting body contains the majority of the therapeutic compounds found in mushrooms. The bioactive compounds present in Cordyceps mushroom are: 

• Polysaccharides
• Proteins
• Mannitol
• Peptides
• Sterols (Ergosterol)