What is Cordyceps militaris?
Cordyceps militaris is a parasitic fungus that grows on insect larvae. It belongs to the same genus as the renowned Ophiocordyceps sinensis (also known as caterpillar fungus). Unlike Ophiocordyceps sinensis, which has a rich history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and is well-known for its unique health benefits and rarity, Cordyceps militaris stands out due to its distinct growth characteristics and medicinal value.
Ophiocordyceps sinensis is highly prized, but its scarcity and the difficulty in harvesting make it quite expensive, often out of reach for the average consumer [1]. In contrast, Cordyceps militaris does not require a deceased insect host to complete its growth cycle, which makes it suitable for large-scale artificial cultivation using modern technology. This controlled cultivation ensures a stable supply and reasonable pricing [2], also reducing pressure on wild resources and aiding in ecological conservation.
Cordyceps militaris thrives both in the wild and in artificial environments. Naturally, it is found in various regions worldwide, including Asia, Europe, and North America. In China, it is primarily distributed in the northeastern, northern, and southwestern regions. Cordyceps militaris commonly parasitizes the larvae of various insects, with silkworm pupae being the most frequent host. Given the limited availability and challenges in harvesting wild Cordyceps militaris, modern technology has enabled its artificial cultivation. By controlling temperature, humidity, and nutrients, high-quality Cordyceps militaris can be produced on a large scale in laboratory settings, ensuring stable supply and affordability.
For over 3000 years, Cordyceps militaris has been consumed in China for medicinal purposes. It has been used to treat lung and kidney disorders, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, respiratory diseases, fatigue, night sweats, fertility issues, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular conditions. More broadly, it exhibits a range of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-metastatic, immune-modulating, hypoglycemic, and steroidogenic activities [3].
Immune Modulation
Cordyceps militaris is believed to activate the immune system by enhancing the activity and proliferation of various immune cells. A study on healthy adult males showed that daily supplementation with 1.5 grams of Cordyceps militaris (in capsule form) for four weeks resulted in increased levels of IL-2, IL-12, natural killer (NK) cells, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), indicating its potential to boost immune function [6]. Research has shown that Cordyceps militaris extract exhibits immune-modulating and antioxidant properties in Kunming mice, enhancing total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the heart, kidneys, and liver with oral doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg [5]. Korean male volunteers who consumed an ethanol extract of Cordyceps militaris at 1.5 grams daily for four weeks showed improved cell-mediated immunity with no observed side effects [4].
Enhancing Male Sexual Function
Traditionally, Cordyceps militaris has been used to enhance sexual function. Recent studies have revealed its ability to improve sperm quality and quantity [7]. Experimental results indicate that cordycepin can increase testosterone production in mouse testicular Leydig cells, with higher concentrations leading to increased testosterone levels [8]. Additionally, cordycepin stimulates testosterone production and testicular weight in immature mice [9]. Further research shows that supplementing with Cordyceps sinensis mycelium significantly improves sperm quality and quantity in low-fertility boars and rats [10]. Long-term intake of cordycepin can mitigate testicular function decline in middle-aged rats [11]. Extracts of Cordyceps militaris have also been shown to maintain androgen levels effectively and exhibit potential in inhibiting prostate hypertrophy [12]. While these findings are promising, most studies are conducted on animal models, and the effects of cordycepin in humans require further clinical validation.
Hypoglycemic Effects
Cordyceps militaris is believed to have hypoglycemic effects. Scientific research indicates that Cordyceps militaris contains various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, bitter acids, and polyphenols, which have antidiabetic potential. Studies have found that Cordyceps militaris extract can lower blood glucose levels through multiple mechanisms, including enhancing pancreatic beta-cell function, increasing insulin secretion, and improving pancreatic function. Additionally, Cordyceps militaris exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which positively impact diabetes management.
Cordyceps militaris may ameliorate type 2 diabetes (T2DM) through the following mechanisms:
- Increasing beneficial gut bacteria.
- Modulating gut microbiota structure.
- Enhancing metabolic products and pathways associated with T2DM.
- Improving physiological and biochemical parameters, alleviating T2DM symptoms [13].
Anti-Aging
Cordyceps militaris is rich in antioxidants, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and cordycepin, which play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage. Free radicals are key contributors to cellular aging and tissue damage. By scavenging free radicals, Cordyceps militaris helps delay the aging process, contributing positively to overall health. Cordycepin and other peptides in Cordyceps militaris promote cell regeneration and repair, particularly for skin cells, helping reduce wrinkles and fine lines, maintain skin elasticity and radiance, and keep the skin youthful. Research shows that Cordyceps militaris extract exhibits strong free radical scavenging activity, inhibits hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis, and prevents premature aging of human dermal fibroblasts, supporting skin health and anti-aging [14].
Anti-Cancer and Anti-Tumor
Recent scientific research indicates that Cordyceps militaris has potential in promoting apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Further studies have revealed its inhibitory effects on the growth of various human cancer cells, including lung cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer [15]. However, it is important to note that these studies have primarily been conducted on animal models and in laboratory settings. Large-scale clinical trials in humans are still needed to confirm the exact therapeutic efficacy and safety of Cordyceps militaris in cancer treatment.
Anti-Fatigue
Cordyceps militaris contains active components such as cordycepin, cordyceps polysaccharides, and adenosine, which are believed to enhance immunity, combat fatigue, and improve athletic performance. These components may improve exercise performance through several mechanisms:
- Increasing oxygen utilization: Cordyceps militaris enhances oxygen transport in the blood, improving muscle tissue oxygen utilization, thus sustaining high performance during intense exercise.
- Boosting metabolic efficiency: Cordyceps polysaccharides and other active components promote energy metabolism, increasing ATP production efficiency, providing more energy for muscles while reducing waste, and enhancing overall exercise efficiency [16].
- Reducing lactic acid accumulation: Active components in Cordyceps militaris help reduce lactic acid production and accumulation, delaying muscle fatigue and extending exercise time. A study showed that mice supplemented with Cordyceps militaris extract performed better in swim endurance tests [17].
Skin Health
Cordyceps militaris extract has shown the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause skin diseases [19].
Potential for Insomnia Treatment
Research suggests that chemical constituents in Cordyceps militaris may have anxiolytic and sedative effects, helping alleviate insomnia symptoms. Studies have highlighted the presence of cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) in Cordyceps militaris, a bioactive component with adenosine playing a key role in promoting sleep. Cordycepin has been shown to significantly extend non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep duration in rats [20]. Traditional medicine has utilized cordycepin to treat insomnia for centuries [21].
Menopausal Obesity
Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to various symptoms, including obesity, which affects the quality of life and poses a risk for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases [22]. Adipokines synthesized in adipose tissue are believed to regulate insulin resistance and chronic inflammation [23], making menopausal obesity a significant health concern. Cordycepin and polysaccharides derived from Cordyceps militaris have been found to ameliorate gut microbiota imbalance and improve obesity in rats and mice [24]. Studies have reported that Cordyceps militaris can prevent metabolic syndrome, including obesity, and benefit the reproductive hormone system, suggesting its potential in regulating menopausal obesity. Cordyceps militaris extract prevents weight gain, fat accumulation, hepatomegaly, and reduces triglyceride levels in a dose-dependent manner [25].
Cordyceps militaris and cordycepin inhibit fat cell formation and promote fat breakdown in laboratory conditions. Results show that Cordyceps militaris and cordycepin reduce fat content in cells, increase enzymes that help break down fat, and enhance glycerol production [26]. Additionally, studies have found that Cordyceps militaris and cordycepin improve glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism in animal models, particularly in diabetes and obesity models. Human studies show that daily intake of Cordyceps militaris reduces liver fat accumulation, improving fatty liver and liver fibrosis progression, indicating its potential to inhibit abnormal fat cell differentiation in diabetes and obesity patients [27].
Differences from Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps militaris is considered a highly effective substitute for Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Unlike Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris can be cultivated in laboratory environments using rice as a growth substrate. This method makes its production more convenient, easier to obtain, and relatively low-cost. Scientific research has shown that Cordyceps militaris shares similar components and effects with Ophiocordyceps sinensis, making it a safe and reliable alternative.
Common components include:
- Essential amino acids
- Fatty acids
- B vitamins
- β-glucans and polysaccharides
- Adenosine
- Cordycepin
Unique Advantages of Cordyceps militaris:
- Cordyceps militaris contains higher levels of nucleosides, cordycepin, and adenosine compared to Ophiocordyceps sinensis [9].
- In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that cordycepin has multiple bioactivities, including immune stimulation, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, anti-fatigue, lipid-lowering, hypoglycemic, steroidogenic, and spermatogenic properties [10].
- Cordyceps militaris is grown in sterile culture media, unlike Ophiocordyceps sinensis, which grows inside arthropod bodies. Therefore, its production does not harm any insects.
Additionally, Cordyceps militaris is cultivated in controlled environments, ensuring consistent quality and potency, providing a reliable source of medicinal ingredients. Its higher levels of bioactive substances enhance its therapeutic potential, making it an ideal choice for those seeking the benefits of traditional Ophiocordyceps sinensis without the high cost and ecological impact. Laboratory cultivation of Cordyceps militaris not only supports sustainable practices but also allows its widespread application in both traditional medicine and modern therapeutic settings.
These unique characteristics make Cordyceps militaris a viable and ethical alternative to Ophiocordyceps sinensis, offering significant health benefits without compromising potency or sustainability.
Reference
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