Views: 18 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-04-18 Origin: Site
What Makes Cordyceps Militaris So Popular?
Cordyceps militaris—also known as “Northern Cordyceps” or the cousin of the more expensive wild Cordyceps sinensis—is gaining attention as one of the most promising medicinal mushrooms. Unlike wild cordyceps, C. militaris can be cultivated in large quantities while maintaining a consistent profile of bioactive compounds, making it a sustainable and effective ingredient for dietary supplements.
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine):
A signature compound of C. militaris, cordycepin is known for its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor activities. It can influence numerous cellular pathways, making it one of the most studied mushroom-derived metabolites.
Polysaccharides (CMPs):
Polysaccharides derived from C. militaris show strong antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. A 2017 study from Huazhong Agricultural University confirmed that CMPs significantly improved alcohol-induced liver injury in mice by reducing lipid peroxidation (MDA), enhancing glutathione (GSH) levels, and lowering triglycerides in liver tissue .
Adenosine and Cordycepic Acid:
These components contribute to energy metabolism and have been linked to improved endurance and reduced fatigue.
Recent studies have highlighted that C. militaris polysaccharides regulate immune responses and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. In SARS-CoV-2 and LPS-induced lung inflammation models, C. militaris capsules reduced inflammation, modulated immune cell infiltration, and even alleviated early-stage pulmonary fibrosis by downregulating the TGF-β R1/Smad2 pathway .
Cordyceps polysaccharides protect the liver from alcohol-induced damage by improving antioxidant defenses and lowering fat accumulation. This makes it particularly appealing for liver health and detox support products.
In a study published in Mycosystema, C. militaris powder was shown to significantly reduce lung inflammation and fibrosis markers, suggesting potential use in respiratory health supplements, especially under inflammatory stress.
| Health Benefit | Mechanism | Supporting Studies |
| Immune Support | Stimulates macrophages and modulates cytokines | Xu et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2013 |
| Anti-fatigue | Enhances ATP production and reduces oxidative stress | Huang et al., 2017 |
| Liver Protection | Regulates lipid metabolism and protects hepatocytes | Huang et al., 2017 |
| Respiratory Wellness | Reduces inflammation and fibrosis in lung tissue | Xu et al., 2021 |
| Sexual Vitality | May improve testosterone and sperm quality (preclinical data) | Liu et al., various models |
C. militaris is recognized as a dual-use (food and medicine) mushroom in China and has been widely incorporated into health foods and supplements. No significant toxicity has been reported at commonly used doses in animals or humans, and its main active components (polysaccharides and cordycepin) are well tolerated .
Cordyceps militaris is a scientifically-backed functional mushroom with benefits ranging from immune modulation and anti-inflammatory action to liver protection and respiratory health support. Its cultivation consistency and bioactive richness make it an ideal ingredient for modern wellness products, especially those targeting vitality, immunity, and recovery.
Huang, X. L., Zhu, P. X., Hu, Y. L., Ge, X. Y. (2017). The improvement of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides on acute liver injured mice model induced by alcohol. Mycosystema, 36(2): 242–250.
Xu, Y. J., Liu, X. H., Li, Y., Yin, L. J., Cao, P., Hou, Y. Y. (2021). Cordyceps militaris capsules inhibit pulmonary inflammation and relieve pulmonary fibrosis. Mycosystema, 40(7): 1820–1832.