The Cordyceps refers to a group of mushrooms traditionally used in Asia and now widely studied for their composition of polysaccharides, nucleosides, and other compounds of interest.
In modern dietary supplements, two forms are particularly important: wild Cordyceps, notably Ophiocordyceps sinensis, and cultivated Cordyceps, notably Cordyceps militaris. These species have different biological characteristics and compound profiles, so it is important to know exactly which raw material is used in a supplement.
At PURE CROFT, Cordyceps is one of the five mushrooms selected for our liquid formulas.
The Origins of the Myth: Cordyceps in Asian Traditions
Cordyceps has a long history in Asian medicinal traditions.
The mushroom now called Ophiocordyceps sinensis, traditionally known as Cordyceps sinensis, is associated with the high plateaus of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. It grows naturally from insect larvae and belongs to a group of entomopathogenic fungi.
Its rarity and the difficulties associated with harvesting it have historically contributed to its high value.
Cultivated Cordyceps, notably Cordyceps militaris, is now an important alternative for research and large-scale production. Unlike wild Cordyceps, C. militaris can be grown under controlled conditions, allowing for more consistent production and facilitating the study of its constituents.
Recent scientific work also highlights the value of cultivating C. militaris as a more accessible and potentially more sustainable alternative to wild resources of O. sinensis.
Scientific Reference: review on the conservation of Cordyceps sinensis and the development of cultivation strategies for Cordyceps militaris.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38658470/
Cordyceps sinensis or Cordyceps militaris: What's the Difference?
The term "Cordyceps" does not refer to a single species.
Ophiocordyceps sinensis
The Cordyceps traditionally associated with the Tibetan high plateaus is now generally referred to scientifically asOphiocordyceps sinensis.
This wild species is difficult to harvest, and its natural resources are limited.
Cordyceps militaris
Cordyceps militaris is another species of mushroom that is widely studied and can be grown under controlled conditions.
It contains, among other things, polysaccharides, cordycepin, adenosine, and other compounds that are the subject of scientific research.
Controlled cultivation also makes it possible to better standardize production conditions and ensure a regular supply of raw material.
Scientific Reference: review on the chemical composition and biologically studied constituents of Cordyceps militaris.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34828915/
It is therefore more accurate to speak of cultivated Cordyceps than to suggest that cultivated Cordyceps exactly reproduces the composition of wild Cordyceps. Cultivation conditions, the strain, the substrate, and the production process can all influence the profile of the compounds present.
Cordyceps Extraction: Why Does the Process Matter?
Understanding the Mushroom's Structure
Like many mushrooms, Cordyceps has cell walls containing chitin and other structural components.
The extraction process used to turn the raw material into an extract can therefore influence the extraction yield, composition, and characteristics of the final product.
Research on the polysaccharides of Cordyceps militaris shows, among other things, that different extraction and purification methods can produce fractions with different structural characteristics.
Scientific Reference: Zhang et al. (2019), review on the extraction, isolation, and characterization of polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30954592/
However, it is essential to distinguish the quality of an extraction from its demonstrated bioavailability in humans.
An extraction method can alter the profile and yield of an extract, but this alone cannot confirm that a product has superior bioavailability in humans.
At PURE CROFT, we therefore favor an approach based on measurable elements: defined raw material, extraction ratio, dosage per serving, and analytical controls.
Why a Liquid Format?
PURE CROFT offers Cordyceps in the form of liquid drops and sprays.
This format offers several practical advantages:
- Precise dosage: the amount of product can be measured with a dropper or measured spray.
- On-the-go use: the product requires neither preparation nor mixing of powder.
- Liquid format: it avoids taking tablets or capsules.
- Easy integration: according to the product instructions, the drops can be taken directly or added to a beverage.
What About the Sublingual Route?
The sublingual route is a recognized route of administration in pharmacology. Absorption through the oral mucosa can allow certain substances to partially bypass the first pass through the liver.
However, this general mechanism does not mean that all the compounds in a Cordyceps extract are automatically better absorbed sublingually.
Bioavailability depends notably on the molecule, the formulation, the dose, and the product's characteristics.
General Reference on Sublingual Administration: pharmacological review on sublingual absorption and first-pass hepatic metabolism.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42481912/
To date, it would therefore be incorrect to present the PURE CROFT sublingual format as having clinically demonstrated superior bioavailability compared to a Cordyceps capsule or powder without a comparative study directly involving our formulation.
Our choice of a liquid format is based above all on ease of use, precise dosage, and daily experience.
The Main Studied Constituents of Cordyceps
Cordyceps has a complex composition. Several families of molecules are currently being studied.
Polysaccharides and Beta-Glucans
Polysaccharides make up one of the main families of compounds studied in Cordyceps militaris.
Their characteristics can vary depending on their molecular structure, notably their monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, and glycosidic bonds.
Scientific research studies, among other things, their potential biological properties, but the results obtained in the laboratory or in animals should not automatically be interpreted as demonstrated effects in humans.
Scientific Reference: Miao et al. (2022), review on the structure and activities of polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35711557/
Cordycepin
Cordycepin, or 3'-deoxyadenosine, is one of the most studied compounds in Cordyceps militaris.
It has been the subject of extensive experimental research and is an important marker in the study of this species.
However, its concentration can vary depending on the strain, cultivation conditions, substrate, and production process.
Scientific Reference: review on the production and properties of cordycepin in Cordyceps militaris.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38903790/
Adenosine and Other Constituents
Cordyceps also contains other studied compounds, notably adenosine, amino acids, sterols, and other molecules.
The exact profile depends on the species, raw material, and production conditions.
This is why the origin and analytical characterization of an extract are essential when comparing different products.
The Art of Combining: The PURE CROFT 5-MUSHROOM COMPLEX
At PURE CROFT, Cordyceps can be combined with Reishi, Lion's Mane, Chaga, and Shiitake in our multi-mushroom formulas.
This combination allows several mycological raw materials to be included in the same daily routine.
However, we prefer to speak of a combination of complementary mushrooms rather than claiming that they mutually "amplify" or "multiply" their effects.
The term "synergy" implies a demonstrated biological effect beyond that expected from each ingredient taken separately. Such a claim requires specific studies on the combination in question.
Our approach is simpler: offer several mushrooms studied for their distinct profiles in a practical and transparent formula.
Cordyceps in a Daily Routine
Cordyceps is often associated with daytime use and routines related to physical activity or the daily rhythm.
However, there is no sufficiently solid scientific basis to impose a universal time of day for taking it.
At PURE CROFT, the time of use can therefore depend on the formula and individual preferences.
For evening use, we recommend above all considering Cordyceps as an element of a personal transition ritual, and not as an ingredient whose effectiveness necessarily depends on taking it 1 to 2 hours before bedtime.
Always follow the daily serving size indicated on the product label.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cordyceps
What is the difference between wild Cordyceps and cultivated Cordyceps?
Wild Cordyceps traditionally associated with the Tibetan high plateaus is now referred to as Ophiocordyceps sinensis. It is rare, difficult to harvest, and subject to conservation issues.
Cordyceps militaris is another species that can be grown under controlled conditions and is now widely studied and used in food and wellness applications.
The cultivation of C. militaris does not mean that it exactly reproduces the chemical profile of wild Cordyceps. The two raw materials may have different compositions.
Is cultivated Cordyceps of lower quality than wild Cordyceps?
Not necessarily.
The quality of an extract does not depend solely on whether the mushroom is wild or cultivated. It also depends on the species, strain, part used, cultivation conditions, extraction process, dosage, and analytical controls.
Cultivated Cordyceps allows, among other things, the production of a more consistent and traceable raw material.
Why Does PURE CROFT Use a Liquid Format?
The liquid format allows for practical use and precise dosage, without powder preparation or taking a tablet.
PURE CROFT sprays and drops are formulated on an MCT oil base and can be used according to the instructions on the label.
Is the sublingual format more effective?
It would be excessive to claim this without a comparative clinical study directly involving the formulation in question.
The sublingual route can allow certain substances to be absorbed through the oral mucosa and partially bypass the first pass through the liver. However, this does not automatically demonstrate superior bioavailability for the constituents of Cordyceps.
PURE CROFT therefore favors the sublingual format for its convenience and user experience, rather than claiming superior absorption that would require specific data.
Are beta-glucans present in Cordyceps?
Polysaccharides, including different beta-glucans, are among the constituents studied in mushrooms of the genus Cordyceps.
However, their quantity and structure can vary depending on the species, strain, cultivation conditions, and extraction process.
A 10:1 extraction ratio does not, on its own, determine the beta-glucan content.
When specific analyses are available, the beta-glucan content must be assessed from the analytical results of the finished product.
What Does a 10:1 Cordyceps Extract Mean?
A 10:1 ratio means that 10 parts of raw material are used to obtain 1 part of extract, according to the defined scope of the extract.
This ratio describes the raw material/extract ratio. It does not automatically mean that the extract contains ten times more active molecules or that it is ten times more effective.
Does Cordyceps Contain Cordycepin?
Certain species of Cordyceps, notably Cordyceps militaris, contain cordycepin, a compound that is the subject of extensive scientific research.
Its concentration can vary greatly depending on the strain, cultivation conditions, and production process.
Scientific Reference: review on the production of cordycepin in Cordyceps militaris.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38903790/
Does Cordyceps Have Side Effects or Contraindications?
Safety data depend on the species, preparation, and dose used. Clinical data also remain more limited than for many common food ingredients.
As a precaution, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people taking medical treatment, or those with a known medical condition should seek advice from a healthcare professional before using a Cordyceps-based dietary supplement.
In case of an unusual reaction, discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
In Summary
Cordyceps is a group of mushrooms with a rich traditional history and a particularly studied composition.
Scientific research focuses notably on:
- polysaccharides and beta-glucans ;
- cordycepin ;
- adenosine and other nucleosides ;
- the different compounds present depending on the species and cultivation conditions.
For PURE CROFT, the quality of a Cordyceps extract rests on a transparent approach:
- clearly identified raw material ;
- concentrated extract according to a defined ratio ;
- practical liquid format ;
- precise dosage ;
- traceability ;
- analytical controls per batch.
Cordyceps is an active area of research, but it is important to distinguish between results obtained in the laboratory, preclinical data, and clinical evidence in humans.
Our goal at PURE CROFT is to offer modern formulas while remaining precise about what science can actually confirm.
Scientific References
Zhang J. et al. (2019) — Review on the extraction, structure, and properties of polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30954592/
Miao M. et al. (2022) — Review dedicated to the structure and activities of polysaccharides derived from Cordyceps militaris.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35711557/
Kontogiannatos D. et al. (2021) — Review on the cultivation of Cordyceps militaris and the production of cordycepin.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34829273/
Cordyceps militaris: chemical composition and studied constituents.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34828915/
Conservation of Ophiocordyceps sinensis and cultivation strategies of Cordyceps militaris.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38658470/
Pharmacological review on sublingual administration and first pass through the liver.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42481912/
