Omnia SanaCordyceps militaris
Common names in 16 European languages →
The complete database record: 3 documented constituents, 4 pharmacological actions, 8 traditional / indicated uses, with 22 cited sources.
Botanical Description
Entomopathogenic fungus (not a true plant) that develops from a mycelium infecting and consuming an insect host - classically a moth caterpillar or pupa buried in the soil. In late season it produces a slender, bright orange, club-shaped fruiting body (stroma) that emerges from the ground above the mummified host, its surface minutely roughened with embedded spore-producing structures.[4]
Height: Fruiting body 2-8 cm
Habit: Entomopathogenic fungus, fruiting body emerging from a buried insect host
Leaves: Not applicable (fungus)
Flowers: Not applicable (fungus)
Stem: Slender, bright orange, club-shaped fruiting body (stroma)
Root: Anchored to the mummified insect host below ground
Fruit: Minutely roughened fertile head bearing embedded perithecia (spore-producing structures)
Flowering Period: Fruiting body typically appears in autumn
Habitat & Distribution
Grows on insect larvae and pupae in cool, moist forest soils and grassland across temperate and alpine East Asia; commercially, most Cordyceps militaris is now cultivated on grain or insect-based substrate rather than wild-collected.[4]
Harvesting
Wild fruiting bodies are dug up carefully with the insect host attached, in autumn when they emerge; cultivated material is harvested from the growing substrate once the orange fruiting bodies mature, then dried.
Parts: Whole Plant
Season: Autumn (wild); at maturity under cultivation
Key Constituents
Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine)[1]
A nucleoside analogue considered the marker bioactive compound, studied for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and metabolic effects.
Polysaccharides[4]
Immunomodulatory and antioxidant polysaccharides, a major focus of both oral and topical product development.
Polysaccharides
Ergosterol and adenosine
Additional characteristic fungal sterol and nucleoside constituents.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Evidence: 5
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
inferred from immunomodulator action
Evidence: 5
Label: Cold & flu
inferred from ergogenic action
Evidence: 6
Label: Fatigue / low energy
Evidence: 5
Label: Immune support
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Evidence: 5
Label: Inflammation (general)
inferred from ergogenic action
Evidence: 6
Label: Muscle soreness
Evidence: 6
Label: Respiratory support
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Evidence: 5
Label: Skin irritation
Traditional Use & History
Preparations
Standardised extract[4]
Cultivated fruiting-body extract, standardised to cordycepin or polysaccharide content, taken as capsules or powder.
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated short-term in human studies, but research is still limited (Ontawong et al., 2024; Hirsch et al., 2016). Possible side effects: stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, headache (reported broadly for “Cordyceps” supplements; not everyone gets this) (Jędrejko, Lazur and Muszyńska, 2021). Avoid / use medical guidance if you have: autoimmune disease, you’re on immunosuppressants, you have a bleeding disorder, or you take blood thinners/antiplatelet drugs (theoretical interaction + caution used in reviews) (Jędrejko, Lazur and Muszyńska, 2021). Pregnancy/lactation: not enough safety data → best to avoid (Jędrejko, Lazur and Muszyńska, 2021). Quality matters: choose reputable brands with testing for contaminants and clear labeling (fruiting body vs mycelium; extract ratio) (Jędrejko et al., 2022).
Dangerous Lookalikes
Confused Part: Bright orange-red club-shaped fruit bodies collected from the wild as a cordyceps tonic; the erect red antler-/club-like fruit bodies of poison fire coral resemble the orange clubs of Cordyceps.
Confusion Context: Cordyceps militaris produces small, bright orange, club-shaped fruit bodies and is prized as a health tonic in East Asia, where wild specimens are collected. Poison fire coral (Podostroma cornu-damae) is a deadly trichothecene-containing fungus whose erect red, antler- or coral-like clubs closely resemble Cordyceps. The Royal Society of Chemistry reports it has often been mistaken for Cordyceps sobolifera as well as two other edible mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum and Cordyceps militaris, and forensic case reports document deaths from ingesting it (multiple organ failure, pancytopenia). Because it is confused specifically with cordyceps by foragers, this is a lethal look-alike.
Distinguishing Features: Substrate (decisive): true Cordyceps militaris grows OUT OF a buried insect - a mummified caterpillar or pupa - which you find if you dig at the base. Poison fire coral grows from soil or buried wood and roots, never from an insect host., Form: Cordyceps militaris is a small (about 2-8 cm) simple or sparingly branched orange club with a minutely roughened fertile head. Poison fire coral forms deeper blood-red, often branched antler- or coral-like clubs., Colour: Cordyceps militaris is orange to orange-red; poison fire coral is a brighter blood-red.
Key Test: Dig up the base. True Cordyceps militaris emerges from a buried insect (a caterpillar or pupa) - the mummified host is the proof. A red or orange club or antler arising from soil or wood with NO insect host, especially if branched and blood-red, may be poison fire coral (Podostroma cornu-damae), which can kill. If there is no insect host, do not consume it; confirm with an expert.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Harvest Readiness
[15]
Part: fruiting-body
Signals: Harvest the orange club-shaped fruiting bodies (stromata) once they reach full height and are firm and upright, before the tips begin to darken or shed a fine orange spore powder - spore release marks over-maturity and rapid decline., SAFETY: wild Cordyceps must not be confused with the FATAL poison fire coral (Podostroma cornu-damae), which has a similar orange club shape. Confirm identity - see this plant's Dangerous Lookalikes.
Basis: traditional
Source Quote: Harvest when Cordyceps militaris stromata are 1.5-3 inches tall with firm, upright club shapes and slightly enlarged heads, before the tips begin to darken or show visible spore powder on the jar walls.
Species Confirmed: 1
Notes: Out-Grow cultivation guide (REF-3236) for Cordyceps militaris. The parts_used label 'Whole Plant' resolves to the fungal fruiting body. Single source -> provisional.
External Identifiers
References & Sources
- Lan, T., Yu, Y., Zhang, J., Li, H. et al (2021) 'Cordycepin Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis by Activation of the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway', Hepatology, 74(2), pp. 686-703. doi:10.1002/hep.31749 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.31749 - Wei, P., Wang, K., Luo, C., Huang, Y. et al (2021) 'Cordycepin confers long-term neuroprotection via inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury', Journal of Neuroinflammation, 18(1), pp. 137. doi:10.1186/s12974-021-02188-x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-021-02188-x - Tan, L., Song, X., Ren, Y., Wang, M. et al (2020) 'Anti-inflammatory effects of cordycepin: A review', Phytotherapy Research. doi:10.1002/ptr.6890 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6890 - Kanlayavattanakul, M. and Lourith, N (2023) 'Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides: preparation and topical product application', Fungal Biology and Biotechnology, 10(1), pp. 3. doi:10.1186/s40694-023-00150-5 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40694-023-00150-5 - Yang, W., Fu, C., Hu, B., Yan, Y. and Cheng, Y (2024) 'Five undescribed cyclopeptides from Cordyceps militaris', Phytochemistry, 222, pp. 114074. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114074 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114074 - Miao, M., Yu, W., Li, Y., Sun, Y. and Guo, S (2022) 'Structural elucidation and activities of Cordyceps militaris-derived polysaccharides: a review', Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, pp. 898674. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.898674 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.898674 - Jedrejko, K.J., Lazur, J. and Muszynska, B (2021) 'Cordyceps militaris: an overview of its chemical constituents in relation to biological activity', Foods, 10(11), pp. 2634. doi:10.3390/foods10112634 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112634 - Malucka, L.U., Uhrinova, A. and Lysinova, P (2022) 'Medicinal mushrooms Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris', Ceska a Slovenska Farmacie, 71(6), pp. 259-265. doi:10.5817/csf2022-5-259 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.5817/csf2022-5-259 - Sun, J., Jin, M., Zhou, W., Diao, S., Zhou, Y., Li, S., Wang, X., Pan, S., Jin, X. and Li, G (2017) 'A new ribonucleotide from Cordyceps militaris', Natural Product Research, 31(21), pp. 2537-2543. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1323210 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2017.1323210 - Choi, E., Oh, J. and Sung, G.H (2020) 'Antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects of Cordyceps militaris', Mycobiology, 48(3), pp. 228-232. doi:10.1080/12298093.2020.1763115 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/12298093.2020.1763115 - Zhang, J., Wen, C., Duan, Y., Zhang, H. and Ma, H (2019) 'Advance in Cordyceps militaris (Linn) Link polysaccharides: isolation, structure, and bioactivities: a review', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 132, pp. 906-914. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.020 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.020 - Chiu, C.P., Liu, S.C., Tang, C.H., Chan, Y., El-Shazly, M., Lee, C.L., Du, Y.C., Wu, T.Y., Chang, F.R. and Wu, Y.C (2016) 'Anti-inflammatory cerebrosides from cultivated Cordyceps militaris', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 64(7), pp. 1540-1548. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.5b05931 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b05931 - Chamyuang, S., Owatworakit, A. and Honda, Y (2019) 'New insights into cordycepin production in Cordyceps militaris and applications', Annals of Translational Medicine, 7(Suppl 3), pp. S78. doi:10.21037/atm.2019.04.12 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.21037/atm.2019.04.12 - Cui, J.D (2015) 'Biotechnological production and applications of Cordyceps militaris, a valued traditional Chinese medicine', Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 35(4), pp. 475-484. doi:10.3109/07388551.2014.900604 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3109/07388551.2014.900604 - Out-Grow 'How to Grow Cordyceps militaris'. Available at: https://www.out-grow.com/pages/how-to-grow-cordyceps-militaris-cordyceps-militaris Traditional / reference
https://www.out-grow.com/pages/how-to-grow-cordyceps-militaris-cordyceps-militaris - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Zhu, J.S., Halpern, G.M. and Jones, K (1998) 'The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis', 4(3), pp. 289--303. doi:10.1089/acm.1998.4.429 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.1998.4.429 - Hirsch, K.R., Smith-Ryan, A.E., Roelofs, E.J., Trexler, E.T. and Mock, M.G (2017) 'Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation', 14(1), pp. 42--53. doi:10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Chemistry World (Royal Society of Chemistry) 'Poisons leave no mushroom for error'. Available at: https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/poisons-leave-no-mushroom-for-error/4011376.article Traditional / reference
https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/poisons-leave-no-mushroom-for-error/4011376.article - Choe, S. and In, S. and Jeon, Y. and Choi, H. and Kim, S (2018) 'Identification of trichothecene-type mycotoxins in toxic mushroom Podostroma cornu-damae and biological specimens from a fatal case by LC-QTOF/MS', Forensic Science International, 291, pp. 234-244. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.043 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.043 - Ahn, J.Y. and Seok, S.J. and Song, J.E. and Choi, J.H. and Han, S.H. and Choi, J.Y. and Kim, C.O. and Song, Y.G. and Kim, J.M (2013) 'Two cases of mushroom poisoning by Podostroma cornu-damae', Yonsei Medical Journal, 54(1), pp. 265-8. doi:10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.265 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2013.54.1.265
Selected studies & references
ReviewCordyceps militaris polysaccharides: preparation and topical product application source↗ (2023)
ReviewStructural elucidation and activities of Cordyceps militaris-derived polysaccharides: a review source↗ (2022)
ReviewCordyceps militaris: an overview of its chemical constituents in relation to biological activity source↗ (2021)
ReviewAdvance in Cordyceps militaris (Linn) Link polysaccharides: isolation, structure, and bioactivities: a review source↗ (2019)
ReviewNew insights into cordycepin production in Cordyceps militaris and applications source↗ (2019)
ReviewBiotechnological production and applications of Cordyceps militaris, a valued traditional Chinese medicine source↗ (2015)
RctCordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation source↗ (2017)
All 18 studies in the Knowledge Finder →
Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions - always check before use.
This profile is assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database, which we curate by hand. How this site is built.
This profile is assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database, which we curate by hand. How this site is built.