Cordyceps Mushroom

Overview

Cordyceps mushrooms (including Cordyceps militaris cultivars) provide polysaccharides and cordycepin studied for energy-metabolism and immunomodulatory endpoints [1]. They are used as a functional mushroom in extract or culinary forms.

Within the BRAIN Diet framework, cordyceps is a medicinal-mushroom adjunct; evidence in humans is emerging and doses are often extract-based rather than whole-food 100 g portions [1].

Key Nutritional Highlights

• Cordycepin and polysaccharide bioactives in functional mushroom matrices [1].
• Traditional use for vitality/endurance; human RCT evidence still limited.
• Extract vs whole-mushroom doses differ materially from USDA 100 g tables.
• Source cultivation method (militaris vs sinensis) affects compound profile.

Food Context

Sourcing

• Store supplements in a cool, dry place away from light

Preparation

• Most commonly consumed as a supplement or extract rather than whole mushroom
• Available as powder, capsules, or liquid extracts
• Can be added to teas, smoothies, or other beverages
• Quality and bioactive compound content can vary significantly between products

Recipes

no recipes found

Nutrient Tables (per 100 g)

Bioactive compounds

Explicitly identified compounds, including individual fatty acids, with a defensible quantity or an explicit qualitative status. Asterisks (*) identify supplementary sources below. Unquantified or trace constituents are not automatically admitted to the Substances list.

Compound / class	Amount per 100 g	Notes
Polysaccharides	Present — quantity not established *	—

Source notes (supplementary):

• * Polysaccharides: Cordyceps Mushroom is characterised by fungal polysaccharides; USDA SR Legacy has no record for this mushroom, so quantity is not established.

Reference intakes: US Dietary Reference Intakes for adults (19–50 years; using the higher of male/female values where they differ).

This value uses a documented composition interpretation. See FCIR-016.

Substances

Substances admitted through a supported nutrition-table row. Not every table row appears here. Cards are not BRS mappings.

1 substance in this food

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates with immune-modulating and gut microbiome supporting properties

References

[1] Cordycepin and polysaccharide bioactives in functional mushroom matrices. Yeo et al. 2023. Influence of food-derived bioactives on gut microbiota compositions and their metabolites by focusing on neurotransmitters