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
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
Nutrition
Reliable composition data for this preparation are not yet available.
Recorded constituents
Bioactive compounds
| Compound / class | Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polysaccharides | Present [2] | cultivated Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies |
- Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides occur in Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies; extracts and mycelial products differ. [2]
Technical provenance
Polysaccharides: Structural Elucidation and Activities of Cordyceps militaris-Derived Polysaccharides (2022). Fruiting-body section identifies polysaccharides independently of fermentation-broth/extracellular yields. [2]
This value uses a documented composition interpretation. See FCIR-016.
Substances
1 substance in this food
Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides occur in Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies; extracts and mycelial products differ.
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
[2] Structural Elucidation and Activities of Cordyceps militaris-Derived Polysaccharides (2022)