Cordyceps: what you need to know

Cordyceps is one of the most searched-for mushrooms right now, and one of the most misunderstood. The single name covers two very different organisms: a rare and extremely expensive wild fungus from the Himalayas, and a cultivated species that makes up nearly every product on sale today. Before you buy, it is worth knowing what is actually in the bottle, what researchers are really studying and what Swiss law allows a brand to say.

Cordyceps sinensis vs Cordyceps militaris

The name cordyceps refers to a "club-shaped head", the form of the fruiting body that grows out of its host. The genus includes hundreds of fungi that parasitise insects. Two of them account for almost all commercial interest.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis: the wild caterpillar fungus

Long known as Cordyceps sinensis, it was moved to the genus Ophiocordyceps following genetic studies. It infects moth larvae living in the soil of high-altitude grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau and in the Himalayas. In spring, a brown stalk emerges from the head of the mummified larva. It is collected by hand and is an important source of income in some regions. Its Chinese name means "winter worm, summer grass", and it has a long history in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine.

Cordyceps militaris: the cultivated species

Cordyceps militaris is a separate species found in many parts of the world, including Europe. Its bright orange fruiting body grows well under controlled conditions, usually on a grain-based substrate and sometimes on silkworm pupae. It is the basis of most powders, capsules and extracts. There are also mycelium products made from strains fermented in tanks, which contain no fruiting body at all.

Compounds under study: cordycepin and more

The best-known compound is cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), a molecule closely related to adenosine. It was first isolated from Cordyceps militaris, which contains considerably more of it than the wild fungus, according to published analyses. Cordyceps also contains adenosine, polysaccharides including beta-glucans, mannitol and sterols.

These compounds are widely studied, mostly in preclinical research on cells and animals. A handful of human trials exist, notably on physical exercise, but they are often small and their results are mixed. They do not support promising any effect. For background on beta-glucans, see our article on beta-glucans and supplements.

Forms of cordyceps on the market

• Whole dried mushroom: mostly the wild species, sold by the piece or gram, or dried militaris used in teas and broths in Asian cooking.
• Powder: ground fruiting body, or mycelium together with its growing medium.
• Extract: made with hot water, alcohol or both, sometimes standardised for cordycepin or polysaccharides.
• Capsules and liquids: the format changes how you take it, not the mushroom itself. See liquid vs capsules.

The part of the fungus used matters as much as the species. We explain why in fruiting body vs mycelium.

Price and authenticity: what to check

Wild caterpillar fungus fetches very high prices, often compared with precious metals. That attracts fraud: counterfeits, artificially weighted dried specimens and concerns about heavy metals have all been reported. A product claiming wild cordyceps at a low price deserves suspicion.

For a supplement, check at least:

1. The exact Latin name: Cordyceps militaris, Ophiocordyceps sinensis or a named mycelium strain.
2. The part used: fruiting body, mycelium or both.
3. The growing medium, which matters if you avoid animal products.
4. The amount per daily dose and, for extracts, the extraction ratio.
5. Testing: can the brand show checks for contaminants?

Compare prices per daily dose, not per bottle. More pointers are in our guide on where to buy functional mushrooms in Switzerland.

What Swiss regulations say

In Switzerland, cordyceps supplements fall under food law, in particular the ordinance on food supplements. Health claims are limited to an official list (annex 14 of the ordinance on food information), which contains no claim for cordyceps. A product therefore cannot state that it boosts energy or improves endurance, recovery or athletic performance, even though such promises are common online. The company placing the product on the Swiss market is responsible for its compliance, including the ingredient's status as a food.

Precautions

As a precaution, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking cordyceps if you take medication, especially anticoagulants, immunosuppressants or diabetes medication, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or before surgery. Stick to the stated dose, and do not use a supplement in place of a varied diet.

Hymne and cordyceps

Hymne does not offer cordyceps. Our range focuses on three liquid formulas: Morphée, with lion's mane; Vénus, with Polyporus and vegan collagen; and Hercule, with reishi and Agaricus blazei, which is currently almost out of stock. If you are weighing up several mushrooms, our lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps and chaga comparison puts them side by side.

Frequently asked questions

Is cordyceps a fungus or an insect?

A fungus. Wild cordyceps grows on a larva, hence its appearance. Cultivated Cordyceps militaris usually grows on an insect-free substrate.

Is the cordyceps in supplements wild?

Rarely. Most products use cultivated Cordyceps militaris or fermented mycelium. The Latin name on the label tells you which.

Is cordyceps vegan?

It depends on the growing medium. It is often plant-based, but some producers use silkworm pupae. Ask the manufacturer.

Does Hymne sell cordyceps?

No. Hymne offers lion's mane, reishi with Agaricus blazei, and Polyporus.

Looking for a functional mushroom in liquid form, formulated in Geneva and made in Switzerland? Explore the Hymne range.