Cordyceps sinensis vs. Cordyceps militaris: why origin and certification make a difference

When we talk about cordyceps, we are not referring to a single fungus. This name encompasses different species with different biological profiles, with Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris being the best known and most frequently compared.

In recent years, this comparison has intensified, especially in the field of food supplements. However, reducing the choice to a matter of fashion or the presence of a single compound would be an oversimplification. The key is to understand what each species contributes and why origin and certification are decisive factors.

What do Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris have in common?

Both species belong to the same genus and share a long tradition of use as tonic mushrooms. From a scientific point of view, they have clear similarities:

• They contain bioactive polysaccharides, which are related to the modulation of the immune system.

• They provide nucleosides involved in metabolic and cellular processes.

• They have attracted considerable research interest in areas such as energy, stress adaptation and vitality.

These similarities explain why they are often grouped under the generic term ‘cordyceps’. However, the differences between species are relevant when seeking quality and therapeutic consistency.

Cordyceps sinensis: the reference species

Cordyceps sinensis is the species historically associated with the concept of cordyceps in Traditional Chinese Medicine. For centuries, it has been valued as an adaptogenic fungus, linked to physical endurance, recovery and overall balance in the body.

From a biological point of view, its main strength lies in a complex bioactive profile, where the action does not depend on a single molecule, but on the interaction between polysaccharides, nucleosides, sterols and other metabolites.

This global approach is consistent with the idea of adaptation: not stimulating in a specific way, but accompanying the body in its regulatory processes.

Cordyceps militaris: a different species, a different approach

Cordyceps militaris is another species of the same genus that has gained prominence in modern research. Numerous studies have reported that it can have higher levels of cordycepin, especially when cultivated under conditions designed to maximise this compound.

This data is relevant, but should be interpreted with caution:

• Cordycepin is just one of many compounds present in the Cordyceps genus.

• A higher concentration of a specific molecule does not necessarily equate to a greater overall effect.

• The therapeutic value of a medicinal mushroom depends on its complete profile and the synergy between its components.

Therefore, C. militaris and C. sinensis are not interchangeable, but rather distinct species with different applications and approaches..

The real difference: origin, control and certification

Beyond comparing species, there is a key aspect that often goes unnoticed: not all cordyceps are the same, even within the same species.

In the case of Cordyceps sinensis, its historical prestige has been accompanied by significant challenges: scarcity of wild resources, variability in composition, and risk of environmental contamination if the origin is not controlled.

Therefore, in modern mycotherapy, the true value lies in working with C. sinensis grown under controlled conditions and certified, which allows:

• Guaranteeing the true identity of the species.

• Ensuring a reproducible bioactive profile.

• Avoiding contaminants and safety issues.

• Maintaining consistency with tradition, adapting it to current quality standards.

The role of European regulation: is Cordyceps a novel food?

In Europe, discussing Cordyceps also means taking into account the regulatory framework. According to current legislation, a food or ingredient is considered a novel food when there is no significant history of consumption prior to 1997, and its evaluation depends on the specific species, the part used and the process of obtaining it.

In this context, some forms of Cordyceps militaris have been assessed as novel foods, which implies specific authorisations and very specific conditions of use. This does not invalidate their interest, but it does require additional regulatory control.

Furthermore, the regulatory landscape is not static and may evolve depending on how the competent authorities interpret and apply the regulations. A recent example is that of the United Kingdom, where the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has strengthened the application of the novel food framework, currently considering Cordyceps militaris as unauthorised for marketing without specific approval, which has led to the withdrawal of products containing it. This situation illustrates how regulatory classification can have a direct impact on the availability of certain species on the market.

For its part, Cordyceps sinensis has a documented traditional use and is not automatically considered a novel food when it is handled in a manner consistent with that history: correct identification of the species, controlled processes, and absence of transformations that alter its nature.

This nuance is key because it highlights that not all cordyceps is the same from a regulatory standpoint and that origin, traceability, and production method are determining factors.

Why choosing certified Cordyceps sinensis makes a difference

Choosing Cordyceps sinensis is not just a question of species, but of how it is obtained and processed. A certified and traceable C. sinensis allows you to take advantage of the historical and biological value of the fungus without compromising its safety and efficacy.

Faced with a market where different species, uneven qualities and simplified messages coexist, making an informed choice means prioritising:

• The reference species.

• Control of origin.

• Certification and traceability.

In mycotherapy, the difference lies not only in the name of the fungus, but also in the knowledge, origin and control with which each species is worked.

1. Jing X, Hong F, Xie Y, Xie Y, Shi F, Wang R, et al. Dose-dependent action of cordycepin on the microbiome–gut–brain–adipose axis in mice exposed to stress. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023;168:115796. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115796.
   
   

2. Anyu ATA, Zhang WH, Xu QH. Cultivated Cordyceps: a tale of two treasured mushrooms. Chin Med Cult. 2021;4(4):221–229. doi:10.4103/CMAC.CMAC_41_21.
   
   

3. Zhou X, Gong Z, Su Y, Lin J, Tang K. Cordyceps fungi: natural products, pharmacological functions and developmental products. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2009;61(3):279–291. doi:10.1211/jpp/61.03.0002.
   
   

4. Shweta, Abdullah S, Komal, Kumar A. A brief review on the medicinal uses of Cordyceps militaris. Pharmacol Res Mod Chin Med. 2023;7:100228. doi:10.1016/j.prmcm.2023.100228.
   
   

5. Kaymakci MA, Güler EM. Promising potential pharmaceuticals from the genus Cordyceps for COVID-19 treatment: a review study. Bezmialem Sci. 2020;8(Suppl 3):140–144. doi:10.14235/bas.galenos.2020.4532.
   
   

6. Wang SY, Shiao MS. Pharmacological functions of Chinese medicinal fungus Cordyceps sinensis and related species. J Food Drug Anal. 2000;8(4):248–257.
   
   

7. Phull AR, Ahmed M, Park HJ. Cordyceps militaris as a biofunctional food source: pharmacological potential, anti-inflammatory actions and related molecular mechanisms. Microorganisms. 2022;10(2):405. doi:10.3390/microorganisms10020405.
   
   

8. Jędrejko KJ, Lazur J, Muszyńska B. Cordyceps militaris: an overview of its chemical constituents in relation to biological activity. Foods. 2021;10(11):2634. doi:10.3390/foods10112634.