Cordyceps
Cordyceps in the ingredient trade covers several fungi. Wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis, the caterpillar fungus of the Tibetan plateau, is scarce and very costly, so most supply is either Cordyceps militaris fruiting body cultivated on grain or liquid media, or fermented mycelium of anamorph strains such as Paecilomyces hepiali (often sold as CS-4). These are sold as powders and hot-water extracts specified by cordycepin, adenosine or beta-glucans.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Cultivated fruiting bodies, dried whole or milled, or extracted; specified by cordycepin and adenosine.
Mycelium of Paecilomyces hepiali or similar strains grown in liquid fermentation; specified by adenosine, mannitol or polysaccharides.
Mycelium grown on rice or oats and dried with the substrate, which adds starch.
Extract of fruiting body or mycelium, sold on beta-glucans or polysaccharides.
Wild-collected fungus and larva, sold in small volumes at high prices; substitution is common.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Keep powders and extracts sealed, cool and dry; extracts are hygroscopic. Reseal opened containers and limit time open. Shelf life or retest date comes from the supplier.
The species and growth method define what you are buying, so put them on the spec and confirm by DNA when changing suppliers. Record species, part, growth substrate and supplier lot.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's natural health product monograph for mushrooms lists Cordyceps militaris (cultured fruiting body, cultured mycelium, stroma), Ophiocordyceps sinensis (stroma) and Paecilomyces hepiali (cultured mycelium) as dried source materials.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The EU Novel Food status Catalogue (entry POL-NF-00277) lists the mycelium and fruiting body (sporophore) of Ophiocordyceps sinensis as not novel in food supplements.
Source: ec.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)The EU Novel Food status Catalogue (entry POL-NF-09242) lists the mycelium and fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris as a novel food not yet authorised.
Source: ec.europa.eu (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Eugene, OR
Mountain Rose Herbs is an Oregon seller of organic and wild-harvested bulk herbs, spices, mushrooms and seaweeds, with a wholesale program for businesses alongside its retail shop.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include cordyceps militaris fruiting body, fermented mycelium (CS-4), mycelium on grain, hot-water extract and wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect species identity (DNA barcoding), cordycepin and adenosine (HPLC), beta-glucans (enzymatic), heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Keep powders and extracts sealed, cool and dry; extracts are hygroscopic. Reseal opened containers and limit time open. Shelf life or retest date comes from the supplier.
Health Canada's natural health product monograph for mushrooms lists Cordyceps militaris (cultured fruiting body, cultured mycelium, stroma), Ophiocordyceps sinensis (stroma) and Paecilomyces hepiali (cultured mycelium) as dried source materials. The EU Novel Food status Catalogue (entry POL-NF-00277) lists the mycelium and fruiting body (sporophore) of Ophiocordyceps sinensis as not novel in food supplements. The EU Novel Food status Catalogue (entry POL-NF-09242) lists the mycelium and fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris as a novel food not yet authorised.
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