Cordyceps Sinensis vs Militaris: Nutritional Benefits Compared

Cordyceps mushrooms have been celebrated for their health-promoting properties, but not all species are created equal. Among the most prominent, Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris, stand out for their unique benefits. While both species share a reputation for supporting energy, immunity, and overall vitality, they differ significantly in their nutritional profiles and bioactive compounds.

Let’s dive into their key nutritional differences to determine which one might better suit your needs.

• Cordyceps sinensis has cultural significance but contains lower levels of cordycepin and polysaccharides than militaris.

• Cordyceps militaris is nutritionally superior, offering higher amounts of cordycepin, adenosine, and antioxidants.

• Most supplements use Cordyceps militaris due to its scalability, affordability, and potent nutritional benefits.

Cordyceps mushrooms are parasitic fungi known for their unique lifecycle and medicinal properties. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long valued them for their ability to enhance energy, stamina, and overall wellness. 

Among the 400+ Cordyceps species, Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris are the most studied, each with distinct nutritional characteristics.

Cordyceps mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds, including cordycepin, adenosine, beta-glucans, and polysaccharides, which contribute to their health benefits. However, the concentration of these nutrients varies greatly between Cordyceps sinensis and militaris.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of what you can expect from each type of Cordyceps:

Cordycepin, a bioactive compound linked to increased ATP production and enhanced energy levels, is present in much higher concentrations in Cordyceps militaris .

Studies show militaris contains up to 90 times more cordycepin than sinensis, making it far more effective for boosting stamina and combating fatigue.

The potential benefits of cordycepin are expansive. According to one 2020 report ,

“Cordycepin is known for various nutraceutical and therapeutic potential, such as anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, anticancer, antiviral, hepato-protective, hypo-sexuality, cardiovascular diseases, antimalarial, anti-osteoporotic, anti-arthritic, cosmeceutical etc. which makes it a most valuable medicinal mushroom for helping in maintaining good health.”

Both species contain polysaccharides and beta-glucans that support immune health, but Cordyceps militaris offers significantly higher levels. On average, raw cordyceps mushrooms contain around 3.79% beta-glucans and 11,533.22 mg/kg of cordycepin, or 1.15%.

These compounds are critical for modulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and supporting gut health.

Adenosine, which helps improve oxygen utilization and circulation, is more abundant in Cordyceps militaris , contributing to its superior effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health.

Like other mushrooms, Cordyceps also contains many different terpenoids, a modified classification of terpenes . These are lipids that are believed to give various mushrooms their immunomodulatory benefits .

Cordyceps sinensis (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), often called the “caterpillar fungus,” has been used for centuries in TCM. While it is culturally revered, its nutritional value is limited compared to militarist.

• Cordyceps sinensis contains only trace amounts of cordycepin, which diminishes its potential for boosting energy and combating fatigue.

• It does provide some polysaccharides and beta-glucans, but not in the same concentrations as militaris.

Due to its reliance on specific caterpillar hosts and high-altitude growing conditions, wild Cordyceps sinensis is increasingly rare and expensive, priced at $20,000 per kilogram. 

This overharvesting has also raised environmental concerns, pushing the industry toward sustainable alternatives like militaris.

Cordyceps militaris is celebrated for its high levels of cordycepin, adenosine, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. These compounds are associated with improved energy, immune health, and overall vitality.

• Cordycepin Content: A key differentiator, militaris has the highest concentration of cordycepin among all Cordyceps species. This makes it particularly effective for enhancing ATP production, stamina, and recovery.

• Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants, militaris helps combat oxidative stress and supports cellular health.

• Minerals and Proteins: Militaris also offers higher levels of trace minerals (like zinc and selenium) and a modest amount of protein, which contribute to its overall nutritional superiority.

Regardless of which type of cordyceps you choose, the benefits are cordyceps mushrooms are hard to beat. According to research, some potential benefits you may enjoy when using high-quality cordyceps supplements include:

• Boosting Physical Performance and Endurance: Cordyceps may enhance ATP production, improving oxygen flow and physical performance during activity. A 2004 study on cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) showed a 7% fitness increase in older adults over six weeks. Additional studies, including one in 2016 on mice and a 2006 human trial , suggest endurance improvements.

• Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects: Used in traditional Chinese medicine for vitality, Cordyceps may slow aging through its antioxidant properties. Studies ( 2009 , 2010 , 2012 ) found improved memory and sexual function in aged mice due to enhanced antioxidant levels.

• Balancing Blood Sugar: Research ( 2004 , 2015 , 2016 ) suggests Cordyceps may mimic insulin actions, helping to lower blood sugar. A unique carbohydrate in the mushroom may play a role, though more trials are needed for confirmation.

• Supporting Kidney Health: A 2014 review of 22 studies indicated potential improvements in kidney function among Cordyceps users, which could reduce diabetes-related kidney disease risk. However, more robust research is required.

• Improving Heart Health : In China, Cordyceps is approved for treating arrhythmia , potentially due to increased adenosine levels. Animal studies also suggest it may reduce heart damage from kidney disease and manage heart failure risk.

• Lowering Bad Cholesterol: Evidence indicates Cordyceps may reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels , contributing to overall heart health.

• Decreasing Inflammation: Cordyceps may regulate inflammation by increasing specific protein production, supported by studies spanning decades ( 1996 , 2002 , 2003 , 2015 ).

These findings highlight Cordyceps’ diverse therapeutic potential, though more research is needed to solidify its applications.

Wild Cordyceps sinensis is rare, expensive, and contains lower levels of key bioactive compounds. Most supplements on the market contain cultivated Cordyceps militaris , which is nutritionally superior and more sustainable to produce. Always check product labels to confirm the species used and ensure transparency.

The choice between Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris depends on your needs. Cordyceps militaris is more affordable, sustainable, and rich in cordycepin, making it a practical option for many. Cordyceps sinensis, while rarer and costlier, holds a strong reputation in traditional medicine.

Both support energy, immunity, and overall wellness, but C. militaris often stands out for its accessibility and consistent potency. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the best fit for your health goals.

Nutritionally, Cordyceps militaris is superior due to its higher levels of cordycepin, polysaccharides, and antioxidants.

A pure fruiting body extract of Cordyceps militaris offers the most nutritional benefits.

Individuals with autoimmune conditions or those on immunosuppressive drugs should consult their doctor before use.

It is traditionally used for lung health, kidney support, and general vitality, but its bioactive content is lower than militaris.

Yes, but Cordyceps militaris offers similar benefits with higher nutritional value.

Some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as digestive discomfort or allergic reactions.

1. “Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps with Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7356751/#__ffn_sectitle

2. “Immunomodulatory Effects of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Bioactive Immunoregulatory Products” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346759543_Immunomodulatory_Effects_of_Edible_and_Medicinal_Mushrooms_and_Their_Bioactive_Immunoregulatory_Products

3. “Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial and assessment of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in enhancing aerobic capacity and respiratory function of the healthy elderly volunteers” https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02836405

4. “Effect of Polysaccharide from Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes) on Physical Fatigue Induced by Forced Swimming” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28094746/

5. “Cordyceps sinensis: Genotoxic Potential in Human Peripheral Blood Cells and Antigenotoxic Properties Against Hydrogen Peroxide by Comet Assay” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27433838/

6. “Antiaging effect of Cordyceps sinensis extract” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18803231/

7. “Protective effects on mitochondria and anti-aging activity of polysaccharides from cultivated fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21061463/

8. “Polysaccharides from the Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps taii Show Antioxidant and Immunoenhancing Activities in a D-Galactose-Induced Aging Mouse Model” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22536281/

9. “The anti-hyperglycemic activity of the fruiting body of Cordyceps in diabetic rats induced by nicotinamide and streptozotocin” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15050427/

10. “Hypoglycemic Activity through a Novel Combination of Fruiting Body and Mycelia of Cordyceps militaris in High-Fat Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mice” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4519550/

11. “Antidiabetic and Antinephritic Activities of Aqueous Extract of Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27274781/

12. “Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25519252/

13. “Chapter 5: Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92758/

14. “Cordyceps sinensis protects against liver and heart injuries in a rat model of chronic kidney disease: a metabolomic analysis” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4814030/

15. “Lipid-lowering effect of cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) from Cordyceps militaris on hyperlipidemic hamsters and rats” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21882527/

16. “Cordyceps sinensis as an immunomodulatory agent” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8874668/

17. “Immunomodulatory functions of extracts from the Chinese medicinal fungus Cordyceps cicadae” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12413710/

18. “Methanol extract of Cordyceps pruinosa inhibits in vitro and in vivo inflammatory mediators by suppressing NF-kappaB activation” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12831777/

19. “Anti-inflammatory effects of Cordyceps mycelium (Paecilomyces hepiali, CBG-CS-2) in Raw264.7 murine macrophages” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4371127/

20. “Functional Cordyceps Coffee Containing Cordycepin and β-Glucan” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7333010/#:~:text=%CE%B2%2DGlucan%20contents&text=The%20%CE%B2%2Dglucan%20content%20of,total%20glucan%20content%20of%209.70%25 .