Cordyceps militaris (extract, powder and capsules)
The TV series The Last of Us catapulted Cordyceps into the spotlight. Fortunately, this fascinating fungus can’t infect humans or turn us into zombies — its real powers are far more beneficial.
We offer Cordyceps sinensis in several forms: extract, powder, or conveniently packaged in capsules made from either.
Cordyceps sinensis properties
Cordyceps sinensis originates in the Tibetan highlands but is also found in regions of China and India. Its dramatic nickname, “caterpillar mushroom,” comes from the unusual way it grows.
Before winter, the fungus infects a specific species of caterpillar underground, eventually killing and feeding on it. By early spring, a club-shaped, brown fruiting body—about 5 to 15 cm tall—emerges from the caterpillar’s remains.
Highly prized in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tibetan folk healing, Cordyceps sinensis is one of the most expensive mushrooms in the world. Because harvesting it is labor-intensive and demand remains high, naturally grown specimens can sell for anywhere from $40,000 to over $100,000 per kilo in China’s luxury markets. For this reason, wild-harvested Cordyceps is generally impractical to sell outside Asia.
Cordyceps use cases in research and practice
Cordyceps is widely used in Asia to support athletic performance, a benefit that has attracted growing scientific interest in recent years. It’s also commonly studied and used for its potential to strengthen the immune system and promote a more balanced mood.
How is Cordyceps sinensis grown then?
Cultivating the fruiting body of Cordyceps is not possible. Fortunately, after extensive research, scientists were able to isolate a mycelium strain from wild Cordyceps sinensis and grow it using a specialized fermentation process.
The mycelium is cultivated in a natural nutrient solution—without the use of grain or similar substrates. By the end of the maturation phase, the mycelium has completely absorbed the liquid, leaving behind a substance known as Cordyceps CS-4. Scientific studies have shown that its chemical composition closely mirrors that of wild Cordyceps, which is why CS-4 is officially recognized as true “Cordyceps.”
Ingredients of Cordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps mushrooms are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins B1, B2, B12, E, and K, along with key amino acids and minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium—all vital for maintaining optimal body functions.
Beyond that, Cordyceps features a range of bioactive compounds, including ergosterol, ophicordin, adenosine, galactomannan, and L-tryptophan, which are believed to contribute to its potential health-promoting effects. It also naturally contains beneficial polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and unique glycoproteins.
Our offering of Cordyceps extract, powder and capsules
We use only the pure Cordyceps fruiting body in all of our products. We never add mycelium or grain fillers to our raw materials.
| PRODUCT | QUALITY | MOQ | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extract* | Organic | 1 kg | Per quote |
| Extract* | Conv. | 1 kg | Per quote |
| CPA³ extract** | Conv. | Per quote | |
| Powder | Organic | 5 kg | Per quote |
| Powder | Conv. | 5 kg | Per quote |
| Extract capsules | Organic | 2000 pieces | Per quote |
| Powder capsules | Organic | 2000 pieces | Per quote |
*Standardized for 30% polysaccharides.
**Standardized for 30% polysaccharides, 1% cordycepin and 0,5% Adenosin.
Product Specifications
Capsules
Alongside mushroom extract or powder, these capsules also include organic acerola extract, known for its exceptionally high vitamin C content. Research indicates that vitamin C greatly enhances the body's ability to absorb the active compounds in medicinal mushroom extracts. The capsule shell is made from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, making it entirely vegan.
Packaging
Powders and extracts are available in 1 kg, 5 kg and 25 kg containers, capsules in 2000 pieces/bag. All orders of 1 or 5 kg are packed in PE bags in a bucket, 25 kg orders come in a paper drum.
Shelf life and storage conditions
For extracts and powders: 4 years when properly stored: at room temperature or lower, in a tightly closed package that keeps the raw materials protected from light, humidity and insects. For capsules: 48 months after production date when properly stored: at a dry, cool place (room temperature or lower) and protected from sunlight.
Production methods
The mushroom fruiting bodies are ground, passed through metal detection, then subjected to hot water extraction. The liquid extract is centrifuged and spray-dried. The typical extraction ratio ranges from 8:1 to 11:1. We standardize all extracts to contain 30% polysaccharides.
Powder: The mushroom fruiting bodies are simply ground and screened for metal contaminants.
Capsules: The process involves weighing the raw materials (either powder or extract), blending them thoroughly, encapsulating the mixture, and cleaning the finished capsules.
Cultivation and growing material
We grow our mushrooms in their natural habitat, the Chinese highlands, and rely on the expertise of local farmers. Chaga is one of our mushroom species that we don’t grow, but harvest from birch trees in northeastern China. The organic collection is done according to the actual valid EU regulations.
Powder (conv.): Nutritional values per 100 g
Energy: 1243 KJ/ 295 kcal Fat: 7,4 g; of which saturated fatty acids 2 g Carbohydrates: 3,9 g; of which sugars 0,54 g Fiber: 21,17 g Protein: 38,8 g Sodium: 0,03 g
Powder (org): Nutritional values per 100 g
Energy: 1243 KJ/ 295 kcal Fat: 7,4 g; of which saturated fatty acids 2 g Carbohydrates: 3,9 g; of which sugars 0,54 g Fiber: 21,17 g Protein: 38,8 g Sodium: 0,03 g
Food grade status
The products are suitable and safe for human consumption according to actual EU regulations (178/2002). According to the EU’s Novel Food Regulation (2015/2283), chaga extracts and powders can be used as food supplements. You should still contact the appropriate authorities in your country to ensure that you can market and sell our raw materials.
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