Cordyceps mushroom extract comes from Cordyceps fungus, specifically the Cordyceps militaris species. Cordyceps militaris thrives in mountainous regions and typically grows in China, Tibet, and other East Asian countries. Cordyceps is derived from the Greek word kordyle, which means “club,” and the Latin suffix –ceps, meaning “head.” Cordyceps fungus has been used traditionally for thousands of years.
Cordyceps militaris and other related species are considered endoparasitoid fungi, meaning they are basically parasites. However, Cordyceps militaris, the species used for our Cordyceps mushroom extracts, does not need a host to grow and can be grown on a substrate. Over the years through science and modern research, the many Cordyceps mushroom uses from ancient Tibetan practices are now being verified. Several other Cordyceps Mushroom Extract uses have since been discovered through modern scientific research too.
Evidence shows that Cordyceps mushroom benefits extend to many areas of health. These areas of health include cardiovascular health, cellular health, immune health, and cognitive health. These Cordyceps benefits can be traced to cordycepin, one of the main bioactive compounds in Cordyceps militaris. Cordyceps militaris in particular, carries higher levels of Cordycepin compared to other species of Cordyceps. So what Cordyceps health benefits come from cordycepin?