Cordyceps is a powerful medicinal mushroom traditionally used in Chinese and Tibetan medicine to promote energy, respiratory strength, and immune resilience. Today, it’s considered one of the most effective adaptogens for athletes, biohackers, and wellness seekers.
| Feature | KeedaJadi | Cordyceps Sinensis (Natural) | Cordyceps Militaris (Lab-Grown) | Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Use | Used for centuries in Tibetan & Chinese medicine | Newer, modern cultivation focused | Sinensis has deep cultural & historical trust |
| Origin & Growth | Grows wild on insect larvae in Himalayan high altitudes | Cultivated in labs on grains/substrates | Wild growth = chemical diversity but seasonal variability |
| Price | Very expensive due to rarity & harvesting difficulty | Much more affordable & widely available | Sinensis can cost 10–50× more than Militaris |
| Bioactive Compounds | Polysaccharides, sterols, adenosine, lower cordycepin | Higher cordycepin, moderate polysaccharides | Sinensis richer in polysaccharides; Militaris richer in cordycepin |
| Potency & Consistency | Variable potency due to natural sourcing | High consistency from controlled cultivation | Cultivated = reliable quality; Wild can vary |
| Health Benefits | Stamina, anti-aging, immune support, organ health | Immune boost, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer | Both beneficial; Sinensis preferred for holistic effects |
| Safety | Risk of heavy metals/toxins if poorly sourced | Lab-grown cleaner & standardized | Proper sourcing critical for Sinensis safety |
| Sustainability | Overharvesting threatens wild populations | Sustainable, eco-friendly cultivation | Militaris prevents ecosystem damage |
| Consumer Perception | Premium, authentic, tied with ancient wisdom | Modern, scientific, more accessible | Sinensis appeals to traditionalists; Militaris to modern users |
Cordyceps increases levels of ATP — the molecule that powers your cells.
Rich in immune-boosting polysaccharides, Cordyceps helps strengthen your body’s defenses:
Supports vital organs for resilience and longevity:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cordyceps is revered as a “Chi” tonic for restoring life force.
Perfect for teas, broths, or culinary recipes. A versatile choice for those who enjoy natural preparation.
High-potency and standardized for cordycepin, beta-glucans, and polysaccharides. Great for smoothies, capsules, or coffee.
Authentic and traditionally revered. Best prepared as a tea — boil 10–15 minutes for a potent ancestral remedy.
No mycelium on grain fillers, only true fruiting bodies.
Unlocking both water-soluble polysaccharides & alcohol-soluble compounds.
Verified purity, cordycepin levels, and beta-glucan potency.
Either cultivated responsibly or ethically wild-harvested.
Proven sourcing, traceability, and consistent results.
Cordyceps contains bioactive chemicals that are quite potent. Cordycepin, one of these compounds, has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties*. [1]
Cultivated Cordyceps militaris has 90 times more cordycepin than wild Cordyceps sinensis*.
The fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris contains large quantities of immune-boosting beta-glucans (up to 25%)*. This is far greater than supplements derived from Cordyceps sinensis mycelium grown on grain, which can be as low as 1%.
Cordyceps has hundreds of distinct species. The majority are parasitic, meaning they feed on bugs. Cordyceps spores may infect an insect, take over its body and mind, kill it, and then grow a mushroom through its head in nature.
Isn't it a little creepy?
Fortunately, Cordyceps militaris possesses all of the zombie-inducing capability of its cousins without the need to parasitize an insect. On a rice and soy substrate, the entire fruiting body may be developed naturally and sustainably.
Cordyceps militaris supplements are insect-free and vegan.
Cordyceps has long been used to alleviate fatigue*.
Cordyceps increased aerobic activity, exercise metabolism, and endurance performance in healthy, middle-aged to elderly inactive humans*, according to a randomised double-blind research published in 2015. [2]
In another study, feeding with Cordyceps militaris for two weeks enhanced the length of time rats could swim before fatigue when compared to the control group*. [3]
Nucleosides found in Cordyceps, such as Cordycepin, have been shown to suppress viral replication*.[7]
Polysaccharides found in Cordyceps can also aid to boost the immune system's response to viral infections*. These two characteristics of Cordyceps make it an attractive candidate for use as a natural antiviral*.
1. Holliday, J. C., & Cleaver, M. P. (2008). Medicinal Value of the Caterpillar Fungi Species of the Genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes). A Review. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 10(3), 219–234. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v10.i3.30
2. Yi, X., Xi-Zhen, H., & Jia-Shi, Z. (2004). 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. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 10(3), 187–192. doi: 10.1007/bf02836405
3. Wang, S.-Y., & Shiao, M.-S. (2000). Pharmacological Functions of Chinese Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps sinensis and Related Species. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 8(4), 248–257
4. Z hang, H. W., Lin, Z. X., Tung, Y. S., Kwan, T. H., Mok, C. K., Leung, C., & Chan, L. S. (2014). Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. doi: 10.1002/14651858.cd008353.pub2
5. Shashidhar, M., Giridhar, P., Sankar, K. U., & Manohar, B. (2013). Bioactive principles from Cordyceps sinensis: A potent food supplement – A review. Journal of Functional Foods,5(3), 1013-1030. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2013.04.018
