Cordyceps: from zombie fungus to dietary supplements

Cordyceps... these fascinating mushrooms from the high mountains of Asia have seen growing popularity in recent years. Once reserved for Chinese elites for their supposed revitalizing properties, they are now widely available in the form of dietary supplements, energy drinks, and extracts. But why does this mushroom, often called "the gold of mushrooms", attract so much interest?

From traditional medicine to worldwide popularity

The story of Cordyceps begins in the mountainous regions of Tibet and China, where they were traditionally used to strengthen vitality and boost endurance. For centuries, their harvesting in the alpine pastures remained the privilege of local communities. However, their rarity and supposed medicinal virtues made them extremely valuable.

At the end of the 20th century, researchers began to seriously study the pharmacological properties of Cordyceps. Preliminary studies show potential effects on fatigue, muscle recovery, and even immune support, attracting the attention of the Western world.

The Netflix series and the rediscovery of Cordyceps

More recently, a cultural phenomenon has intensified the enthusiasm for these mushrooms: the Netflix series The Last of Us. Although this fiction series depicts an apocalyptic version of a parasitic fungus inspired by Cordyceps, it has sparked the curiosity of a wide audience. Google searches about Cordyceps have exploded, fueling interest that far exceeds the circle of mycology enthusiasts.

A market that meets demand

The soaring demand has led to the industrialization of production. Nowadays, it is possible to find extracts of Cordyceps militaris, cultivated in laboratories, in many organic stores and online. However, this mass production raises questions about the quality and effectiveness of the marketed products.

Cordyceps: a symbol of performance and well-being

Today, Cordyceps have become a symbol of vitality and endurance in the wellness world. Whether to improve athletic performance or to strengthen immune defenses, this mushroom is now at the center of attention, fueled by a clever mix of ancient legends and modern discoveries.

2. Cordyceps: A multifaceted mushroom

The fascinating origins of Cordyceps

Cordyceps are a group of ascomycete fungi known for their unique lifestyle: they are parasites of insects and other arthropods. The most famous among them, Cordyceps sinensis, naturally grows on butterfly larvae in the mountains of Tibet and China. This parasitic fungus eventually kills the host by mummifying it, leaving a long sporophore emerging from the insect's body.

This atypical growth process has long fascinated local peoples, who considered this mushroom a miraculous remedy, capable of increasing vital energy and longevity. Due to its rarity and difficult harvesting method, Cordyceps sinensis has become a luxury product, sometimes sold for more than gold.

Cordyceps militaris: The cultivated alternative

To meet growing demand and bypass the scarcity of Cordyceps sinensis, producers have turned to a close species: Cordyceps militaris. Unlike its wild cousin, militaris is cultivated in laboratories on nutrient substrates, such as enriched rice.

Modern cultivation techniques allow this mushroom to be produced more profitably while preserving its main bioactive compounds, notably cordycepin, known for its potentially revitalizing effects. That is why most Cordyceps-based dietary supplements on the market come from this species.

Cordyceps in popular culture

The appeal of Cordyceps now goes beyond traditional medicine. In popular culture, these mushrooms have become a symbol of vitality and performance. Their reputation has grown with the rise of wellness products, from energy drinks to dietary supplements, widely promoted by influencers and media.

3. Benefits validated by science (and their limits)

Focus on active molecules: adenosine, cordycepin, polysaccharides

The benefits of Cordyceps are largely attributed to the bioactive molecules they contain:

• Adenosine: Key molecule in regulating cellular energy, it promotes blood vessel dilation and improves circulation.
• Cordycepin: Compound with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and energizing properties. Studies show its potential to modulate immune response and inhibit cell proliferation.
• Polysaccharides: Bioactive fibers with immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. They also help reduce oxidative stress.

Controversies and precautions for use

Why are some studies questioned?
Despite encouraging results, some studies are criticized for their methodology or lack of reproducibility. The main points of controversy are:

Quality of extracts: Studies conducted on standardized extracts often show significant effects, but products available on the market often contain extracts of variable quality, which limits their effectiveness. The vast majority of extracts come from China (check the origins on your dietary supplements), where quality, traceability, and transparency standards differ from what can be expected here in Europe.

Lack of clinical trials: Although some in vitro or animal model studies are promising, clinical trials on humans remain limited and often inconclusive.

Overinterpretation of results: Some publications excessively praise the benefits without considering methodological limitations.

4. The reality of the dietary supplements market

🌍 Why China dominates the Cordyceps market

Historical expertise: China has a long tradition in cultivating Cordyceps, notably with Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Liquid culture methods (fermentation) and solid substrate methods (such as grains) have been well mastered there for several decades. The research and production of Cordyceps mycelium have benefited from extensively developed scientific expertise in the country.

Reduced production costs: Less expensive labor and existing infrastructure allow for offering extracts at competitive prices. European productions, on the other hand, are often more costly due to stricter quality standards and higher labor costs.

Less strict production standards: Compared to European regulations, China imposes significantly less rigorous requirements for certification and quality control of dietary supplements, which facilitates large-scale production. 

In the Yushu market, wholesalers buy cordyceps that they will resell in large cities. Gilles Sabrié for L'Express

🌟 A market with many faces

China is a vast market where you can find everything in terms of quality: very good quality Cordyceps extracts, but also products with questionable standards. The lure of profit generated by growing demand pushes some entrepreneurs to buy the cheapest products possible to resell them at a higher price in Europe, thus maximizing their margins. This practice contributes to driving the market down in terms of quality, and consumers must be vigilant to ensure the origin and quality of the products they buy.

💡 Health risks related to mass production

Intensive production in China presents certain potential risks related to the quality of extracts:

• Questionable certifications: Organic labels or local Chinese certifications do not meet European standards in terms of traceability and control of undesirable substances.

• Risk of contamination: Some cultures may be exposed to environmental pollutants, especially in industrial areas. Studies have reported the presence of heavy metals in some Chinese Cordyceps extracts.

How to choose your Cordyceps-based dietary supplement wisely?

🚩 A rapidly growing market, between opportunities and abuses

The success of Cordyceps in the dietary supplement world has led to a proliferation of products often poorly labeled, even misleading. Many brands capitalize on the mushroom's reputation without guaranteeing the quality of the extracts used. Labels can be vague or use misleading terms like "Cordyceps extract" without specifying the origin (mycelium or fruiting body) or the concentration of active ingredients.

When choosing a dietary supplement based on Cordyceps, it is essential to consider several criteria to ensure the quality and safety of the product. Here are the key elements to check:

🌱 1. Labels and certifications: a guarantee of quality

• Certified organic : Favor supplements bearing the European organic label or an equivalent recognized label. This guarantees that the product is grown without pesticides, GMOs, or chemical additives.

• Traceability of raw materials : Choose products whose origin is clearly indicated, ideally from European crops. This reduces the risk of contamination by prohibited substances.

• Additional certifications : Labels such as ISO 22000, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), or IFS Food attest to strict control of production quality.

🔬 2. Laboratory analyses: reliability and transparency

• European analyses : Quality controls must be carried out in European laboratories to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

• Recognized players : Even if analyses are conducted in Europe, favor specialized and reputable laboratories in the field of dietary supplements. Some analyses, notably the measurement of beta-glucans, can be easily misleading or falsified.

💡 Beware of beta-glucans :
There are many varieties of beta-glucans, coming from plant sources (cereals, yeasts) or fungal sources (mushrooms). However, only fungal-origin beta-glucans show the beneficial effects sought in Cordyceps-based supplements. Unfortunately, many analysis reports do not clearly distinguish the origin of beta-glucans, which can be misleading regarding the product's quality.

⚠️ 3. Beware of fake products

A scientific study published in the journal "Nature" revealed that some dietary supplements labeled as Cordyceps sinensis actually contain neither the mushroom nor its natural host, but are composed of unreliable substitutes.
👉 Source : A simple and effective method to discern the true commercial Chinese cordyceps from counterfeits