Cordyceps Sinensis .VS Cordyceps Militaris
In the blog series “Get to Know Medicinal Mushrooms”, both Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris are described as having similar activities and overlapping active compounds. Nevertheless, there are important differences between them.
How do we know which mushroom is preferable in a given situation?
The difference largely depends on the relative concentrations of two key active compounds: adenosine and cordycepin
Cordyceps militaris is the “sister” species of Cordyceps sinensis. It is easier to cultivate, produces larger fruiting bodies, and is more affordable. You can read more about it in detail here.
In Israel, several farms cultivate Cordyceps militaris, and it is available as dried mushrooms, fresh mushrooms, or extracts. In this case, the fruiting bodies are used rather than the mycelium, unlike Cordyceps sinensis.
Cordyceps militaris contains more cordycepin than adenosine.
Cordyceps sinensis is considered the more traditional and prestigious form of Cordyceps. Today, it is cultivated under controlled industrial conditions, and the part used as a dietary supplement is mainly the mycelium. You can read more about it here.
This mushroom contains both adenosine and cordycepin, but its adenosine content is higher. Cordyceps sinensis also contains additional families of active compounds. The main difference between Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris lies in the relative amounts of adenosine and cordycepin, which will be discussed in more detail below.
Militaris vs. Sinensis - or Adenosine vs. Cordycepin
Adenosine and cordycepin are both nucleosides. Cordycepin is a unique analog of adenosine that occurs in Cordyceps species.
The chemical difference between the two molecules is small, yet it leads to significant differences in their biological activity. More on this can be found in the referenced article here.
Adenosine is a nucleoside that naturally occurs in the human body and is released in response to physical activity, illness, or cellular damage. It acts through specific receptors that mediate neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic responses, as well as inflammatory regulation.
Adenosine is well known for its vasodilatory effects and for reducing neuronal excitability under stress conditions. (Read more)
Cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine) is an adenosine analog found in Cordyceps. It integrates into intracellular metabolism and, through intracellular mechanisms, acts as an anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and more. (Read more)
Adenosine exerts its effects through specific receptors, and its activity is rapid and tissue-dependent (heart, blood vessels, brain, and other organs). Its outcomes include regulation of heart rate, inhibition of neurotransmitter release, and suppression of local inflammation.
Cordycepin, in contrast, does not activate adenosine receptors. Instead, it enters the cell and affects mRNA-related processes. It reduces the production of certain proteins and inhibits intracellular pathways, resulting in suppression of inflammatory signaling, inhibition of cell division (for example, in cancer), and metabolic changes within the cell.
In both cases, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer effects can be observed, but the underlying biological pathways differ.
The table below provides an example of the activity of these compounds by category:
Summary:
Cordyceps sinensis, which is richer in adenosine, acts more rapidly and primarily through immune and inflammatory pathways. It is therefore preferable in conditions of acute inflammation or tissue damage.
It may also be advantageous in situations involving oxygen deficiency, impaired blood flow, and erectile dysfunction, due to its vasodilatory effects. Additionally, in states of immune overactivity or acute inflammation, Cordyceps sinensis may help regulate excessive immune or inflammatory responses.
Cordycepin, which is more abundant in Cordyceps militaris, has a slower and more regulatory activity profile. It is therefore better suited for chronic conditions, immune support during immunosuppression (such as during chemotherapy), and for improving endurance and long-term energy. Due to its intracellular mechanisms, cordycepin also exhibits potent anti-cancer activity.
