Which species is “Cordyceps”?
Most “cordyceps” supplements sold in the US and EU are cultivated Cordyceps militaris — a different species (and genus) from the wild Himalayan Ophiocordyceps sinensis the name historically refers to.
The species behind the name
- Cordyceps
Ophiocordyceps sinensis (and cultivated Cs-4 strain Paecilomyces hepiali)
Ophiocordyceps sinensis — the wild caterpillar fungus of Tibetan-plateau tradition; scarce and costly, so genuine O. sinensis is rare in retail supplements. Many products labeled with this name are cultivated mycelium of other species.
- Cordyceps Militaris
Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr.
Cordyceps militaris — the orange cultivated species behind most modern products; cordycepin content is its analytical marker and its research record is its own, not O. sinensis's.
How to tell what a product actually is
- Check the binomial and the input: “fruiting body” C. militaris is a different article from “Cs-4”/mycelium products carrying the sinensis name.
- Substitution across the cordyceps category is documented by the Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program — species identity, not the word “cordyceps,” determines the chemistry.
Documentation
Educational use only. This page explains species identity — it makes no claim that any species works for anything, and it is never a place to decide what to take. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you take medication, talk to your clinician or pharmacist before adding any botanical, whichever species it turns out to be.