Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps sinensis)

Cordyceps sinensis is not consumed primarily for macronutrient value but for its rich bioactive compound profile. Key constituents include: Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine): approximately 0.1–0.5% of dry weight, a nucleoside analog responsible for anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects; bioavailability is moderate orally but subject to rapid deamination by adenosine deaminase in vivo. Adenosine: approximately 0.2–0.4% of dry weight, contributes to cardiovascular and neuromodulatory benefits. Cordycepic acid (D-mannitol): approximately 3–8% of dry weight, acts as an osmotic diuretic and antioxidant; good oral bioavailability. Polysaccharides (beta-glucans and galactomannans): approximately 3–8% of dry weight, responsible for immunostimulatory effects via macrophage and NK cell activation; bioavailability is limited due to large molecular weight but gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) interaction enhances immune response. Ergosterol (provitamin D2): approximately 0.1–0.3% of dry weight, a sterol precursor to vitamin D2 upon UV exposure. Nucleosides (uridine, guanosine, inosine, thymidine): collectively approximately 0.5–1.5% of dry weight, support cellular energy metabolism and ATP production. Proteins and amino acids: approximately 20–30% of dry weight, including essential amino acids such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, lysine, and arginine. Fatty acids: approximately 1.5–3% of dry weight, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. Minerals: contains zinc (approximately 10–30 mg/100g), selenium (approximately 0.05–0.15 mg/100g), iron (approximately 5–15 mg/100g), manganese, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in trace to moderate amounts. Vitamins: B-complex vitamins including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B12 in small quantities; vitamin E (tocopherols) in trace amounts. Exopolysaccharides and SOD (superoxide dismutase): present in cultured mycelium forms, contributing to antioxidant capacity. Fiber: approximately 15–25% of dry weight (chitin-based fungal cell wall material), largely indigestible. Sterols: ergosterol peroxide and other oxygenated sterols at trace levels with noted anti-inflammatory properties. Bioavailability notes: Water and ethanol dual extraction significantly improves the release of both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble cordycepin/adenosine. Cordycepin bioavailability is enhanced when co-administered with adenosine deaminase inhibitors (e.g., pentostatin in research settings) or formulated in liposomal delivery systems. Polysaccharide bioactivity is largely mediated through gut immune receptors rather than systemic absorption. Wild-harvested Cordyceps sinensis generally contains higher concentrations of cordycepin and nucleosides compared to cultured Cordyceps militaris mycelium (CS-4), though the latter is more commercially available and standardized.