Key takeaways
- Check the exact species; cheap “Cordyceps sinensis” is rarely the wild fungus.
- Look for fruiting body, or a clear explanation of any mycelium.
- Cordycepin figures are only meaningful with a stated method and batch.
- No health claims are authorised for Cordyceps in the UK.
With two very different fungi sold under one name, choosing a Cordyceps product needs a little more care than most. This guide explains what to check.
1. Which species?
Look for Cordyceps militaris or Ophiocordyceps sinensis by name. Genuine wild O. sinensis is rare and very expensive, so an inexpensive product labelled “Cordyceps sinensis” is very likely to contain something else, usually fermented mycelium. See Cordyceps militaris vs Ophiocordyceps sinensis.
2. Fruiting body or mycelium?
Cultivated C. militaris fruiting bodies are widely available. Mycelium products should say how they were grown and whether grain is included. See Fruiting Body vs Mycelium.
3. How was it extracted?
Look for a clear description, ideally hot water and alcohol. See How Cordyceps Extracts Are Made.
4. Figures and testing
Some products quote cordycepin content. If they do, check how it was measured and whether it applies to the batch you’re buying. See Certificates of Analysis.
5. Check the claims
Cordyceps is often marketed with bold promises. No health claims are authorised for Cordyceps in the UK. See Cordyceps Research: What Does the Evidence Show?
Quick checklist
- Species named precisely
- Fruiting body or mycelium stated
- Extraction explained
- Figures backed by testing
- No health promises
Our Cordyceps
Our Cordyceps tincture is a dual extract of UK-grown Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies, containing only mushroom, purified water and plant-derived ethanol.