Cordyceps Extract, derived from the precious traditional Chinese medicine Cordyceps sinensis, can be obtained through water or alcohol extraction methods. The main active components are nucleosides and polysaccharides, which have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immune-boosting properties. It can be used for skincare, anti-wrinkle and whitening treatments, delaying aging, fitness, and disease prevention.
Source
[Origin] Cordyceps sinensis, belonging to the Clavicipitaceae family, is the composite of the stroma of Cordyceps fungi and the larval bodies of Hepialus armoricanus Oberthür and other related species in the Hepialidae family. Cordyceps, also known as Dong Chong Xia Cao, consists of the insect body and fungal stroma, measuring 9-12 cm in total length. The insect body resembles an aged silkworm, about 3-6 cm long and 0.4-0.7 cm thick, with a rough, deep yellow exterior. The dorsal side has multiple horizontal wrinkles, and the ventral side has eight pairs of legs, with four pairs in the middle being the most noticeable. The cross-section reveals a solid, white, slightly yellow core surrounded by a deep yellow periphery. The stroma grows from the insect's head, appearing club-shaped and slightly curved, grayish-brown or blackish-brown, 4-8 cm long and about 0.3 cm in diameter. When broken, the core is hollow and white. It has a faint smell and a bland taste. The best quality specimens are bright yellow, plump, with a yellow-white cross-section and short stroma. Major production areas include Sichuan, Qinghai, Guizhou, and Yunnan, with Sichuan being the largest producer. It is also found in Tibet, Gansu, and other regions.
Chemical Composition
1.Sugar Alcohols and Sterols
○Cholesterol, D-mannitol, trehalose, carotene, D-furanose, and sitosterol can be isolated from Cordyceps. Ergosterol content is relatively constant in Cordyceps, making it an important quality control marker.
2.Polysaccharides
○Cordyceps produces a large amount of extracellular polysaccharides during its formation and growth, primarily composed of xylose, galactose, glucose, and mannose.
3.Nucleosides
○Nucleosides detected in Cordyceps include uracil, uridine, adenine, xanthine, adenosine, guanosine, inosine, and cordycepin (3-deoxyadenosine). Cordycepin and adenosine are the main active components.
4.Amino Acids and Peptides
○Protein content in Cordyceps ranges from 20.06% to 26.40%. Hydrolysis analysis reveals 18 amino acids, including eight essential amino acids for humans. Glutamic acid, tryptophan, and tyrosine are the primary amino acids in natural Cordyceps.
5.Inorganic Elements
○Cordyceps is rich in trace elements, with over 30 identified, including P, Mg, Al, Nb, Ca, Ga, Zn, K, Si, Mn, Cu, Ba, Sr, Zr, Ni, Fe, Ce, Cs, As, Be, Na, B, Pb, Li, Hg, and Ti. The highest concentrations are of P and Mg. Its anti-cancer properties may be linked to elements like Fe, Cu, Co, and P.
6.Organic Acids
○Cordyceps contains various organic acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, 11-eicosenoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid (Z), 3-octadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-hexadecanoic acid, 9-hexadecenoic acid (Z), hexadecanoic acid, and 14-methyl-pentadecanoic acid.
7.Vitamins and Polyamines
○Cordyceps contains vitamins and polyamines, including vitamin C, B vitamins, and more.
8.Alkanes
○Alkanes in Cordyceps include heneicosane, eicosane, octadecane, and hexadecane.
Cordycepin (Cordycepin)
● Also known as 3'-deoxyadenosine. Molecular formula: C10H13N5O3, molecular weight: 251.24. Needle-like crystals (ethanol, n-butanol, n-propanol, or water), mp. 225℃-226℃, [α]D25-35° (water).
Mannitol (Mannitol)
● Molecular formula: C6H14O6, molecular weight: 182.17. Orthorhombic needle-like crystals (ethanol), mp. 166℃-168℃, bp. 290℃-295℃/3.5mm, [α]D25-0.49° (water).
Adenine (Adenine)
● Also known as 6-aminopurine. Molecular formula: C5H5N5, molecular weight: 135.14. The trihydrate is white orthorhombic needle-like crystals. Loses water at 110℃, mp. 360℃-365℃, sublimates at 220℃. Insoluble in water, soluble in boiling water, slightly soluble in ethanol, insoluble in ether and chloroform.
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