Search Results (143)

In order to reduce the environmental burden associated with Cordyceps militaris residue, we conducted a study to explore the feasibility of Cordyceps militaris residue as a silage additive. The experimental treatments included distilled sterile water control (CK), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP, 1 × 10⁵ cfu/g), Cordyceps militaris residue (CM, 4% of fresh matter), and their combination (LP + CM). A total of 48 samples (4 treatments × 4 storage periods × 3 replicates) were prepared for the analysis of fermentation quality, chemical composition, microbial population, and bacterial community composition at days 2, 7, 28, and 45 of ensiling. Results showed that compared with the control, the CM and LP + CM treatments increased the lactic acid bacteria number and lactic acid content (p < 0.05), and a decrease in pH value and NH₃-N content was observed (p < 0.05). The bacterial diversity in the CM group was higher and lower than that in the CK group in the early and late stages of fermentation, respectively, and maintained a higher relative abundance of Lactococcus on day 7. Lactobacillus remained the predominant bacterial community at the end of fermentation. Random forest analysis indicated that Lactobacillus was a key determinant of the pH, lactic acid, and acetic acid levels. Consequently, the addition of Cordyceps militaris residue alone, or combined with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, improved the quality of alfalfa silage by increasing lactic acid and lowering NH₃-N, providing a new approach for its development and utilization. Full article

Over the years, macromycete fungi have been used as a source of food, part of religious rites and rituals, and as a medicinal remedy. Species with strong health-promoting potential include Hericium erinaceus, Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus, Flammulina velutipes, and Inonotus obliquus. These species contain many bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, endo- and exogenous amino acids, polyphenols, terpenoids, sterols, B vitamins, minerals, and lovastatin. The level of some biologically active substances is species-specific, e.g., hericenones and erinacines, which have neuroprotective properties, and supporting the production of nerve growth factor in the brain for Hericium erinaceus. Due to their high health-promoting potential, mushrooms and substances isolated from them have found applications in livestock nutrition, improving their welfare and productivity. This phenomenon may be of particular importance in the nutrition of laying hens and broiler chickens, where an increase in pathogen resistance to antibiotics has been observed in recent years. Gallus gallus domesticus is a key farm animal for meat and egg production, so the search for new compounds to support bird health is important for food safety. Studies conducted to date indicate that feed supplementation with mushrooms has a beneficial effect on, among other things, bird weight gain; bone mineralisation; and meat and egg quality, including the lipid profile and protein content and shell thickness, and promotes the development of beneficial microbiota, thereby increasing immunity. Full article

This study presents the development and optimization of a functional soy sauce fermented with Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris), a medicinal fungus known for its high cordycepin and polysaccharide content. Using C. militaris as the sole starter culture, the process aimed to improve both nutritional and functional properties. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the entire fermentation process. During the koji stage, temperature, aeration, and inoculum concentration were adjusted to maximize protease activity and cordycepin production. In the fermentation stage, temperature, brine concentration, and water-to-material ratio were optimized to increase amino acid nitrogen and bioactive compound levels. Under optimal conditions (24 °C, 679.60 LPM aeration, 9.6% inoculum for koji; 32 °C, 12% brine, 1.53:1 water-to-material ratio for fermentation), the resulting soy sauce contained 1.14 ± 0.05 g/100 mL amino acid nitrogen and 16.88 ± 0.47 mg/100 mL cordycepin. Compared with traditionally fermented soy sauce, the C. militaris product exhibited a darker color, enhanced umami taste, and a distinct volatile profile featuring linoleic acid, methyl palmitate, and niacinamide. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using C. militaris in soy sauce fermentation and its potential as a novel functional condiment with improved bioactivity and sensory quality. Full article

Intestinal inflammation involves barrier impairment, immune hyperactivation, and oxidative stress imbalance. Bioactive polysaccharides universally alleviate inflammation via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and microbiota-modulating effects, yet exhibit distinct core mechanisms. Elucidating these differences is vital for targeted polysaccharide applications. This research examines distinct regulatory pathways through which diverse bioactive polysaccharides mitigate lipopolysaccharide-triggered intestinal inflammation in male Kunming (KM) mice. This experiment employed Lentinula edodes polysaccharide (LNT), Auricularia auricula polysaccharide (AAP), Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide (CMP), Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), and Brassica rapa polysaccharide (BRP). The expression levels of biomarkers associated with the TLR4 signaling pathway, oxidative stress, and intestinal barrier function were quantified, along with comprehensive gut microbiota profiling. The results showed that all five polysaccharides alleviated inflammatory responses in mice by inhibiting inflammatory cytokine release, reducing oxidative damage, and modulating gut microbiota, but their modes of action differed: LBP significantly suppressed the TLR-4/MyD88 signaling pathway and its downstream pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, thereby blocking inflammatory signal transduction and reducing oxidative damage; LNT and CMP enhanced the body’s antioxidant capacity by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels; AAP and BRP enriched Akkermansia (Akk.) within the Verrucomicrobia (Ver.) phylum, upregulating tight junction protein expression to strengthen the intestinal mucosal barrier and indirectly reduce oxidative damage. This research demonstrates that different polysaccharides alleviate inflammation through multi-target synergistic mechanisms: LBP primarily inhibits inflammatory pathways; AAP and BRP focus on intestinal barrier protection and microbiota modulation; and LNT and CMP exert effects via antioxidant enzyme activation. These data support designing polysaccharide blends that leverage complementary inflammatory modulation mechanisms. Full article

Cordycepin, a bioactive adenosine analog, holds promise in pharmaceutical and health product development. However, large-scale production remains constrained by the limitations of natural producers, Cordyceps spp. Herein, we report the reconstruction of the first genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM) for a cordycepin-producing strain of recombinant Aspergillus oryzae. The model, iNR1684, incorporated 1684 genes and 1947 reactions with 93% gene-protein-reaction coverage, which was validated by the experimental biomass composition and growth rate. In silico analyses identified key gene amplification targets in the pentose phosphate and one-carbon metabolism pathways, indicating that folate metabolism is crucial for enhancing cordycepin production. Nutrient optimization simulations revealed that chitosan, D-glucosamine, and L-aspartate preferentially supported cordycepin biosynthesis. Additionally, a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of 11.6:1 was identified and experimentally validated to maximize production, higher than that reported for Cordyceps militaris. These findings correspond to a faster growth rate, enhanced carbon assimilation, and broader substrate utilization by A. oryzae. This study demonstrates the significant role of GSMM in uncovering rational engineering strategies and provides a quantitative framework for precision fermentation, offering scalable and sustainable solutions for industrial cordycepin production. Full article

This study employs advanced numerical simulation to investigate the influence of shelf temperature on the freeze-drying kinetics and product quality of Cordyceps militaris. Emphasis is placed on the glass transition and structural collapse mechanisms during the primary drying stage. A detailed computational model was developed to predict temperature profiles, glass transition temperature, collapse temperature, and moisture distribution under varying process conditions. Simulation results indicate that maintaining the shelf temperature below 10 °C minimizes the risk of structural collapse and volume shrinkage while improving drying efficiency and product stability. Based on the model, an optimal freeze-drying protocol is proposed: shelf heating at 0 °C, condenser plate at −32 °C, and chamber pressure at 35 Pa. Experimental validation confirmed the feasibility of this regime, yielding a shrinkage of 9.52%, a color difference (ΔE) of 4.86, water activity of 0.364 ± 0.018, and a rehydration ratio of 55.14 ± 0.789%. Key bioactive compounds, including adenosine and cordycepin, were well preserved. These findings underscore the critical role of simulation in process design and optimization, contributing to the development of efficient and high-quality freeze-dried functional food products. Full article

Cordyceps militaris, a model species in the genus Cordyceps, is widely distributed globally and is known for its significant medicinal value. It has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to enhance immunity, alleviate fatigue, and treat tumors, among other therapeutic purposes. Here, we successfully assembled a telomere-to-telomere (T2T) level genome of C. militaris CH1 using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C technologies. The assembled genome is 32.67 Mb in size, with an N50 of 4.70 Mb. Gene prediction revealed a total of 10,749 predicted genes in the C. militaris CH1 genome, with a gene completeness of 99.20%. Phylogenetic analysis showed the evolutionary relationship between C. militaris CH1 and other Cordyceps species, suggesting that the divergence between this strain and C. militaris ATCC 34164 occurred approximately 1.36 Mya. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses identified 842 differentially expressed genes and 2052 metabolites that were significantly altered under light stress, primarily involving key pathways related to amino acid metabolism, purine metabolism, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Joint analysis of genes and metabolites revealed 79 genes coding for enzymes associated with the synthesis of adenine and adenosine, with the expression of 52 genes being upregulated, consistent with the accumulation trends of adenine and adenosine. Four gene clusters related to the synthesis of cordycepin were identified, with a significant upregulation of cns3 (FUN_003263), suggesting that light stress may promote cordycepin biosynthesis. This comprehensive analysis not only provides new insights into the genomics, metabolomics, and functional gene research of C. militaris CH1 but also offers a potential biological foundation for understanding the synthesis mechanisms of cordycepin and its efficient production. Full article

To explore the differences in protein quality among classic medicinal entomopathogenic fungi and to evaluate their metabolic adaptability, we analyzed the amino acid composition and proteomic characteristics of Cordyceps sinensis (CS), Cordyceps militaris (CM), and Cordyceps cicadae (CC). Quantitative analysis showed CM contained the highest crude protein and lysine, methionine, threonine, and valine. CS adapted to high-altitude hypoxia and exhibited lower protein but elevated leucine, isoleucine, and histidine contents, which may contribute to membrane stabilization and oxidative stress resistance. CC displayed higher non-essential amino acids such as arginine, proline, and tyrosine, reflecting active nitrogen metabolism. Four-dimensional data-independent acquisition (4D-DIA) proteomics identified 495 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Compared with CS, CM and CC displayed upregulated glutamate oxaloacetate transaminases 2 (GOT2), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) coordinately regulate nitrogen flux through the alanine-aspartate-glutamate metabolic network and urea cycle, supporting metabolic intermediate replenishment for energy metabolism. The upregulation of branched-chain keto acid dehydrogenase E1 subunit alpha (BCKDHA) and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase short/branched chain (ACADSB) in CM and CC facilitated the integration of branched-chain amino acid catabolism with the TCA cycle, explaining species-specific differences in protein content. This study presents the first application of 4D-DIA proteomics to compare CS, CM, and CC, providing insights into quality divergence mechanisms in medicinal fungi. Full article

Postharvest Flammulina filiformis is prone to quality degradation, adversely impacting its commercial value. Cordyceps militaris, rich in antioxidant and antibacterial components, shows promise as a natural biological preservative. This study aimed to explore the potential of C. militaris extract (CME) as a preservative for F. filiformis. Through analyzing indicators such as browning, stipe elongation, and cap diameter, this study confirmed the effectiveness of CME in delaying oxidation and inhibiting microbial growth during storage. Additionally, transcriptome analysis revealed that CME modulated gene expression in F. filiformis, enhancing its antioxidant defense mechanisms. The results demonstrated that CME could effectively extend the shelf life of F. filiformis, providing valuable insights into preservation strategies for this and other edible fungi. Full article

Microbial protein represents a sustainable alternative to conventional animal protein, yet optimizing substrates for fungal cultivation remains critical. This study demonstrates the successful upcycling of chitin waste and aged rice into fungal protein through fermentation with Cordyceps militaris. Substrate formulations (0–20% chitin waste mixed with aged rice) were evaluated for their effects on fungal growth, yield, and metabolite profiles. Results revealed that aged rice alone supported fruiting body yields comparable to fresh rice (9.8 g vs. 9.8 g), with no significant differences in the morphology or growth rate. The addition of 5% chitin waste led to a 17% improvement in yield compared to the control, increasing the average fresh weight of fruiting bodies from 9.8 g to 11.5 g per bottle, while higher chitin levels (20%, T4) suppressed mycelial growth entirely. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed chitin’s structural complexity and nitrogen-rich composition, which slowed the substrate utilization but enriched secondary metabolites. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) identified 1025 metabolites, including up-regulated bioactive compounds (e.g., cordycepin and piplartine) in chitin-amended substrates, linked to amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways. Safety assessments confirmed the absence of toxins, validating the substrates’ suitability for food applications. These findings highlight chitin waste (≤5%) as a viable nitrogen supplement to aged rice, improving the fungal protein yield and bioactive compound synthesis. This approach advances sustainable biomass valorization, offering a scalable strategy to reduce agricultural waste while producing nutrient-dense fungal protein. Full article

The Ascomycete genus Cordyceps affects plant crops significantly, filling an important ecological niche. Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr. presents many health benefits for humans, but its population history has not been reported. The objective of this research was to report the collection, population structure, demographic history, diversity, and cytosine deaminases of 43 wild strains of C. militaris in China through resequencing using an Illumina HiseqTM platform. All strains were assigned to the warm, subtropical, and middle temperate zone populations, confirmed by ADMIXTURE-1.3.0, PCA, and phylogenic analysis. Their population sizes declined historically, suggesting that this species suffered from bottlenecks in the wild. LD decays (r²) revealed a north-to-south migration pattern of wild C. militaris, consistent with the MSMC2-v2.1.4 analysis. The regions of high Pi were aggregating at the chromosomes CP023325.1 (51) and CP023323.1 (9), playing a key role in adaptation, especially for the sites on cytosine deaminase. Within the species, genetic differentiation was relatively high among the three populations (F_st = 0.083, 0.092, and even 0.109). According to the artificial intelligence-assisted (RoseTTAFold) predicted structures of the cytosine deaminases, they were classified into eight clades with unique, distinct, and structurally conserved domains, offering a potential suite of single- and double-stranded deaminases of great promise as tunable base editors for therapeutic and agricultural breeding applications. These provided new insights for mining novel proteins from macrofungi, structurally and functionally. Full article

Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were synthesized in this study to enhance the limited bioactivity and stability of Cordyceps militaris grown on germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GRC) and effectively deliver it to target tissues. Under optimized conditions, stable encapsulation of GRC was achieved by setting the chitosan (CHI)-to-tripolyphosphate (TPP) ratio to 4:1 and adjusting the pH of TPP to 2, resulting in a zeta potential of +22.77 mV, which indicated excellent stability. As the concentration of GRC increased, the encapsulation efficiency decreased, whereas the loading efficiency increased. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed shifts in the amide I and II bands of CHI from 1659 and 1578 to 1639 cm⁻¹, indicating hydrogen bonding and successful encapsulation of GRC encapsulated with CNPs (GCN). X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination revealed the transition of the nanoparticles from a crystalline to an amorphous state, further confirming successful encapsulation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that GCN treatment significantly reduced lung injury scores in fine particulate matter (PM_2.5)-exposed mice (p < 0.05) and alleviated lung epithelial barrier damage by restoring the decreased expression of occludin protein (p < 0.05). In addition, GCN decreased the PM_2.5-induced upregulation of MMP-9 and COL1A1 mRNA expression levels, preventing extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and collagen accumulation (p < 0.05). GCN exhibited antioxidant effects by reducing the mRNA expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and enhancing both the protein and mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) caused by PM_2.5, thereby alleviating oxidative stress (p < 0.05). In A549 cells, GCN significantly reduced PM_2.5-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production compared with GRC (p < 0.05), with enhanced intracellular uptake confirmed using fluorescence microscopy (p < 0.05). In conclusion, GCN effectively alleviated PM_2.5-induced lung damage by attenuating oxidative stress, suppressing apoptosis, and preserving the lung epithelial barrier integrity. These results emphasize its potential as a therapeutic candidate for preventing and treating the lung diseases associated with PM_2.5 exposure. Full article

Mushrooms are indeed gaining attention for their unique therapeutic and nutritional qualities, especially in fermented drinks. This trend builds on their historical use in traditional medicine, especially within Eastern practices, where mushrooms like reishi, chaga, shiitake, oyster, lion’s mane, and cordyceps are known for their immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties. This narrative review highlights the growing interest in the use of mushrooms as functional ingredients in fermented beverages, emphasizing their technological and functional advantages. Fermentation significantly enhances the nutritional content and bioavailability of mushrooms, making it an ideal method to maximize the health benefits and sensory appeal of mushroom-based beverages. Microbial activity breaks down complex compounds in mushrooms, making their bioactive components more accessible for absorption; bringing unique flavors, aromas, and textures; and creating a rich-sensory experience while offering potential health benefits. Mushrooms can also improve the stability and shelf life of fermented beverages due to the presence of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds, adding another valuable benefit to their use in functional beverages. However, despite their potential, further research is needed to fully understand their impact on health and to refine production techniques for optimal quality and consistency. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of mushroom-fermented beverages, highlighting both the known benefits and research gaps that require further investigation. Given the early stage of this field, the review emphasizes the importance of the additional investigation to unlock the full potential of mushrooms in functional beverage applications. Full article

Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal mushroom widely utilized in traditional East Asian medicine, recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties. This review explores the potential of C. militaris-derived bioactive gels for applications in dermatology and skincare, with a particular focus on their therapeutic and anti-aging benefits. In response to the rising incidence of skin cancers and the growing demand for natural bioactive ingredients, C. militaris has emerged as a valuable source of functional compounds, including cordycepin, polysaccharides, and adenosine. These compounds exhibit multiple bioactivities, including apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and anti-inflammatory effects, which have been shown to be particularly effective against melanoma and other skin cancers. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of C. militaris enhance skin resilience by scavenging reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting collagen synthesis, thereby addressing skin health and anti-aging requirements. The potential for incorporating C. militaris compounds into gel-based formulations for skincare is also examined, either as standalone bioactives or in combination with synergistic ingredients. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of clinical trials and standardization to establish the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility of such applications. By providing a safer alternative to synthetic agents, C. militaris-derived bioactive gels represent a promising advancement in dermatology and skincare. Full article

Due to the price and demand of Ophiocordyceps sinensis having increased dramatically, adulteration with other fungi is a common problem. Thus, a reliable method of authentic O. sinensis identification is essential. In the present work, a rapid DNA extraction and double-tailed recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) coupled with nucleic acid hybridization lateral flow strip (NAH-LFS) was developed to distinguish authentic O. sinensis ingredients from other fungi substitutes. In the presence of O. sinensis, the RPA amplicons with two ssDNA tails in the opposite ends, which could simultaneously bind with the SH-probes on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and capture the probe on the test line, formed visible red bands. RPA combined with NAH-LFS can efficiently detect O. sinensis DNA down to 1.4 ng/μL; meanwhile, the specificity test validated no cross reaction with common adulterants, including Cordyceps gunnii, Cordyceps cicadae, Cordyceps militaris, yungui Cordyceps, and Ophiocordyceps nutans. The whole RPA-NAH-LFS could be completed within 16 min. The RPA-NAH-LFS results in detecting 20 commercial O. sinensis samples are consistent with PCR-AGE and RT-PCR, confirming the feasibility of the RPA-NAH-LFS method. In conclusion, these results are expected to facilitate the application of RPA-NAH-LFS in the authentication detection of O. sinensis materials, providing a convenient and efficient method for O. sinensis quality control. Full article