[Jin Haisheng Professional Recycling] The Dual Value of Cordyceps as "Soft Gold": In-depth Analysis of Traditional Miraculous Effects and Modern Scientific Evidence
Traditional Chinese medicine highly values Cordyceps sinensis and its core efficacy.
In Chinese herbology, the status of Cordyceps sinensis is unquestionable. It is a unique complex formed by the combination of a larva of a Hepialidae moth (Lepidoptera) and a fungus (Cordyceps sinensis) belonging to the Clavicipitaceae family.
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, Cordyceps sinensis is sweet and warm in nature, and mainly enters the lung and kidney meridians. Its core effects are:
- It nourishes the lungs and kidneys, and relieves asthma: Traditionally, it is believed to nourish the lungs and kidneys, and help to calm asthma and cough. It is often used to treat symptoms such as deficiency of both lungs and kidneys and chronic cough and asthma.
- Nourishing and strengthening the body: Cordyceps sinensis has the effect of nourishing deficiency, replenishing qi and nourishing yin, which helps to strengthen the body after illness and enhance physical strength.
- Hemostasis and expectoration: The Qing Dynasty's "New Compilation of Materia Medica" records the uses of Cordyceps sinensis as "protecting the lungs, benefiting the kidneys, stopping bleeding, and resolving phlegm".
In general, traditional medicine regards Cordyceps sinensis as one of the three most precious tonic herbs, alongside ginseng and deer antler, and uses it to strengthen the body's foundation, nourish health, and prolong life.
Active ingredients and potential benefits under modern research
Modern research attempts to elucidate the nourishing mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis at the molecular level. Cordyceps sinensis is rich in various important nutrients and active ingredients, including:
- Rich in nutrients: Contains a variety of amino acids (including the eight essential amino acids), polysaccharides (about 30%, such as cordyceps polysaccharides), a variety of vitamins (such as vitamins E, K, and B), as well as a variety of minerals and trace elements.
- Regulating immunity and antioxidation: Laboratory and small-scale clinical studies have found that Cordyceps sinensis may help enhance immune regulation, provide antioxidant effects, and slow down the aging process. This makes it a popular choice for people concerned about aging and those with weak constitutions.
- Applications for specific diseases: Cordyceps sinensis has been studied for its ability to improve respiratory health, enhance physical strength, and combat fatigue. In terms of cardiovascular health, it may help maintain blood circulation, improve myocardial blood supply, and lower blood lipids and blood pressure. Furthermore, for patients with chronic kidney disease (especially diabetic nephropathy), studies have indicated that Cordyceps sinensis (mycelium) may help restore kidney function.
- Anti-tumor potential: Although research is still ongoing, the traditional Chinese medicine concept of "Cordyceps anti-cancer" echoes modern research findings that Cordyceps sinensis helps inhibit tumor cell growth and improve the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Challenges of scientific evidence, myths about true and false ingredients, and safety concerns
Despite its traditional esteem, Cordyceps sinensis still faces skepticism regarding its effectiveness within the rigorous scientific community.
- Lack of rigorous evidence: Many studies on the efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal medicines are considered to be of poor quality and often influenced by bias, lacking or insufficient rigorous evidence to prove their therapeutic effects. There has even been an editorial in *Nature* magazine describing Traditional Chinese Medicine as "full of pseudoscience."
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Myths about core ingredients:
- Cordycepin: Cordycepin is widely touted as the active ingredient in Cordyceps sinensis, but a 2017 study has confirmed that the true Cordyceps sinensis does not synthesize cordycepin; this ingredient is mainly found in Cordyceps militaris and its close relatives.
- Cordycepic acid: once considered a signature ingredient, but it is actually mannitol, a common and inexpensive chemical product.
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Toxicity and safety risks:
- Throughout history, traditional Chinese medicine texts have described the toxicity of certain drugs. Cordyceps sinensis products have been found to have slightly high levels of organic arsenic (4.4–9.9 mg/kg), posing a significant risk. Therefore, in 2016, the China Food and Drug Administration removed Cordyceps sinensis from the list of health food products.
- Consuming cordyceps may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, allergic reactions, and affect blood clotting function (it has an anticoagulant effect). Therefore, pregnant women, children, patients with autoimmune diseases, patients with bleeding tendencies, or people taking anticoagulant drugs should avoid using it.
The Value Secrets and Current Price Reference of Top-Quality "Naqu"
The reason why Cordyceps sinensis is as expensive as gold is not only due to its efficacy, but also due to its extreme rarity and irreplaceable origin.
The premium lineage of Nagqu: Nagqu in Tibet is widely recognized as the best production area for Cordyceps sinensis. Located in the heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at an altitude of 4,000 to 6,000 meters, Nagqu experiences a harsh climate and low oxygen levels. This unique environment endows Nagqu Cordyceps with a higher density of active ingredients. Nagqu Cordyceps is characterized by its golden-yellow body, plump and symmetrical shape, wide and long tail, and a rich aroma of ghee or milk.
Scarcity and Price Trends: Due to its demanding growing environment, difficult harvesting, and limited production (which has been further reduced in recent years by climate change and over-harvesting), the market price of Nagqu Cordyceps sinensis has continued to soar. According to market data, the price of Nagqu Cordyceps sinensis has increased by more than 300% in the past decade.
Price reference and Hong Kong dollar conversion (2025 market conditions):
According to the latest market information (2025), the price of medium-quality Nagqu Cordyceps sinensis is about RMB 200-300 per gram; while the price of top-quality Cordyceps sinensis with plump insects can even exceed RMB 500 per gram.
Based on the exchange rate of the day (assuming 1 RMB is approximately equivalent to 1.1 HKD, this is an estimated exchange rate; please refer to the real-time exchange rate for the actual price), the price of premium cordyceps can reach approximately 550 HKD per gram .
Jin Haisheng's professional advice – How to protect the value of your "soft gold"
Given the abundance of counterfeit products on the market, such as artificially cultivated Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps mycelium, etc., consumers should be cautious when purchasing and pay attention to distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit products, including: smelling the aroma (natural milky aroma), feeling the texture (dry and firm), and looking at the appearance (golden color, clear ring patterns, and obvious four pairs of legs in the middle).
As a recycler, Jin Haisheng is well aware of the value of Cordyceps sinensis, but whether for medicinal purposes or asset preservation, proper storage is crucial. Cordyceps sinensis is extremely susceptible to moisture, so it is recommended to seal it and store it in the freezer (-18°C or below) to inhibit the growth of mold and insect eggs, and to regularly check for insect infestation or mold.
If your precious Cordyceps sinensis has suffered quality damage due to improper storage (such as dampness, breakage, or mold), please don't panic! These medicinal materials still have professional recycling value. We are committed to providing fair and professional appraisals to ensure that the value of your treasures is maximized.
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Whether you want to recycle cordyceps that are no longer suitable for consumption due to quality deterioration, or you want to monetize your idle precious medicinal materials, Jin Haisheng is your most trustworthy partner.
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