How to Identify and Assess Cordyceps

Chinese cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), commonly called cordyceps, forms when a parasitic fungus infects ghost-moth larvae. After infection in winter, a fruiting body emerges the following spring or summer, leaving the larval body and fungus combined as a distinctive traditional Chinese medicinal material. Cordyceps is grouped with ginseng and deer antler as one of China's three great tonic medicines and is found mainly in alpine meadows above 3,500 metres on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Other traditional tonics include fish maw, ,edible bird's nest and sea cucumber, which are often paired in traditional food therapy. To learn more about how cordyceps forms, see How is cordyceps formed?

Main production areas of cordyceps

• Nagqu, Tibet:Altitude above 4,500 meters, golden color, short and thick stipes, plump insect bodies, universally recognized as a top-grade production area.
• Yushu, Qinghai, Guoluo:Large output and consistently sized caterpillar bodies, considered suitable for medicinal use and collecting.
• Ganzi and Aba, Sichuan:Insect bodies are relatively thin, price is relatively affordable.
• Diqing, Yunnan:Low yield, mostly circulated in local markets.

The production area has a considerable impact on price; for detailed discussion, see The growing environment is also an important factor in determining the price of cordyceps.

Traditional effects of cordyceps

"Bencao Congxin" records that cordyceps is "sweet and neutral, protects the lungs, benefits the kidneys, stops bleeding, transforms phlegm, relieves fatigue and cough," and traditional Chinese medicine often uses it for:

• Tonify the kidneys and lungs and address chronic deficiency cough, wheezing, phlegm and blood-streaked sputum
• Address weakness or soreness in the lower back and knees and traditionally support male vitality
• Support convalescence after surgery or major illness and in cases of low immunity
• Relieve side effects of chemotherapy (adjunctive use)

Common preparations include double-boiled chicken soup, stewed duck, steamed chicken with cordyceps flower and cordyceps powder mixed into water. The recommended amount is 1–3 grams per serving, 2–3 times a week. For detailed preparations and portions, see How many cordyceps should be taken at once? For liver protection, you may refer to Four major liver-protective effects of cordyceps.

Scientific discussion on the effects of cordyceps

Recent research indicates that Ophiocordyceps sinensis does not contain the cordycepin and pentostatin found in Cordyceps militaris, and its proposed tonic mechanisms remain under study. As a rare traditional medicinal material, however, its trading value is closely tied to scarcity and traceable origin rather than any single active compound. See Is cordyceps really this miraculous?

Cordyceps grading specifications

In the industry, "number of pieces per catty" is used as the main specification unit; the fewer the pieces, the larger each piece and the higher the unit price:

• Below 1,500 pieces/catty: Top grade, mostly used for collection and gifts
• 1,500–2,000 pieces/catty: High-end household use
• 2,000–3,000 pieces/catty: Medium grade
• Above 3,000 pieces/catty: Daily tonic grade

Beyond grade and size, why is cordyceps so expensive? See Why is cordyceps so expensive? and Which type of cordyceps is the most valuable?

Methods to distinguish real and fake cordyceps

• Caterpillar body:Real cordyceps has 8 pairs of legs, the middle 4 pairs are the most distinct, with clear ring patterns.
• Stroma:Its length is about 1–1.5 times that of the caterpillar body; it is dark brown and rod-shaped.
• Cross-section:V-shaped or figure-eight pattern, with obvious mycelium.
• Smell:Light mushroom-like aroma, no pungent sulfur smell.

Common forms of adulteration include pieces joined with wire or bamboo, lead added for weight, dye used to create a golden colour and look-alike cordyceps species sold as the genuine material. Have a qualified appraiser verify any doubtful item, and see A Picture to Teach You How to Identify Genuine and Fake Cordyceps and Cordyceps Authenticity Identification.

Kam Hoi Shing — Professional Cordyceps Buyback in Hong Kong

No matter how many doubts you have about the efficacy of cordyceps, its trading value still exists in the market.Kam Hoi Shing Hong Kong Cordyceps Buyback Service buys wild cordyceps from Nagqu, Qinghai and other Tibetan regions, including whole pieces and branded gift boxes. You can also browse Cordyceps Buyback Product Series Page Check common varieties and prices, or see Cordyceps Buyback Case Studies.

Further Reading

• How to Assess Cordyceps Buyback Prices: Key Appraisal Factors
• Special article on buyback cordyceps in Hong Kong / Macau
• The historical value of the king of herbs · cordyceps
• Effects of cordyceps · Analysis from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine