Botanical anatomy plate of Cordyceps militaris showing stroma, ascus and spore detail

Molecule

Cordycepin: the nucleoside behind Cordyceps

Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) is the most studied compound in Cordyceps militaris. Learn why it is used as a quality marker and where research is heading.

Structurally close to adenosine, cordycepin appears in cell-growth, mood, circulation, skin and joint studies. Its content is measured, not assumed.

Quick Answer / Summary

Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) is a natural purine nucleoside analogue found in high concentrations in Cordyceps militaris. It serves as the primary scientific quality marker because of its active role in cellular growth regulation, inflammation, and metabolic research, quantified via HPLC testing.

Chapter three

The compounds worth naming

Select a compound to read its role. These are the constituents laboratories actually measure — not marketing language.

C₁₀H₁₃N₅O₃

Cordycepin

3′-deoxyadenosine, the molecule most associated with the genus. Structurally near-identical to adenosine, which is why it is the primary marker used to grade material.

Typical assay target: 0.3–1.2% by dry weight

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