Botanic specificity

C. Sinensis is an annual Ascomycetes fungus closely related to the mushroom. Although not actually a mushroom taxonomically, it has been described as an exotic medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine. The name cordyceps comes from Latin words meaning club and head. The normal harvesting period stretches from April to August. It grows only in high-altitude regions of about 3800 m above sea level, in cold, grassy, alpine meadows of the Himalayan mountains1.

Consumer trend

Cordyceps sinensis is among the top-growing health supplement ingredients in 2022 (behind zinc, vitamine D, quercetin)3. Cordyceps variety experienced a 25,6% growth in the immunity health supplement category.

Sourcing challenge

Limited Supply : The availability of the fungi is limited by its confined geographic location. With the added effects of large-scale harvests, the fungi has been classified as an endangered species by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Management Authority of China and China Customers. Cost: Because of the limited availability and the increased consumer demand for Cordycep sinensis fungi, in a decade (1998–2008), the price of C. sinensis has increased 900% .