Cordyceps Militaris is a fairly widely distributed entomopathogenic* fungi in the order hypocreoles. Found in the wild growing largely on worm and moth pupae (though more recent discoveries have been made on wasps and other traditionally uncharacteristic bugs) cultivation of this species on rice has only recently reached the U.S. Since antiquity Cordyceps has been widely revered for a plethora of pharmacological purposes from immuno-modulation to its aphrodisiacal effects. The Rockstar compound present in C. Militaris is Cordycepin, overshadowing a litany of other notable compounds present such as Adenosine.
*https://www.yourdictionary.com/entomopathogenic
"The potency of C. militaris depends chiefly on its chemical constituents, viz. the cordycepin and polysaccharides that make up the fruiting body, mycelium or spores. Its anti-cancer properties have been demonstrated in various human and murine cancer cell lines. However, the mechanisms responsible for the anti-cancer effects of C. militaris on cancer cells remain inconclusive. C. militaris offers a promising role in cancer prevention and treatment. However, further experimental, epidemiological and clinical studies are needed to identify other molecular targets, resolve the relationships between C. militaris intake and cancer risks, and explore the optimum dosing, efficacy and safety-alone and in combination with chemotherapy/ radiotherapy. In addition to the anti-cancer activity, C. militaris is being used for the general promotion of health and longevity. The anti- inflammatory and immune- promoting effects described can potentially facilitate the treatments of other diseases such as arthritis, HIV and Crohn's disease. Since this fungi is edible and thus can be a food additive or supplement will play a key role in the prevention and cure of various ailments caused by metabolic disorder or infections."**
**https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drkamal_Zaidi/publication/319448760_The_health_benefits_of_Cordyceps_militaris_-_A_review/links/5b6188dc458515c4b257310a/The-health-benefits-of-Cordyceps-militaris-A-review.pdf
