Cordycepin, a 3-deoxyadenosine, is the predominant functional component of the fungus Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps sinensis which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. For many years based on traditional medicine use both Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris have been attributed many health benefits ranging from immunomodulation, anticancer, and physical performance (even as a natural doping alternative) to name a few.
Studies investigating the inhibition of cancer cells by cordycepin identified that it not only promotes cell apoptosis but also controls cell proliferation. Furthermore, studies have elucidated the molecular mechanisms of inhibiting cell proliferation by cordycepin binding the A3 adenosine receptor, activating G protein, inhibiting cAMP formation, decreasing glycogen synthase kinase‑3β/β‑catenin activation, and suppressing cyclin D1 and c‑myc expression. The most significant signaling pathway in which cell apoptosis is induced by cordycepin is the caspase pathway. Cordycepin induces cell apoptosis via binding the DR3 receptor and consequently activating caspase‑8/‑3. Taken together, studies demonstrate that cordycepin may be used as a natural medicine, as it can not only control tumor cell proliferation but also induce cancer cell apoptosis. Moreover, evaluation of the possible biological activity of Cordyceps militaris extracts regarding use in natural healthcare has shown antibacterial activity against key enteric pathogenic bacteria including: Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella Typhi, Vibrio cholerae and Bacillus cereus.
Our subcritical water extraction process allows us to provide the richest extracts in secondary metabolites of medicinal mushrooms on the market. This is not said lightly. Subcritical water extraction allows us to perform a simultaneous extraction of polar and non-polar molecules in several minutes, but what’s more important – we retain thermally degraded compounds. We are happy to provide information on cordycepin, total phenol, and flavonoid content – things we have not found in common market products. For example, a typical daily dose contains 1.8 mg of pure cordycepin and 10.2 mg of total phenols (standardized for gallic acid). We produce wide spectrum 2:1 extracts, which are 5 times more concentrated than the market standard of 10:1. We add just enough water to make our extract fluid enough for dosing with a pipette – any less water and the extract has a toffee-type consistency.
Cordyceps militaris has been traditionally used for demanding high-altitude activities, it is known to improve stamina and endurance without the crash of modern stimulants like sugar or caffeine. Amongst several mechanisms, on the molecular level cordycepin has been shown to directly interact with AMP kinase directly affecting the cell energy metabolism, and has anticancer potential.
What is Subcritical Water Extraction?
It is a new extraction method using only water that allows the extraction of polar and non-polar compounds. By precise control of pressure and temperature during the extraction we can temporarily modify the dielectric constant of water finding that sweet spot that makes it a little closer to alcohol (without using alcohol) and protecting temperature-sensitive molecules at the same time. That’s why we can provide content information on cordycepin, phenolic, and flavonoid compounds which are lost in other extracts.