The outstanding biological efficacy of Cordyceps sinensis cultivated on edible insects in Vietnam.
08/01/2026
For the first time, scientists have demonstrated that silkworms and crickets are optimal biological hosts for Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris, commonly known as Cordyceps sinensis) to achieve high biomass and accumulate superior levels of valuable compounds such as cordycepin and adenosine compared to traditional cultivation methods. This discovery clarifies the role of the host environment in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, opening up new avenues for the development of natural health supplements in Vietnam.
The main compounds of C. militaris, including cordycepin, adenosine, and polysaccharides, all possess high pharmacological value. Cordycepin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and inhibitory effects on the growth of abnormal cells; adenosine regulates blood circulation, reduces fatigue, and supports energy metabolism; while polysaccharides play a role in boosting immunity and protecting cells from oxidative damage. The combination of these three compounds creates the comprehensive biological potential of C. militaris in the prevention and supportive treatment of many chronic diseases.
In the context of the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases related to oxidative stress, prolonged inflammation, and metabolic disorders such as gout or hyperuricemia, the need to develop safe and effective biological products has become urgent. With its ability to synthesize many valuable active compounds, C. militaris is considered a potential medicinal source for the prevention and supportive treatment of metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, and aging-related diseases. Optimizing the cultivation process to increase the content of bioactive compounds in C. militaris has significant practical implications and application value.
In Vietnam, cultivation models for Cordyceps militaris mainly use traditional substrates such as brown rice, potatoes, or grains, resulting in significant variations in the content of active compounds and the biological efficacy of the fungus. To find solutions to improve biological efficiency and stabilize product quality, Dr. Truong Ngoc Minh and his research team at the Center for High-Tech Research and Development have implemented the project: “Evaluation of the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of Cordyceps militaris on several different hosts” (project code THTEXS.02/21-24), within the framework of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology's science and technology program for highly qualified young scientists.
This research focuses on building a comprehensive quantitative dataset demonstrating the relationship between host type and the biosynthesis of key compounds by C. militaris. The results open up broad potential applications in the production of pharmaceuticals and functional foods. The approach of using native insects as hosts represents a sustainable development direction, combining biotechnology research, natural resource conservation, and the promotion of local agricultural economics.
Dr. Truong Ngoc Minh carried out the procedure for culturing C. militaris on insect hosts in the laboratory
Within the framework of this project, the team conducted experiments cultivating C. militaris on five common edible insect species in Vietnam: silkworms, crickets, silkworm pupae, grasshoppers, and brown stink bugs. These are all common insects in Vietnam, easy to collect, and rich in nutrients, particularly high in protein, lipids, B vitamins, and trace elements such as zinc, iron, and copper; factors that can stimulate the growth and accumulation of bioactive compounds by the fungus.
The cultivation process was strictly standardized from sample processing, sterilization, nutrient substrate mixing, to controlling cultivation conditions such as temperature, humidity, and lighting. Each host was evaluated individually to determine the influence of the host's biological composition on fruiting body formation and biomass yield. The results showed significant differences in growth rate, morphology, and fruiting body color between host groups. Specifically, the silkworm and cricket produced fruiting bodies with uniform growth, thick stems, a characteristic bright orange color, and greater mycelial length compared to other cultivated samples.
The edible insects used as hosts in the study were: (a) Halyomorpha halys (brown stink bug), (b) Gryllus bimaculatus (cricket), (c) Oxya chinensis (grasshopper), (d) Bombyx mori pupae (silkworm pupa), and (e) Brihaspa atrostigmella (bamboo worm)
In terms of biological performance, quantitative results showed that the cordycepin and adenosine content varied closely depending on the host type. Samples cultured on silkworm larvae had the highest cordycepin content, reaching 1.5-2 times higher than other hosts, while samples cultured on crickets showed a prominent adenosine concentration, reflecting the specific biosensitivity of each nutrient medium. Analysis of total polysaccharide content showed that silkworm larvae and crickets also accumulated higher levels, contributing to the enhanced overall antioxidant activity of the fungal sample.
Laboratory bioactivity tests, including evaluation of antioxidant capacity and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity, yielded results consistent with chemical data. Samples cultured on silkworms and crickets showed stronger xanthine oxidase inhibitory efficacy, with low IC50 values, suggesting potential for regulating purine metabolism and reducing uric acid formation – one of the core biological mechanisms causing gout and related metabolic disorders. These results confirm that selecting the appropriate host not only affects biomass yield but also determines the pharmacological quality of the product.
Furthermore, the research team paid special attention to utilizing by-products after cultivation. The remaining solid substrate, which is usually discarded, was recovered and treated with a bio-solvent to extract additional bioactive compounds. The results showed that this substrate still contains a significant amount of cordycepin and polysaccharides, which can be exploited to produce supplementary preparations or as raw materials for the bio-cosmetic industry. This approach not only improves economic efficiency but also contributes to the formation of a closed-loop production model, minimizing waste and promoting a circular economy in the field of medicinal plants.
Fruiting bodies and substrates of C. militaris cultured on different host types:
(a) Halyomorpha halys (brown stink bug), (b) Gryllus bimaculatus (cricket), (c) Oxya chinensis (grasshopper), (d) Bombyx mori pupae (silkworm pupa), (e) Brihaspa atrostigmella (bamboo worm)
According to Dr. Truong Ngoc Minh: The outstanding advantage of this farming model is the full exploitation of the value of edible raw materials. Utilizing insects as host organisms not only enhances biological efficiency but also reduces costs, aiming for environmentally friendly "green biological" products. By simultaneously optimizing the farming and extraction processes, the team has built a complete technical system, ready for transfer and commercialization in the pharmaceutical and functional food fields.
Products derived from C. militaris cultured on edible insects are of high quality, possessing good sensory characteristics, natural aroma, bright color, and stable structure. This forms the basis for developing premium product lines such as cordycepin extract capsules, herbal teas, and health supplements that support uric acid reduction and antioxidant effects.
The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology's Acceptance Council assessed this as the first project in the country to establish a quantitative relationship between host type and the ability of C. militaris to synthesize pharmacological compounds. The successful development of a standardized dataset with high accuracy and repeatability provides a solid foundation for future quality control and product registration. The Council acknowledged that this research direction possesses both fundamental scientific value and broad application potential in the fields of medicinal plants and biotechnology.
Based on the results achieved, the research team is continuing to expand the scope of testing, aiming to optimize cultivation conditions suitable for each specific host species. At the same time, the team aims to collaborate with businesses to develop a complete production chain: from cultivation, extraction, quantification to commercialization of the finished product. The long-term goal is to build a "Made in Vietnam" brand of cordyceps with standardized active ingredient content, meeting international standards.
The research by Dr. Truong Ngoc Minh and his colleagues is a testament to the creative capacity and scientific prowess of the young scientists at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. By combining interdisciplinary knowledge between molecular biology, medicinal biochemistry, and microbial culture technology, the research team has transformed scientific knowledge into applied value, bringing research results closer to life and socio-economic development.
Translated by Quoc Khanh
Link to Vietnamese version
Link to Vietnamese version
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