After lion's mane, reishi and cordyceps are the functional mushrooms buyers ask about most. Mushroom supplements grew 76% in US mainstream stores in 2024, and they are among the trends European and UK retailers watch closely. Both mushrooms come in several forms, and the differences matter for quality, price and regulation.
In short: reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is judged mainly by beta-glucans and triterpenes. Cordyceps is usually cultivated Cordyceps militaris or fermented CS-4 mycelium, not the rare wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis, and its markers are cordycepin and adenosine.
Key takeaways
- Reishi extracts are specified by beta-glucans and triterpenes; the bitterness comes from triterpenes.
- Most cordyceps supplements use cultivated Cordyceps militaris or CS-4, a fermented mycelium of a related fungus.
- Cordycepin (in C. militaris) and adenosine are the usual cordyceps markers.
- EU novel food status depends on species and form; some trade sources say C. militaris needs authorisation.
Reishi: what to look for
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a woody, glossy red mushroom used in East Asian traditions for centuries. Supplements use fruiting body powder, hot-water extracts (rich in beta-glucans) or dual extracts that also capture alcohol-soluble triterpenes. Spore powder is a separate product. Ask which form you are buying and for beta-glucan and triterpene figures by stated methods.
Cordyceps: three very different products
| Product | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis | Wild fungus from the Himalayan plateau | Extremely expensive; rarely in supplements |
| CS-4 (fermented mycelium) | Mycelium of a related fungus grown in tanks | Long history in supplements |
| Cordyceps militaris | Cultivated fruiting body | Contains cordycepin; widely sold |
A label that just says "cordyceps" does not tell the buyer which of these they are getting.
Markers and testing
- Reishi: beta-glucans (enzymatic method), triterpenes, and a check for starch or alpha-glucans.
- Cordyceps: cordycepin and adenosine by HPLC; adenosine is the quality indicator used for C. sinensis in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
- Both: species identity, heavy metals (mushrooms can accumulate them), pesticides and microbiology.
Building a mushroom range? Ask for our mushroom specifications and sample COAs.
Request SpecsFruiting body vs mycelium
As with lion's mane, mycelium grown on grain can contain a lot of starch from the grain, which inflates "polysaccharide" figures. Fruiting body extracts usually have higher beta-glucans. Our fruiting body vs mycelium guide explains the tests in detail.
Rules by market
- USA: dietary supplements under FDA GMP rules; no disease claims.
- EU and UK: novel food status depends on species and form. Trade sources report that Cordyceps militaris requires novel food authorisation in the EU, while some mycelium forms have a longer history of use. Check the EU Novel Food Catalogue for your exact ingredient.
- Brazil: check ANVISA's positive lists before launch.
Buyer checklist
- Species, part (fruiting body, mycelium or spores) and substrate
- Extraction method and ratio
- Markers: beta-glucans and triterpenes for reishi; cordycepin and adenosine for cordyceps
- Heavy metals and microbiology per batch
- Novel food status checked for EU and UK sales
"Cordyceps" can mean a wild Himalayan fungus, a tank-grown mycelium or a cultivated mushroom. The label should say which.
Functional Mushroom Products
Reishi, cordyceps and other mushroom capsules and powders, with a certificate of analysis for every batch.
Reishi Mushroom Capsules
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Cordyceps Capsules
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Shiitake Capsules
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Maitake Capsules
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Chaga Mushroom Capsules
View ProductMushroom products from Arizone
Arizone International LLP supplies mushroom powders and capsules, including reishi and cordyceps, to brands outside India. Tell us the species, form and markers your market expects, and we'll confirm the specification and documents before you order.
Sources: PMC: cordycepin in cultured Cordyceps militaris; European Commission: novel food; NutraIngredients: US herbal sales 2024 (mushroom growth).
Reishi and Cordyceps Questions
Usually beta-glucans and triterpenes, with methods stated on the specification.
C. militaris is a cultivated fruiting body containing cordycepin; CS-4 is a fermented mycelium of a related fungus.
Rarely. Wild Ophiocordyceps sinensis is extremely expensive, so most products use cultivated or fermented forms.
A compound found in Cordyceps militaris, measured by HPLC as a quality marker.
Trade sources report it needs novel food authorisation. Check the EU Novel Food Catalogue for your ingredient.
Mushrooms can accumulate metals from their growing medium, so batch testing is important.