Improved bioactivity and composition of Cordyceps militaris cultured with Panax ginseng

Panax ginseng is a traditional medicine used to enhance immunity, which is therapeutically beneficial in terms of invigorating Qi, relieving fatigue, and strengthening the physique.The traditional functions of P. ginseng are similar to those of C. militaris.The fermentation of C. militaris along with P. ginseng may, therefore, exert a synergistic effect on the production of these medicines.According to prior literature, P. ginseng extracts, ginsenosides, and polysaccharides are capable of inhibiting melanin synthesis and metabolism.Ginsenosides Rb1, F1, Rd, Re, Rg1, and Rh4 are the key active constituents with melanin-inhibition activity (Kim, 2015).To investigate the melanin-inhibition activity of the fermentation liquid and mycelium of fermented C. militaris, 13 kinds of traditional Chinese medicinal powders were added to the fermentation medium during the traditional fermentation process.The interaction with P. ginseng was further investigated with regard to its chemical composition and its utility in skin-whitening applications.