New insights into cordycepin production in Cordyceps militaris and applications

Cordycepin, 3’-deoxyadenosine, is a nucleoside analog of adenosine, which was first isolated in 1950 from Cordyceps militaris . The compound possesses various biological activities including antitumor, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory and anti-bacterial effects (1). Cordycepin is considered a chemical marker for fungi in the genus Cordyceps .