Comparison of selected chemical component levels in Cordyceps guangdongensis, C. sinensis and C. militaris.

Levels of selected chemical components in fruit bodies of a newly described species of Cordyceps,Cordyceps guangdongensis,were determined and compared with those present in Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris.C.guangdongensis fruit bodies contained the highest concentrations of cordycepic acid(151.00 mg/g compared to 127.80 mg/g and 39.00 mg/g for C.sinensis and C.militaris,respectively),although cordycepin levels(0.02 mg/g) were much lower compared to C.militaris(1.70 mg/g).Adenosine levels(0.81 mg/g) were 3-fold higher compared to C.sinensis(0.27 mg/g) but less than half the adenosine content of C.militaris(1.76 mg/g).C.guangdongensis fruit bodies contained 27.5% crude protein and had a total amino acid content of 15%.