Quantitative analysis of cordycepin in cordyceps militaris under different extraction methods

Abstract

Cordyceps militaris (CM) is one of the most important medicinal mushrooms known to possess various biological activities. Cordycepin (CP) is a bioactive compound present in the fruiting bodies of CM and is known to have anti-tumor, antimetastatic immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we aim to analyze CP quantitatively under various CM extraction conditions. CP was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, quantified using a reversed phase column using a gradient elution system of water and acetonitrile, and detected with a UV absorbance wavelength of 260 nm. The CP content of CM was the highest in 100% ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies and 60% ethanol extract of the mycelium. This study provides an efficient analysis method to determine the optimal extraction conditions for CP that can be used as a basis for developing functional foods and pharmaceutical products derived from CM.