Determination of cordycepin, ergothioneine, and other bioactive compounds in Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies cultivated on different substrates

Abstract

The fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris can be cultivated on various substrates (media). The composition of the cultivation substrate, along with the addition of organic and inorganic substances, affects the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, including cordycepin. This study aims to investigate the qualitative and quantitative composition of bioelements and organic compounds (cordycepin, L-ergothioneine, L-phenylalanine, lovastatin, sterols, indole, and phenolic compounds) in four strains of C. militaris fruiting bodies cultivated on different substrates and in post-cultivation substrates. Sixteen samples were subjected to extraction, evaporation, and dissolution in methanol, followed by qualitative and quantitative analyses using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy to determine the levels of bioactive organic compounds and bioelements. The analysis showed that the highest cordycepin content was found in the fruiting bodies of III CF and IV CF (strain BEAST 9 × 10), at 377.82 mg/100 g d.w. and 325.77 mg/100 g d.w., respectively. Regarding L-ergothioneine, the highest concentrations of this antioxidant were found in fruiting body samples I CF (CMWR-9) at 29.58 mg/100 g d.w. and IV CF (BEAST 9 × 10) at 26.20 mg/100 g d.w. The highest levels of bioelements such as magnesium, zinc, and calcium were detected in sample III CF (fruiting bodies of BEAST 9 × 10 strain).