[1] Cordyceps militaris parasitizes insects and is used in traditional Chinese medicine and modern pharmaceuticals.

The fungus forms 1–8 centimetres (1⁄2–3+1⁄4 in) high, club-shaped[4] and orange/red fruiting bodies, which grow out of dead underground pupae.

[4] Many authors consider C. militaris quite common, spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere,[6] and fruiting bodies appear in Europe from August to November.

C. militaris can be cultivated in a variety of media, including silkworm pupae, rice, and liquid nutrition.

[14] The medicinal properties of C. militaris can be attributed to a number of chemicals within the fungi, including cordycepin, cordymin, and many other extracts.

[15] Cordycepin is especially important, with current research investigating ways to expedite the production of the chemical within cordyceps.

[7] Studies have found that excessive use of C. militaris can exert pressure on the filtering and excretory functions of the liver and kidneys, potentially leading to damage in these organs.

[19] The effects of C. militaris on general health is predicted to land it a substantial position in both medicinal areas as well as everyday diets.

It has been shown to induce apoptosis, reduce inflammation, and inhibit RNA transcription in cell cultures.