Exploring the Growth and Antioxidant Traits of Caterpillar Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps militaris Strains (Ascomycota): From Mycelia to Medicine.

This study evaluated the physiological and biochemical characteristics of different Cordyceps militaris strains, with a focus on optimizing conditions for mycelial growth and assessing antioxidant activity. Among the tested strains, C. militaris strain CM4 demonstrated superior radial growth and biomass accumulation across various culture media, temperatures, pH levels, and nutritional sources. Sabouraud dextrose yeast agar, 20°C temperature, and pH 6.0 were identified as optimal for radial growth. Nutritional optimization revealed that vitamin B1, fructose, yeast extract, and rice grains significantly enhanced biomass production, particularly in strain CM4. Biochemical analysis of CM4 showed high protein (29.12%) and sugar (10.91%) content, along with moderate levels of fiber and ash. Antioxidant assays indicated notable activity with total phenolic content of 11.04 mg gallic acid equivalent/g and flavonoid content of 4.76 mg catechuic acid equivalent/g. Antioxidant capacity measured via DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and total antioxidant activity assays, confirmed the presence of effective radical scavenging and reducing power. Overall, strain CM4 of C. militaris emerged as a nutritionally rich and bioactive fungal resource, with strong potential for use in functional food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications.