Research Progress in Understanding the Molecular Biology of Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is a valued medicinal fungus that can be traced back thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Both TCM and modern scientific research have confirmed the positive effects of C. militaris on human health. In recent years, C. militaris has gained wide popularity; unfortunately, strains often degrade during cultivation, resulting in a decline in fruiting bodies and active components that negatively impacts the development of C. militaris in the health food and medicine industries. This review summarizes the current progresses in research on the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and genetic manipulation of C. militaris and discusses its primary metabolites and strain degradation mechanisms. The current challenges and future prospects of C. militaris research are also discussed.