Cordyceps is Back: The Militaris Ban & the Sinensis Solution
Many people were understandably frustrated by the recent news that Cordyceps militaris can no longer be sold for human consumption in the UK. This is the result of bureaucratic overreach rather than any legitimate safety concern. The demand for the product hasn't gone away — so Bristol Fungarium have developed a new tincture using Cordyceps sinensis. While some compounds differ, the overall effect remains largely the same. Read on for the full story.
The Militaris Ban
As of late 2025, Cordyceps militaris was added to the FSA's novel food list — making it technically illegal to sell for human consumption without a novel food authorisation. Obtaining that authorisation can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds, with no guarantee of success at the end of the process.
For a company like Bristol Fungarium, that's too costly and too risky a path — even with potential crowdfunding support. The restriction has nothing to do with any fault of the product, and everything to do with bureaucratic red tape.
Another strain has been around for far longer, with many more international studies conducted on it. That mushroom is Cordyceps sinensis — otherwise known as the caterpillar mushroom.
The Sinensis Solution
Wild Cordyceps sinensis is, pound for pound, the most expensive mushroom in the world — due to natural scarcity and export restrictions out of China. The full fruiting body is often worth more than its weight in gold.
There is, however, a way to cultivate its mycelium (known as CS-4) via liquid fermentation. This is a complex process, rarely achieved outside of China — but it represents the best route to a reliable, authentic Cordyceps product.
How the New Tincture is Made
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cultivation | CS-4 mycelium cultivated via liquid fermentation in China |
| Extraction | Delivered to the UK as a powdered extract |
| Tincture base | Mixed with apple cider vinegar for preservation and consumption |
| Added nutrients | Vitamin C (from gooseberries) and Vitamin B3 (from lichen) for an extra health boost |
Bristol Fungarium would ideally oversee the full process in-house — as they do with all their other mushrooms — but the constraints of the system make this the best option for delivering a high-quality Cordyceps product to their customers.
Militaris vs Sinensis: What's the Difference?
The most significant chemical difference between the two is this: Cordyceps militaris is rich in cordycepin, while Cordyceps sinensis contains far higher levels of adenosine. The two molecules are remarkably similar — almost identical chemical formulas — with one key difference.
Cordycepin
C₁₀H₁₃N₅O₃Found in Cordyceps militaris. Has one fewer oxygen atom than adenosine, making it an RNA disruptor — it terminates the chain reaction of RNA synthesis. This can trigger:
Adenosine
C₁₀H₁₃N₅O₄Found in Cordyceps sinensis. An essential building block of ATP — the primary energy carrier in all living cells. Binds to A1, A2A, A2B and A3 receptors in the brain, regulating the nervous system. This leads to:
Quick Comparison
| Compound | Primary Benefits | Found in |
|---|---|---|
| Cordycepin | Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer properties | C. militaris |
| Adenosine | Nervous system regulation, energy levels, sleep pressure | C. sinensis |
It's worth noting that adenosine buildup in the brain over the course of the day is what creates the natural "sleep pressure" that makes us feel tired in the evening — a good reminder of how fundamental this molecule is to our daily rhythm.
Conclusion
Bristol Fungarium have turned a frustrating story of bureaucratic overreach into something positive. The new Cordyceps sinensis tincture has already received great reviews — and some users argue it's even better than the original formula.
There's also good news on long-term availability: one importer brought in a large quantity of sinensis with intact written import documentation predating the 1997 novel food cut-off. Cordyceps sinensis is here to stay — so you can confidently incorporate it into your routine without worrying it'll be taken away.
Bristol Fungarium are already turning their attention to the possibility of reintroducing Turkey Tail to the UK market next. Watch this space.
Have you tried Cordyceps sinensis yet? If you're looking for an athletic aid or a natural energy support, it might be exactly what you need.
Bristol Fungarium
Cordyceps sinensis tincture