Evaluation of Mycelial and Exo-polysaccharide production from Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps militaris has been a keystone in combating myriad health problems and has innumerable far-reaching therapeutic effects. The present study focuses on effect of physico-chemical conditions (temperature, pH, carbon and nitrogen source) and artificial media (solid and liquid) on production of mycelial biomass and exo-polysaccharide. Temperature and pH have a direct effect on mycelial and exo-polysaccharide (ESP) production and at the 8th and 11th day of submerged culture condition maximum mycelia and ESP production occurred respectively. Medium containing sucrose yielded higher mycelial biomass and exo-polysaccharide. The nitrogen sources that enhanced the mycelial and ESP productions were yeast extract and corn steep powder respectively. Remarkably good mycelial growth and ESP productions were observed at higher C/N ratio.