Cordyceps sinensis (Dong Chong Xia Cao) - Feed Ingredient

Cordyceps sinensis, also known by its traditional Chinese name Dong Chong Xia Cao, is a parasitic fungus that naturally grows on the larvae of ghost moths (Thitarodes spp.) in high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. The fungal biomass is grown on sterilized substrates under controlled laboratory conditions, then harvested, dried, and processed into powder or extract. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is prized for its complex composition, which includes polysaccharides, cordycepin, adenosine, and various sterols.

In equine feed or supplement formulations, Cordyceps sinensis is occasionally included as a botanical extract, typically in powdered or encapsulated form, as part of herbal blends aimed at supporting overall physiological resilience. While not a common feed ingredient, its bioactive compounds are believed to influence energy metabolism and immune function.