The following biologically active substances in C. militaris: Cordycepin, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and ergothioneine; glycolipids (cerebrosides), glycoproteins (lectins), D-mannitol (referred as cordycepic acid), xanthophylls including carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin), sterols (ergosterol), statins (lovastatin), phenolic compounds (including phenolic acids and flavonoids), vitamins and biominerals/bioelements (magnesium, potassium, selenium, and sulfur).