Effects of light and heavy metals on Cordyceps militaris fruit body growth in rice grain-based cultivation

The objective of this study was to examine the light and heavy metals on the fruit body growth of Cordyceps militaris in the rice-based cultivation. Since heavy metals are commonly detected in the paddy field, we investigated the effect of lead, cadmium and mercury on the rice grain-based cultivation of C. militaris. Cordycepin and cordycepic acid were determined by HPLC method. The result showed that the best fruit body growth and bioactive complements was obtained in rice I under 12 h light/dark cycle conditions. The effects of heavy metals (Pb, Hg, and Cd) to the fruit body were remarkable-the inhibition carried a dose-dependent behavior.