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Research Article

Selective growth-modulating effects of Cordyceps militaris on lactic acid bacteria and Escherichia coli
Gil-Ha Kim1
,
Ki-Geun Han1
,
Jae-Keun Lee2
,
Woan-Sub Kim13*
1Division of Applied Animal Science, School of Animal Life Convergence Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
2Twol Co. Ltd., Gyeonggi Gongiam 12718, Republic of Korea
3Institute of Applied Humanimal Science, Hankyong National University, Anseong 17579, Republic of Korea
*Corresponding Author
31 March 2026. pp. 22-30
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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Cordyceps militaris on the growth of selected lactic acid bacteria and pathogenic bacteria to evaluate its potential as a natural antimicrobial and microbiota-modulating agent. Antibacterial activity and growth responses were assessed using a paper disc diffusion assay and a 96-well microplate–based growth analysis. The tested lactic acid bacteria included Lactobacillus plantarum KCCM 11322, Lactobacillus acidophilus KCCM 32820, Lactobacillus lactis KCCM 34717, and Weissella cibaria KCCM 41287, while pathogenic strains comprised Escherichia coli KCCM 11569, 11587, 11591 and 11596. No inhibition zones were detected for any strain in the paper disc assay. However, microplate analysis revealed differential growth responses. C. militaris enhanced the growth of all tested lactic acid bacteria, particularly under nutrient-limited conditions, suggesting a potential prebiotic-like effect. In contrast, growth inhibition was observed in E. coli KCCM 11569, 11587, 11596, and 11591. These results indicate that C. militaris exerts selective, strain-dependent effects, promoting beneficial bacteria while suppressing certain pathogenic strains. The findings support its potential application as a functional ingredient with dual antimicrobial and microbiota-modulating properties.

Keywords
Antimicrobial activity
Cordyceps militaris
Escherichia coli
Growth modulation
Lactic acid bacteria
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Information
  • Publisher :Journal of Humanimal Sciences
  • Publisher(Ko) :한경국립대학교 휴머니멀응용과학연구소
  • Journal Title :Journal of Humanimal Sciences
  • Journal Title(Ko) :휴머니멀과학학술지
  • Volume : 2
  • No :1
  • Pages :22-30
  • Received Date : 2026-03-06
  • Revised Date : 2026-03-14
  • Accepted Date : 2026-03-16
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.23341/jhas.2026.2.1.22
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