## 6 Industrial Production of _C. militaris_
### Differences between Natural and Industrial Production of C. militaris  
The distinction between natural and industrial production of _C. militaris_ underscores significant contrasts in terms of yield, bioactive compound quality, and practical viability, all of which are critical to understanding the broader implications for its use in medicinal and commercial applications [89]. Naturally occurring _Cordyceps_, primarily sourced from the wild via insect larvae, has been highly valued for its exceptional medicinal properties, largely due to its rich profile of bioactive compounds, including cordycepin and polysaccharides. However, the natural collection of _C. militaris_ is fraught with challenges, such as ecological sensitivity, limited availability, high harvesting costs, and significant sustainability concerns. The specific environmental conditions required for natural growth--found primarily in high-altitude regions of Asia--lead to inconsistent and often low yields, further complicating large-scale collection efforts and raising ethical and ecological concerns over the depletion of natural resources [90]. In contrast, industrial production methods, like solid-state fermentation (SSF) and liquid fermentation (LF) offer several advantages in scalability and control over environmental factors such as substrate composition, temperature, and humidity, which are essential for optimizing fungal growth and metabolite production [91]. Industrial cultivation allows for the consistent production of high _Cordyceps_ biomass, which enables standardized extract quality, making it more suitable for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. For example, industrial processes can enhance the yields of key metabolites like cordycepin and polysaccharides, which are crucial for therapeutic use. Despite these advantages, industrial cultivation does not always replicate the bioactive compound spectrum found in naturally harvested _Cordyceps_. Variations in the concentrations of secondary metabolites are common in industrially cultivated _C. militaris_, potentially affecting their therapeutic efficacy when compared to natural counterparts. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing need for advancements in biotechnology, including genetic modification and growth medium optimization, to narrow the quality gap between natural and industrial sources [92]. The challenge lies in balancing the benefits of high yield and sustainability offered by industrial production with the superior quality associated with naturally sourced _Cordycps_, particularly as recognized in traditional medicine. Moreover, the scalability and consistency of bioactive compound production in _C. militaris_ are directly influenced by the choice of host species used in cultivation [93]. The exploration of diverse host species presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, utilizing various host species can significantly enhance the synthesis of bioactive compounds, which are critical for the medicinal efficacy of _C. militaris_[94]. This approach supports ecological sustainability by reducing the reliance on a single host species, thereby mitigating the risks associated with monoculture practices, such as increased susceptibility to disease or environmental changes. Economically, employing a variety of host species can lower the cost of raw materials and expand market opportunities, enabling producers to meet specific health-related consumer demands. On the other hand, the use of diverse host species introduces significant challenges in standardizing cultivation methods. Different hosts require different growth conditions, leading to variability in the bioactive compound profiles of the harvested products [95]. This variability complicates the standardization of cultivation protocols and can negatively impact the quality and medicinal effectiveness of _C. militaris_ extracts. Inconsistent product quality can undermine consumer trust and reduce the marketability of _C. militaris_ products, posing a substantial barrier to their widespread commercial adoption.