Abstract: The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety of the Cordyceps militaris so as to demonstrate the applicability for daily use.In acute oral toxicity studies,the mice were fed with 0.4 mL (45 mg/100 g) Cordyceps militaris three times per day for 14 days.In the subacute oral toxicity test,the mice were fed with 0.4 mL Cordyceps militaris once per day in different concentrations (low concentration:1 mg/100 g,5 mg/100 g;intermediate concentration:25 mg/100 g and higher concentration:125 mg/100 g) for 28 days.In acute oral toxicity studies,deaths were found in the treatment group.In the case of the subacute oral toxicity test,no death was found in the group of low and intermediate concentrations.However,death and other treatment related complications were found in the higher concentration group in the 28-day and severe damage of the vital organs,including kidney and liver.These results demonstrated that Cordyceps militaris produced no death or treatment related toxicity in mice in the concentrations of 1-25 mg/100 g.Thus,Cordyceps militaris could be regarded as a safety nourishment in daily use.

Key words: Cordyceps militaris, acute oral toxicity, subacute oral toxicity, safety