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Tracing Historical Perspective of Cordyceps sinensis - An Aphrodisiac in Sikkim Himalaya

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  • Central Council for Research in Ayurveda sciences

Abstract and Figures

Cordyceps sinensis (Berk) sacc is a well known fungus, and traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and tonic in North Sikkim. Aphrodisiac is an agent that increases and arouses sexual desire that makes sex more attainable and/or pleasurable. The Sikkim Hima– laya is a well known treasure trove and biological hotspot and the people of North Sikkim have been relying on this plant for centuries as an aphordisiac in the harsh high altitude environment. There is a long history of its use as aphrodisiac supported by scientific evidences. A study was conducted in between June 2008 and September 2009 to know the medicinal uses of this fungus by local people and folk healers. The claim that it can combat sexual dysfunction and will be the alternative natural product to challenge Viagra could be established only after clinical validation in well designed research protocol. Key words:
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Indian Journal of History of Science, 45.2 (2010) 189-198
TRACING HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF
CORDYCEPS SINENSIS- AN APHRODISIAC IN
SIKKIM HIMA
LAYA
ASHOK KUMAR PANDA*
(Received 23 October, 2009; revised 17 February, 2010)
Cordyceps sinensis (Berk) sacc is a well known fungus, and
traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and tonic in North Sikkim. Aphrodisiac
is an agent that increases and arouses sexual desire that makes sex more
attainable and/or pleasurable. The Sikkim Hima
laya is a well known treasure
trove and biological hotspot and the people of North Sikkim have been
relying on this plant for centuries as an aphordisiac in the harsh high
altitude environment. There is a long history of its use as aphrodisiac
supported by scientific evidences. A study was conducted in between
June 2008 and September 2009 to know the medicinal uses of this fungus
by local people and folk healers. The claim that it can combat sexual
dysfunction and will be the alternative natural product to challenge Viagra
could be established only after clinical validation in well designed research
protocol.
Key words: Aphrodisiac, Cordyceps sinensis, North Sikkim, Sexual
dysfunction, Yercha gumba
INTRODUCTION
The sexual behaviour of human being is unique in the animal kingdom. It
is not only an expression of instinctual mating rituals but also serve a major role
in cementing the emotional bonds of two partners. Many cultures, customs, laws,
fantasies and art of sexual acts are associated with it1. When this capacity is
diminished or disrupted, the psychosomatic implications can range from minor to
catastrophic, depending on the individual constitution and situation. Therefore, the
A
yurveda considers treatment of sexual dysfunction as imperative as it can have
* Senior Research Officer (A
yurveda), A
yurveda Regional Research Institute, Gangtok,
Sikkim. e-mail: akpanda_06@yahoo.com
190 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE
a profound effect on the well being of the individual. Mahars
.i Caraka prescribed
some aphrodisiacs before undertaking sexual intercourse. The idea was to promote
the quantity and quality of semen along with the sexual desire, preference and
enjoyment and to create good progeny2. The sexual desire and performance are
exceedingly complex, involving an intricate interplay of emotional, neurological
and vascular events in a specific sequence. In general, we believed that the most
important predictor of good sexual life is good in mental and physical health3. In
A
yurveda, the sexual act is performed to settle passion (ka
ma) and brings euphoria
after the orgasm. The other advantage is that it regulates the blood circulation,
energy utilization and relaxes the nervous system after the completion of sexual
act. The classical Chinese literature say: if one regulates his sexual pleasure he will
feel at peace and attain a long life. It is also used to say that women could fake
an orgasm but men could not fake an erection. 15% of men over the age of fifty
are impotent and 40% of forty years old men experience some degree of erectile
problems. Throughout the history, many foods, drinks, medicine, behaviors or
aphrodisiac an agent that increases and arouses sexual desire have been used for
making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable.The term ‘aphrodisiac’ is derived
from Aphrodite, the goddess of love and sexuality. It is not only a stimulant to
engorse the penis, but also that renews a desire for sexual intercourse when this
desire is lacking for some reasons4.
Probably the first known sex stimulant was human body odor.
Va
tsa
yana’s Ka
masu
tra is the first literature from India that describes the art of
sex in a scientific way. Many herbs, foods and sexual behavior are described in
Va
jikarana context of A
yurveda in Caraka Sam
.hita
(200 BC)5. Julius Caesar
(100-44 BC) said perfumes used by human-being is also an indicator of the “Fire
of Love”. The first modern perfume appeared in 1882, called “Fougere Royale.”
It was designed for men, to attract women. In 1986 “Pheromones” were said to
help turn on people who smelled them for sexual arousal. Starfish, Remora
(sucking fish), dried human marrow, and Sanguus menstruus (menstrual blood)
were used as sex stimulant in ancient Rome. Later, in the Middle Ages, the metals
like -gold and silver were used as aphrodisiacs. Horns of rhinoceros, penis of
tiger, oysters, almond etc are also used as aphrodisiacs in Chinese medicine. The
first chemical aphrodisiac Yohimbine comes from inner bark of West African tree
Corynantha yohimbe and has been used to initiate and prolong sexual arousal
in men. The medicinal plants Gingseng, Saffron (Crocus sativus), Kapikacchu
(Mukuna pruieta), S
ƒ
veta musali (Asperagus adscendens), Garlic (Allium
191
TRACING HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF CORDYCEPS SINENSIS
sativum), Sparrow meat, S
ƒ
ila
ja
tu (Asphaltum), As
ƒ
vagandha
(Withania
somnifera) have the reputation as aphrodisiacs. Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg)
has been mentioned in Una
ni medicine to be of value in the management of male
sexual disorders . Skin of deer and Ginger is specially used as female aphrodisiac
in some tribal communities of Orissa6. Viagra and Levita are not considered as
aphrodisiacs, because they do not have any direct effect on Central Nervous
System but they help enabling the erection7.
The Hima
laya has a great wealth of medicinal plants and traditional
knowledge. More than 50% of the ethno- medicinally important species of India
are from the Hima
layan region. Nearly, 1748 species of medicinal plants are
found Hima
layan region8. Most of the rare and endogenous Hima
layan medicinal
plants are used in A
yurveda as rasa
yana (rejuvenation drug)9 . The Sikkim
Hima
laya is a well known treasure trove and biological hotspot in the world. The
people of North Sikkim mostly rely on traditional knowledge of the bio- resources
for their survival in the harsh high altitude environment10. The Cordyceps sinensis
(Berk) sacc is a well known fungus, and traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and
tonic in North Sikkim and other Hima
layan regions. It is highly valued traditional
medicine used in China, Nepal, Bhutan and India. Internationally it is regarded as
Hima
layan Viagra or Hima
layan aphrodisiac. This Hima
layan aphrodisiac is widely
available in alpine zones of Sikkim Hima
laya, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh,
Western Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan11.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CORDYCEPS SINENSIS -HIMA
LAYAN APHRODISIACS
The Historical and general reference of Hima
layan aphrodisiacs refers to
Cordyceps sinensis (Berk) sacc. It was discovered about 2000 years ago as
exotic medicinal mushroom described in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine.
The British mycologist Dr M.J. Berkelesy first described it in 1843 as Sphaeria
sinensis Berk. Later in 1878, Andrea Saccardo renamed it as Cordyceps sinensis
(Berk) sacc12.The name Cordyceps comes from Latin word: meaning Cordl
(club) and ceps(head).
The normal harvesting period stretches from month of April to August. It
grows only at the high altitude regions of about 3800 meters above the sea level,
in the cold, grassy, alpine meadows of the mountain Hima
laya. This fungus is
parasitic in nature.
192 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE
The base of this mushroom first originates from an insect larval host
(Hepialis armoricanus family- Hepialidac) and ends at the club like cap, including
the stipe and stroma. The fruit body is dark brown to black, and the root of
organism, the larval body pervaded by the mycelium is yellowish to brown in
colour13. The immature larve (host) on which the Cordyceps (parasite) grows
usually lies about 6 inches below the ground surface. As the fungus approaches
maturity, it consumes more than 90% of infected insect effectively to mummify the
host. As the stroma matures, it swells up and develops perihelia. The average
weight of Cordyceps is about 300-500mg14.
Table 1. Mycological Features of Cordyceps sinensis, the Hima
layan aphrodisiac15
English name Caterpillar fungus, Cordyceps mushroom
Latin name Cordyceps sinensis.
Phlum Ascomycota
Class Ascomycetes
Order Hypocreales
Family Clavicipataceae.
Local Name Yarsa gumba, Yarcha gumba,
Nepali Name Keera jhar, Jeevan but
.i, Keeda ghass, Chyou kira, Sanjeevani
but
.i.
Chinese Name Dong chong xi cao
Japanese Tocheikasa
Related species There are more than 680 types of so called Cordyceps are found
world wide today. Such as Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps
barnesii, Cordyceps ophioglossoides, Cordyceps hyphae,
C. nutans, C. nepalensis, etc
History and Traditional Use
This Hima
layan aphrodisiac was discovered about 1500 years ago in
Tibet, surrounding parts of Sikkim and Nepal by the Ya
k herders who observed
that their Ya
k became energetic after eating this fungus16. About 1000 years later,
the Emperor’s physician in the Qing Dynasty learned and used this knowledge
with their own wisdom to develop powerful aphrodisiacs. The first reference to
Cordyceps as a medicinal fungus occurred around 101 BC by an anonymous
writer in a book titled, Sheng Nung Bon Cas Chien (The Classic Herbal of the
Divine Plowman)17. The another written record of the Cordyceps fungus comes
from China, in the year 620 AD, at the time of the Tang Dynasty (618 AD-907
AD), bringing substance to the once intangible allegorical narrative, which spoke
a magical creature, whose annual existence alluded to a miraculous transformation
from animal to plant in summer, and then again from plant to animal in winter. In
193
TRACING HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF CORDYCEPS SINENSIS
1757, the earliest objective and scientifically reliable description of Cordyceps
fungus was written by auther Wu-Yiluo in the Ben Cao Congxin ( New Compilation
of Materia Medica) during Qing Dynasty18. In Chinese medicine Cordyceps
sinensis is considered sweet and warm, it enters the lung and kidney channels;
the typical dosage is 3-9 grams.Western descriptions of the health benefits of the
Cordyceps fungus came in the eighteen century. The first such publication came
from French Jesuit priest named Perennin Jean Baptiste du Halde, who recounted
his experience with this Hima
layan aphrodisiac while he was a guest at emperor’s
court in China. In 1757 Cordyceps makes its first appearance in a medical text
- New Compilation of Materia Medica19
Its current high international profile and demand developed only sometimes
in 1993 when many Chinese long distance runners broke world record by using
this Cordyceps fungus. In mid nineteenth century this Cordyceps fungus was
marketed in United State.
The first Tibetan author who described Yartsa gunbu seems to be the
famous Tibetan doctor Zurkhar Nyamnyi Dorje (1439-1475) mentioned above in
“An Ocean of Aphrodisiacal Qualities - A special work, the practitioner who
founded the so-called Zur Medical tradition. In his treatise Ten Millions of
Instructions: A Relic (commonly and incorrectly also referred to as “Oral
Instructions on a Myriad of Medicines”), he mentions Yartsa gunbu among the
drugs that cure the rotsa (ro tsa) ailments—those concerning sexual virility.
Collection, trade and use of Yartsa gunbu (dbYar rTswa dGun ‘Bu), has a long-
standing history in Rigpa Sowa where it is classified as “medicinal essences” (rTsi
sMan). According to Phuntsho Namgyel, although knowledge of cordyceps as an
important medicinal plant exists in the Hima
layan kingdom of Bhutan, the Bhutanese
traditional medicine system, which is similar to Tibetan medicine, started
incorporating it in its formulations only a few years ago.20,21
The traditional healers of Sikkim have been using this fungus for eighteen
diseases, maximum use in form of self medication and folk healer’s recommendation
is for aphrodisiac use. A study was conducted in between June 2008 and September
2009 to know the medicinal uses of this fungus by local people and folk healers.
The strengths of the claims are evaluated by the numbers of user for an illness.
It was found that this fungus is used for male and female sexual dysfunction, to
restore the general health and appetite and to promote longevity in Lachung &
Lachen area of North Sikkim traditionally. The person of both sexes usually uses
one piece of C. sinensis with one cup of milk for enhancing their sexual potency
194 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE
and desire. The Bhutia communities put one piece C. sinensis in one cup of local
made alcohol (chang) and leave for one hour and drink in the morning and
evening as an aphrodisiac. Some use hot water instead of alcohol. They said it
is more potent than Ginseng and also used in the treatment of cancer, fatigue, to
relieve chronic pain, tuberculosis and to treat liver and kidney ailments. The
people of North Sikkim believed that this medicine has been used by our ancestors
before Chogel period in between 1200-1600 BC. But the awareness about its
uses has doubled after 1995 only. From 1997 to 2009 prices have increased by
500%, on average of over 20% per year in Tibet.
In 2007, 1 kg of dried Yartsa gunbu costs in Lhasa varied from •2,000
to • 8,000 depending on quality22. In Chinese cities the best fungi can cost
•24,000/kg, more than gold. The cost of one kg of wild collected Cordyceps
fungus is about 1 lakh in India23 and forty to sixty rupees per piece in Sikkim. Due
to the rarity and high prices of the wild collected variety, attempts have long been
made to cultivate Cordyceps. After much early frustration in attempted cultivation,
commercially viable methods were finally achieved in the late 1970’s. By the mid
1980’s, the majority of Cordyceps available in the world’s marketplace was
artificially cultivated24.
Table 2. Traditional uses of Cordyceps sinensis in North Sikkim25
S.N. Illness Strength of the claims
1 Erectile Dysfunction ++++
2 Female aphrodisiac +++
3 Infertility ++
4 General weakness +++
5 Tuberculosis ++
6 Bronchitis ++
7 Malignant Tumor +++
8 Rhinitis ++
9 Rheumatism +
10 Arthritis ++
11 Jaundice ++
12 Prostate enlargement ++
13 Liver diseases +++
14 Kidney diseases +++
15 Coronary Heart Disease +
16 Chronic pain ++
17 Sciatica & backache ++
18 Low BP & dizziness +++
195
TRACING HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF CORDYCEPS SINENSIS
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCES
Cordyceps can combat sexual dysfunction and may be an alternative
natural product to challenge Viagra. Three separate Chinese double-blind and
placebo-controlled studies of Cordyceps with over 200 men with “reduced libido
and other sexual problems” showed remarkable results. On average, 64% of the
Cordyceps-users reported significant improvement at the conclusion of the
experimental period compared with 24% of the placebo group. In another double-
blind, placebo-controlled study conducted with 21 elderly women with similar
complaints, 90% reported improvements in their condition following the use of
Cordyceps compared with none in the control group26,27. There are three likely
contributing factors why Cordyceps sinensis appears to have an effect on sexual
dysfunction:
Firstly Cordyceps sinensis has been shown to improve physical vitality
and stamina in general. 28,29,30. In 1993, a group of nine Chinese women set world
records at the Chinese National Games. When asked about the secret to their
success, they attributed it to their use of Cordyceps. 31, 32
Secondly Cordyceps sinensis helps dilate blood vessels and increase
blood flow, 33, 34 which is certainly an important factor of erectile function.
Thirdly and perhaps most important of all is that two studies have shown
Cordyceps sinensis to “significantly increase” the production of testosterone in
males. 35,36
CONCLUSION
Cordyceps sinensis grows over much of the area traditionally inhabited
by populations of Tibetan language and culture, and since its citation in Tibetan
medical treatises pre-dates its mentioning in Chinese medical texts by second
centuries, it may be assumed that Tibetan people were probably the first to notice
this fungus thriving on the high pasturelands, examine its morphological traits,
understand its biological features, assess its qualities and therapeutic properties,
and to attribute it a name. It is remarkable and difficult to explain that this
medicinal fungus, so highly praised as a tonic and aphrodisiac by Zurkhar Namnyi
Dorje in the 15th century, is not mentioned in many Tibetan materia medica.
While this interesting fungus is used in some Tibetan medicinal formulations, it is
certainly not employed as heavily as in Chinese culture. The demand for Cordyceps
has also compounded exponentially in this same time frame, partly due to the fact
196 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE
that the opening of China with trade to the west in the 1970’s exposed many more
people around the world to the concepts and practices of Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM). Cordyceps has a long history of use as Hima
layan aphrodisiac
in Sikkim and other Hima
layan states of India & Nepal. The contemporary
traditional practitioners and people of North Sikkim have been using this fungus
as aphrodisiac before the time of Chogel. So it can combat sexual dysfunction and
will be the alternative natural product to challenge Viagra after clinical validation
of the claims in well designed research protocol.
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... Cordyceps sinensis, commonly called Yarsa Gumba or Keera Jhar by the people of north Sikkim [19,20], finds an extensive and elaborate history of traditional use in the state, including towns like Lachung and Lachen [20]. Initially utilized by the local residents to enhance milk production and improve vitality and reproductive capability of cattle by using the fungal powder with jaggery, its vast medicinal potential slowly came to light. ...
... Initially utilized by the local residents to enhance milk production and improve vitality and reproductive capability of cattle by using the fungal powder with jaggery, its vast medicinal potential slowly came to light. Now, amchi (Tibetan folk practitioners) and vaidyas (folk healers) use varying doses of C. sinensis for the treatment of different ailments, including cancer, tuberculosis, bronchitis, rheumatism, arthritis, coronary heart disease, sciatica, backache, diabetes, alcoholic hepatitis, jaundice, prostate enlargement, liver diseases, kidney diseases etc. [19,20]. People of both sexes also use it as an aphrodisiac with the fungus also being claimed to cure erectile dysfunction, thus earning it the name 'Himalayan Viagra' [19,20]. ...
... Now, amchi (Tibetan folk practitioners) and vaidyas (folk healers) use varying doses of C. sinensis for the treatment of different ailments, including cancer, tuberculosis, bronchitis, rheumatism, arthritis, coronary heart disease, sciatica, backache, diabetes, alcoholic hepatitis, jaundice, prostate enlargement, liver diseases, kidney diseases etc. [19,20]. People of both sexes also use it as an aphrodisiac with the fungus also being claimed to cure erectile dysfunction, thus earning it the name 'Himalayan Viagra' [19,20]. Use of C. sinensis as a general tonic as well as a highly potent aphrodisiac [21], along with application of elaborate traditional recipes such as 50 gm of crushed fungus with 13 other ingredients made into a preparation and administered as a pill to improve sexual virility and physical strength, as well as tachi chusum, also taken as a pill early morning with honey with the pill containing C. sinensis, tachi, and 12 other components, aiming to increase body energy, support the senses, and promote longevity [22], prove the dominance held by C. sinensis in the traditional medicine of the regions it inhabits. ...
Article
Cordyceps sinensis , known as the caterpillar fungus, constitutes an invaluable and irreplaceable part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is now gaining widespread global recognition and dedicated attention owing to both highly promising characteristics as well as grave dangers that are suggestive of an impending doom. C. sinensis possibly holds the key to the treatment of many human ailments with minimal side effects due to a wide array of biologically active chemical constituents. The powerful potential harbored by this fungus has led to a meteoric rise in its prices in the domestic and international markets which has caused the involvement of an increasing number of harvesters, traders, and buyers and unchecked overexploitation of this bioresource thus threatening its long-term survival in its natural habitat of the Himalayan region. This review focuses on the ethnopharmacology of C. sinensis, and various aspects related to its conservation, such as natural distribution, sale and revenue, decline in population density, and conservational practices prevalent in the current scenario of fungal depletion. The paper concludes with a comprehensive evaluation of the discrete therapeutic capabilities possessed by C. sinensis , the mechanistic insights into the remarkable treatment of chronic ailments using the fungus or its derivatives, and a suggested strategic roadmap that may be adopted for fruitful conservation of this natural miracle.
... The Himalayan Fungus is rich in various Biological Active compounds and elements which shows a great impact in terms of Human health. It has been found that the fungus is constitute of Nucleosides like Cordycepin, adenosine etc, Polysaccharides such as EPSF (Exopolysaccharide fraction), APS (Acid Polysaccharide) CPS 1 & CPS 2 (a water soluble polysaccharide) and sterols like Ergosterols etc [8][9][10][11][12]. On the other hands it does contain essential elements like (Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pi, Se, Al, Si, Ni, Sr, Ti, Cr, K, Na, Ca) which are micronutrients and actively participate in several Biological Actions [3,12]. ...
... [3]. This fungus is prominently used in the regions of North Sikkim as a traditional medicine for the illnesses such as Erectile dysfunction, Tuberculosis, Female Aphrodisiac, Infertility, Bronchitis, Arthritis, Jaundice, Liver disease, Kidney disease, Coronary Heart disease, Chronic Pain etc. [8]. in last century several scientific evidences has came out which has proven its medicinal value by showing its importance in Combating the Erectile dysfunction problem and can be used as an alternative natural product against Viagra and as a stamina booster [6,8,9,14]. ...
... [3]. This fungus is prominently used in the regions of North Sikkim as a traditional medicine for the illnesses such as Erectile dysfunction, Tuberculosis, Female Aphrodisiac, Infertility, Bronchitis, Arthritis, Jaundice, Liver disease, Kidney disease, Coronary Heart disease, Chronic Pain etc. [8]. in last century several scientific evidences has came out which has proven its medicinal value by showing its importance in Combating the Erectile dysfunction problem and can be used as an alternative natural product against Viagra and as a stamina booster [6,8,9,14]. ...
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Himalayan zone is one of the richest biodiversity, which is a house of various biological species whether it is Plants, Animals and other species. Cordyceps sinensis or commonly called as “The Himalayan Fungus” is an Ascomycete fungus which grown at high altitude zones, is constitute of many Bio-active compounds and potential of showing several medicinal or Therapeutic Benefits. Although People of China, India, Bhutan and Nepal had knowledge about this from ancient times, but for the western counties, the concept of The Himalayan fungus is quite new. The recent studies have suggested that the Cordyceps sinensis is an effective medicinal Fungus and can potentially show the effects such as Anti-oxidant, Anti-Tumor, Immuno-modulation, Anti-Ageing, Neuro-protective and Anti-Inflammatory etc. The local Population of Northern Sikkim has been using this for cure of several illnesses such as Tuberculosis, Infertility, Erectile dysfunction, Jaundice, Arthritis, Bronchitis, Heart Disease, Kidney-Disease, chronic-pain Etc. Although, Cordyceps sinensis was first introduced to the western market, the earliest discussion of this fungus comes from 2000 years old Chinese literary works. As its grows only in a specific type of atmospheric condition and geography as well, it is one of the rarest natural products and so in United states, it is currently sold at Price of $20000 Per Kilogram. Although there are several claims on its medicinal value, there is still requirement of lot of studies to analyze its activity and nature properly. Due to its less availability in nature and great medicinal effects, the artificial cultivation methods have been developed for CS.
... stamina, libido, endurance and sleeping patterns, enhances sexual potency and desire, increases longevity, cures erectile dysfunction, boosts athletic performance and is utilized as a tonic. [17][18][19][20] Cordyceps is reported to contain cordycepic acid, glutamic acid, amino acids (phenylalnine, proline, histidine, valine, oxyvaline, arginine), polyamines (1,3-diamino propane, cadaverine, spermidine, spermine, homospermidine, and purtescine), cyclic dipeptides [cyclo-(gly-pro), cyclo-(leu-pro), cyclo-(val-pro), cyclo-(ala-leu), cyclo-(alaval) and cyclo-(thr-leu)], d-mannitol, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, nucleotides and nucleosides (adenine, adenosine, uracil, uridine, guanine, guanosine themidine, and deoxyuridine and cordycepia), fatty acids and other organic acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic acids), [21][22][23][24][25][26][27] cordycepin, cordycepic acid, amino acids, vitamins mainly E, K, B1, B2, B12, carbohydrates, proteins, sterols, nucleosides, [20] sterols (ergosterol, delta-3 ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide, βsistosterol, daucosterol and campasterol) [28] cordyceamides A and B, [29] glutamic acid and aspartic acid, [30] mannitol, polysaccharide composed of glucose, mannose and galactose, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, octadecdienoic acid and octadecenoic acid, [31] adenosine and cordycepin, mannitol and polysaccharides, [32] aromatic amino acids, [33] cordycepin, adenosine, cordycepic acid, ergosterol, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, N-acetyl muramic acid, hypoxanthine, nephthaquinone, dipliconic acid, myriocin, cordyheptapeptide A and cicadapeptin, [34,35] polysaccharide PS-A, [36] galactomannan [37] and mannoglucan. [38] The presence of herbal chemical constituents vary due to many factors such as soil, geographic regions, seasonal changes, plant species and application of fertilizers. ...
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Bauhinia racemosa Lam. (Caesalpiniaceae), distributed in India and other regions of south eastern Asia, is used to cure diarrhoea, dysentery, epilepsy, liver ailments, blood diseases, fever, headache, inflammation, malaria, skin diseases, tumors and ulcers. Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. (family Cordycipitaceae) is an entomopathogenic fungus found on Tibetan Plateau in south-western China and Himalayan regions of Bhutan and Nepal. It is used to treat bronchitis, cancer, high cholesterol, colds, coughs, depression, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, jaundice, alcoholic hepatitis, male sexual problems, kidney and liver disorders, and tuberculosis. Phytochemical investigation of a methanolic extract of the leaves of B. racemosa led to isolate a dimethoxy-di-α-D-xyloside characterized as α-D4-methoxyxylopyranosyl-(2→1′)-O-α-D-4′-methoxyxylopyranoside (1) and a quercetin derivative identified as 2′- hydroxyquercetin 3-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2′′→1′′′)-O-α-D-xylopyranoside (2). Column chromatography of a methanolic extract of the mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis afforded n-octacosanoic acid (3), an aliphatic alcohol formulated as n-nonacosan-13β-ol (4), a di-β-D-glycoside elucidated as β-D-glucopyranosyl-(6→1′)-O-β-Dglucopyranoside (5) and an acyl tri-α-D-glucoside having a structure established as arachidyl α-O-Dglucopyranosyl-(6′→1′′)-α-O-D-glucopyranosyl-(6′′→1′′′)-α-O-D-glucopyranoside (6). The structures of these phytoconstituents have been established by spectral data analysis and chemical reactions.
... Maczużnik chiński zawitał do Europy w XVIII w. Po raz pierwszy usłyszano o nim podczas spotkania naukowego w Paryżu w 1726 r. [4]. Światową sławę zyskał w 1993 r., kiedy podczas 4. Mistrzostw Świata w Lekkoatletyce chińskie biegaczki pobiły kilka rekordów świata. ...
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The search for new natural sources of biologically active substances is of interest to many scientific institutions. Edible mushrooms have extensive biosynthetic capabilities, which involve the production of bioactive compounds. One mushroom species with great medicinal value is the Chinese mace (Cordyceps sinensis, syn Ophiocordyceps sinensis), which belongs to the Ascomycota cluster. For millennia it has been prized in Asia and used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, diabetes, cough, jaundice, erectile dysfunction. Cordyceps sinensis is a fungus that parasitizes butterfly larvae, germinates in a living host, kills and mummifies the larva, and then grows from the host's body. People living in Tibet call this fungus Yarsa gumba, (winter-yarsa, summer-gumba). It grows at an altitude of 3500-5000 meters in the grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau. Under these extreme conditions, it produces biologically active metabolites in order to survive. The aim of this study was to present the most important active components of Chinese mace and their pharmacological effects. Some of these compounds such as adenosine, cordycepin, polysaccharides, cordimine peptide activate the immune system, show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Biologically active compounds of passionflower have immunomodulatory effects and in vitro and in vivo studies have shown their anticancer activity. Cordycepin, structurally similar to adenosine, exhibits antiviral and antimicrobial activity. The natural resources of the fungus are decreasing significantly. The Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CITES has classified Cordyceps sinensis as an endangered species. Due to the high demand for biologically active substances obtained from the mushroom, anamorphic cultivation of mycelium has become necessary. The quality of the obtained mycelium is checked by performing tests for levels of adenosine, 3'-deoxyadenosine, N-6 (2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine. The mushroom belongs to nutraceuticals and is listed in the Directory of Novel Foods. In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Cordyceps sinensis has been listed as a medicine since 1964.
... Cordyceps sinensis, henceforth Cordyceps), or caterpillar fungus, is endemic to the alpine region and is distributed in India, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Tibet Autonomous Region along an elevation profile 3000 to 5000 m above sea level (masl) (Winkler 2009). It is believed to cure several diseases (Devkota 2006;Panda 2010) and is mainly traded as an aphrodisiac and powerful tonic (Holliday and Cleaver 2008). As one of the most expensive biological commodities in the world (Winkler 2009), its harvest and sale have significantly improved the socioeconomic status of local communities across its distribution range, contributing 50-100% of household cash income (Winkler 2009;Wangchuk et al 2012;Kuniyal and Sundriyal 2013;Woodhouse et al 2013;Childs and Choedup 2014;Shrestha and Bawa 2014a, b;Shrestha et al 2017;Laha et al 2018;Pouliot et al 2018;Yadav et al 2018;Karki et al 2020). ...
... Traditionally, the primary collectors of these plants are the villagers, who collected it during the time of grazing practice (Baral et al., 2015). During months, the primary gatherers stay in the alpine regions to care for their pet animals (Yak) and collect the fungus and other medicinal plants (Panda, 2010). Local medicine men, who also visit the areas to collect the mushrooms, store the dried material to use it in the future. ...
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In recent decades, interest in the Cordyceps genus has amplified due to its immunostimulatory potential. Cordyceps species, its extracts, and bioactive constituents have been related with cytokine production such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, phagocytosis stimulation of immune cells, nitric oxide production by increasing inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, and stimulation of inflammatory response via mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Other pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anti-cancer, antihyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, vasorelaxation, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, and kidney protection, has been reported in pre-clinical studies. These biological activities are correlated with the bioactive compounds present in Cordyceps including nucleosides, sterols, flavonoids, cyclic peptides, phenolic, bioxanthracenes, polyketides, and alkaloids, being the cyclic peptides compounds the most studied. An organized review of the existing literature was executed by surveying several databanks like PubMed, Scopus, etc. using keywords like Cordyceps, cordycepin, immune system, immunostimulation, immunomodulatory, pharmacology, anti-cancer, anti-viral, clinical trials, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, phytochemical analysis, and different species names. This review collects and analyzes state-of-the-art about the properties of Cordyceps species along with ethnopharmacological properties, application in food, chemical compounds, extraction of bioactive compounds, and various pharmacological properties with a special focus on the stimulatory properties of immunity.
... Cordyceps sinensis, henceforth Cordyceps), or caterpillar fungus, is endemic to the alpine region and is distributed in India, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Tibet Autonomous Region along an elevation profile 3000 to 5000 m above sea level (masl) (Winkler 2009). It is believed to cure several diseases (Devkota 2006;Panda 2010) and is mainly traded as an aphrodisiac and powerful tonic (Holliday and Cleaver 2008). As one of the most expensive biological commodities in the world (Winkler 2009), its harvest and sale have significantly improved the socioeconomic status of local communities across its distribution range, contributing 50-100% of household cash income (Winkler 2009;Wangchuk et al 2012;Kuniyal and Sundriyal 2013;Woodhouse et al 2013;Childs and Choedup 2014;Shrestha and Bawa 2014a, b;Shrestha et al 2017;Laha et al 2018;Pouliot et al 2018;Yadav et al 2018;Karki et al 2020). ...
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Cordyceps has significantly improved the socioeconomic status of the mountain people in the Sikkim Himalaya, India, but an upsurge in demand and its price has resulted in overexploitation and degradation of the fragile alpine habitat in which it grows. This study aimed to shed light on the distribution, resource abundance, harvesting practices, commercialization, and trade of Cordyceps through household surveys and open-ended interviews with the collectors, sublocal and local traders, and local officials. Significant differences (p <0.001) in average collection and income per household were observed. The income from Cordyceps ranged from US$ 0.03 to 0.23 million for the 3 villages studied. We conclude that there is a strong need to understand the market of Cordyceps and develop the value chain to regulate its price in Sikkim.
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Chapter
Ophiocordyceps sinensis is an entomopathogenic fungus used in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine for over 2000 years. It is also commonly consumed in Asia for nutritional purposes. To authenticate the various traditional medicinal claims of O. sinensis, researchers have begun to investigate its pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds since the 1990s. Recently, a large proportion of research used the artificially cultivated O. sinensis due to the high cost and limited supply of its natural counterpart. Polysaccharides, proteins, amino acids, and nucleosides, such as adenosine and cordycepin, are the main components identified in O. sinensis. They are responsible for a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, smooth muscle relaxation, hypoglycemic, cholesterol-lowering, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The mechanistic pathways that are responsible for eliciting these bioactivities have also been successfully elucidated in many studies. However, more research on the bioactive compounds of O. sinensis is needed to translate it into pharmaceutical use, as several components can be responsible for single bioactivity. A deeper understanding of these bioactive compounds that fit the biomolecular target(s) is valuable before developing them into therapeutic agents.KeywordsBioactive compoundsMedicinal mushrooms Ophiocordyceps sinensis Pharmacological effects
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Cordyceps sinensis, a parasitic fungus in the alpine regions, is highly valued in the traditional medicinal system of China, Nepal and India. The cost of one kg of wild collected fungus in the market varies from 30,000 to 60,000 Nepali Rupees in Nepal, and about Rs 1 lakh in India. This study explores the collection, trade route, market price at various stages of trade, and linkages in the region. Market price, trade and channels of Cordyceps collection are not transparent in the Indian subcontinent. Collection from wild habitats is a new income-generation opportunity in the remote locations of the Central Himalayan region. Among the stakeholders, conservation and sustainable harvest is the issue of debate. There is need for scientific exploration and research on biological screening of the Indian strains of this fungus, status in natural habitats, and artificial cultivation to harvest timely the prospects. Highlighting this species as a Chinese herb and its substances as anti-aging, pro-sexual, anti-cancer and immune boosting, now Cordyceps and its products are present in the market of the Western countries as over-the-counter medicine/tonic; however, the primary source is Tibet. For the past few years, there has been large-scale harvesting of the wild material from Nepal and India. This study highlights the importance of the fungus as medicine, a case study of collection and trade in the Central Himalayan region, and research needs in the Indian context.
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Cordyceps is one of the target genera for modern mycological studies. Among themCordyceps sinensis is the most famous but poorly defined species because the fungus is endemic in districted regions of east Eurasia. We have explored the various growing regions and habitats where the fungus grows in the wild. We also examined authentic cultures for the species. We analyzed the sequences of ITS1, 2 and 5.8 S rDNA regions ofC. sinensis materials collected from 11 localities of southwestern China. Phylogenetic analyses were performed with these sequences and with additional sequences obtained from GenBank. All sequences formed a single cluster, which comprised two subgroups. Our results strongly suggested that intraspecific variation was rather small and that some species that are morphologically similar toC. sinensis but with different names might be synonymous withC. sinensis. The difference in the pharmaceutical activity among these collectedC. sinensis from different regions will be studied in the future.
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Cordyceps sinensis is a herb medicine in China for the treatment of general debility after sickness and for persons of advanced age. In the present study, cordyceps sinensis was extract by phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and dialyzed overnight against PBS using a membrane cut off at 3,500 dalton molecular weight. The resulting macromolecule fraction (defined as CS) was assayed in anesthetized rats for hypotensive effects and in isolated aorta for vasorelaxant effects. Intravenous injection of CS (8,16, 24 and 32 mg/kg, respectively) suppressed significantly the mean arterial pressure (MAP) in a dose-dependent manner. 32 mg/kg of CS induces the maximal hypotensive response with a 58 +/- 4 mm Hg (from 107 +/- 6 to 49 +/- 3 mm Hg) change in MAP and a over 45 min action duration. In aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine treatment with CS between 0.5 and 500 microg/ml induced dose dependent relaxation. Maximal vasorelaxant response evoked by 150 microg/ml CS was 68.9 +/- 7.3%. Furthermore, CS-induced vasorelaxation is mediated by the endothelium possibly by stimulating the release of the nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. In conclusion, the present study revealed that presence of a constituent in CS which reduces MAP by relaxing the vascular beds directly. However, the effect may be caused by a single active ingredient or by the combined action of many active agents found in the extract.