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Traditional uses and medicinal potential of Cordyceps sinensis of Sikkim

January 2011
Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine 2(1):9-13

DOI:10.4103/0975-9476.78183

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PubMed

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CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Authors:

Ashok Kumar Panda

Central Council for Research in Ayurveda sciences

Cordyceps sinensis has been described as a medicine in old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine. It is a rare combination of a caterpillar and a fungus and found at altitudes above 4500m in Sikkim. Traditional healers and local people of North Sikkim recommend the mushroom, i.e., Yarsa gumba, Keera jhar (C. sinensis) for all diseases either as a single drug or combined with other herbs. The present study was undertaken to collect information regarding the traditional uses of cordyceps in Sikkim. It was found that most local folk healers/traditional healers use cordyceps for the treatment of 21 ailments. A modern literature search was carried out to assess whether the curative effects are valid or just blind faith of local people. Chemical constituents of cordyceps are given and pharmacological and biological studies reviewed. More mechanism-based and disease-oriented clinical studies are recommended.

Traditional uses of Cordyceps sinensis (Yercha gumpa) in North Sikkim

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Journal of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine | Jan-Mar 2011 | Vol 2 | Issue 1 9

Address for correspondence:

Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda,

Ayurveda Regional Research Institute, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim -

737 102, India. E-mail: akpanda_06@ yahoo.co.in

Received: 20-July-2010

Revised: 14-Sept-2010

Accepted: 21-Sept-2010

Traditional uses and medicinal potential of

Cordyceps sinensis of Sikkim

Ashok Kumar Panda, Kailash Chandra Swain1

Ayurveda Regional Research Institute, 1Department of Pharmacology, Sikkim Manipal Institutes of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

GENERAL ARTICLE

ABSTRACT

Cordyceps sinensis has been described as a medicine in old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine. It is a rare

combination of a caterpillar and a fungus and found at altitudes above 4500m in Sikkim. Traditional healers and local

people of North Sikkim recommend the mushroom, i.e., Yarsa gumba, Keera jhar (C. sinensis) for all diseases either as a

single drug or combined with other herbs. The present study was undertaken to collect information regarding the traditional

uses of cordyceps in Sikkim. It was found that most local folk healers/traditional healers use cordyceps for the treatment

of 21 ailments. A modern literature search was carried out to assess whether the curative effects are valid or just blind

faith of local people. Chemical constituents of cordyceps are given and pharmacological and biological studies reviewed.

More mechanism-based and disease-oriented clinical studies are recommended.

Key words: Cordyceps, disease, folk healers, fungus, mushroom, North Sikkim

INTRODUCTION

Mushrooms have been used as food, medicine, poison,

and in spiritual mushroom practices in religious rituals

across the world since at least 5000 BC.[1] Gordon Wasson

(father of modern Ethno mycology) believed that the

Soma plant used in religious ceremonies, over 4000 years

ago, before the beginning of the Christian era, by the

people who called themselves “Aryans” was a mushroom.

The Vedic juice called “soma rasa” is said to bestow

divine qualities on the soul of the consumer, even

immortality.[2] Ayurveda classifies mushrooms under

tamasika ahara, and as a medicine for enhancing vigor and

vitality.[3] The fungus Cordyceps sinensis has been described in

old Chinese medical books from ancient times, and is also

found in Tibetan medicine.[4] The fungus Penicillium from

which the antibiotic penicillin is derived is the most famous

medicine of the age, and the most potent hallucinogen

agent Lysergic acid diethylamide (LCD), has also been derived

from the plant – parasite ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea.[5,6]

Traditional healers in Sikkim recommend the fungus/

mushroom Cordyceps sinensis for “all illnesses” as a tonic,

because they claim that it improves energy, appetite,

stamina, libido, endurance, and sleeping patterns. It is a rare

combination of a caterpillar and fungus found in Sikkim at

altitudes above 3,800 m. The mushroom is most popular

in the Lachung and Lachen area of North Sikkim and has

the reputation of being a precious longevity-promoting

herb. The present study was undertaken to collect as much

information as possible regarding traditional claims for its

uses in different diseases. Attempts to evaluate such claims

through studies of available modern literature were also

made.

INFORMATION GATHERING

North Sikkim is a vast reservoir of high-altitude medicinal

and aromatic plants. Its people possess a treasury of

knowledge related to their management and uses. There

are a number of reputed classes of practitioner like the

Amchi (Tibetan folk practitioner) and Vaidyas (herbalist/

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10 Journal of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine | Jan-Mar 2011 | Vol 2 | Issue 1

Panda and Swain: Uses and medicinal potential of C. sinensis in Sikkim

folk healers). Relevant information was gathered from

local people, local practitioners, folk healers, and by direct

contact with herb collectors of Lachung and Lachen,

during repeated field visits between June 2008 and

September 2009.

Information was collected through an open-ended

questionnaire from a large number of individual

respondents, as well as through semi-structured interviews.

They were asked for herbs' local names, traditional and

commercial uses, parts used, and mode of administration.

Information obtained in each locality was cross-checked

at different places with other respondents. To substantiate

the usefulness of CS, scientific information for the

chemical constituents, curative effect, biological studies,

and pharmacological studies was collated from journals.

CORDYCEPS SINENSIS

C. Sinensis is an annual Ascomycetes fungus closely related

to the mushroom. Although not actually a mushroom

taxonomically, it has been described as an exotic medicinal

mushroom in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine.

The name cordyceps comes from Latin words meaning

club and head. The mycological features, related species

and vernacular names are given in Table 1 . The normal

harvesting period stretches from April to August. It grows

only in high-altitude regions of about 3800 m above sea

level, in cold, grassy, alpine meadows of the Himalayan

mountains. The fungus is parasitic in nature. The base of

the mushroom rst 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

color.[7] The immature larvae (host) on which cordyceps

grows usually lies about 6 inches below the surface

of the ground. As the fungus approaches maturity, it

consumes more than 90% of the infected insect effectively

mummifying its host. As the stroma matures, it swells up

and develops perihelia. The average weight of cordyceps is

about 300–500 mg.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The people of North Sikkim call the fungus/mushroom/

herb yarsa gumba; its Tibetan name [winter (yarsa) and

summer (gumba)]. In the literature, “gunba” or “gonba”

have also been used instead of “gumba.” It is called Keera

Jhar (insect herb) by the local Nepalese. It is also known

as the Himalayan Viagra. It costs approximately 6.77 U.S.

dollar per piece in the international market and is locally

available at Rs.100/- per piece.

Initially local herders observed that yak, goat, sheep, etc.

consuming C. Sinensis during their grazing in the forest

became very strong and stout. This observation paved the

way for the discovery of its medicinal value. Thereafter,

local people and herders used the fungus powder with

jaggery to increase milk production, and improve

reproductive capacity and vitality of their cattle. Then its

relevant medicinal properties were explored, collecting only

the aerial part (fruiting body/stroma), which they dried

in sunlight as primary processing. Then they themselves

consumed it and became convinced of its medicinal effects

in enhancing vigor and vitality. They further claimed that

it has aphrodisiac effects, and hence they used to give it as

a gift to relatives and friends from Gangtok and adjoining

areas.

At present, local folk practitioners use the product alone or

in combination with other medicinal herbs to treat various

diseases, administering different doses for different ailments

according to their experience, based on an empirical trial-

and-error method. People of both sexes usually take one

piece of C. sinensis with a cup of milk to enhance their

sexual potency and desire. The Bhutia community put one

piece of C. sinensis in a cup of local-made alcohol (chang),

leave it for 1 hour, and drink it morning and evening as a

tonic. Some use hot water instead of alcohol. Some folk

healers use C. sinensis for diabetes and other wasting diseases.

It is used for cancer mixed with texus leaf and Ginseng

root decoction. Similar reports are also available from

Nepal.[9-11] An attempt was made to evaluate the strength

of the folk claims by counting the number of users for

particular illnesses. Prolonged, continuous use by local

folk healers/traditional healers for the treatment of 21

ailments, including cancer, bronchial asthma, bronchitis,

TB, diabetes, cough and cold, erectile dysfunction, BHP,

Table 1: Mycological features and vernacular

names of

Cordyceps sinensis

English name – Caterpillar fungus, Cordyceps mushroom

Latin name – Cordyceps sinensis

Phylum – Ascomycota

Class – Ascomycetes

Order – Hypocreales

Family – Clavicipataceae

Related species – Cordyceps mililaris, Cordyceps barnesii, Cordyceps

ophioglossoides, Cordyceps hyphae, etc.

Vernacular names

Local Name – Yarsa gumba, Yarcha gumba

Nepali Name – Keera jhar, Jeevan buti, Keeda ghass, Chyou kira,

Sanjeevani bhooti[8]

Chinise Name – Dong chong xi cao

Japanase – Tocheikasa

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Panda and Swain: Uses and medicinal potential of C. sinensis in Sikkim

jaundice, alcoholic hepatitis, etc., were noted [Table 2].

Most traditional healers and elderly people use it to increase

longevity and cure erectile dysfunction.[12]

Evidence and studies

Various pharmacological and biological studies establishing

the curative effect of corydeps involving various

experimental models (in vitro and in vivo) and some clinical

trials in volunteer athletes.[13,14] C. sinensis exhibits very broad

biological and pharmacological actions in hepatic, renal,

and cardiovascular diseases. It has effects on immunological

disorders including cancer. Pharmacological actions of

cordyceps are primarily due to bioactive polysaccharides,

modied nucleosides, and cyclosporine like metabolites.

Also, the fermentable strain of the mycelia causes normal

fat mobilization and beta-oxidation, thereby maintaining

blood glucose level during prolonged exercise in athletes.

A Chinese study conducted on mice, a double-blind,

placebo-controlled trial, investigated whether oral

administration of cordyceps results in enhanced endurance

and resistance to fatigue. After 3 weeks of administration,

the groups given CS-4 were able to swim signicantly

longer than the control groups. The results of the study

were dose-dependent with results of one group on a

Table 3: Major pharmacological functions of Cordyceps sinensis[16]

Hepatic function

Stimulation of energy metabolism





Renal function

Reduction in aminoglycoside antibiotic induced nephrotoxicity



Endocrine and steroid system





Cardiovascular function



Reduction in aconitine, BaCl2, 

Anticancer activities

Sterols and their glucosides







Immunomodulation





Erythropoiesis and hemopoiesis

in vivo and in vitro

Platelet hemopoiesis

Table 2: Traditional uses of Cordyceps

sinensis (Yercha gumpa) in North Sikkim

Illness Strength of the claims

Increase longevity ++++

Erectile dysfunction ++++

Female aphrodisiac +++

Infertility ++

General weakness +++

Tuberculosis ++

Bronchitis ++

Malignant Tumor +++

Cough and cold ++

Rheumatism +

Arthritis ++

Jaundice ++

Prostate enlargement ++

Liver diseases +++

Kidney diseases +++

Coronary heart disease +

Chronic pain ++

Sciatica and backache ++

Low BP and dizziness +++

Diabetics ++

Alcoholic hepatitis +

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12 Journal of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine | Jan-Mar 2011 | Vol 2 | Issue 1

Panda and Swain: Uses and medicinal potential of C. sinensis in Sikkim

higher dose showing a 30% increase in endurance and the

second group showing a 73% increase in endurance. The

study concluded that the cardiotonic action, inhibition

of tracheal constrictions, and relaxation of contracted

vascular smooth muscle (which CS-4 evokes) increase the

ability and endurance of exercise. Another double-blind,

placebo-controlled study was conducted to test the effects

on physical performance in 1998 led by S. Morrissey of

Beijing Medical University Sports Research Institute.

They found that the group given the most of the product

containing cordyceps experienced improved lactate

clearance. Researchers concluded that lactate clearance

improved due to improved lactate energy metabolism

within the cell. Hence the authors concluded that using this

CS formulation would enhance lactate clearance and allow

athletes greater anaerobic physical performance[15] [Table 3].

Scientic proof of the effects of the Cordyceps mushroom

seem to be quite promising and coincide with folk

practices of Sikkim and other parts of India, China, Nepal

and Bhutan. The Cordyceps mushroom also has potent

antioxidant properties.[17]

Natural product chemistry of Cordyceps

Many natural products have been identied from the

fruiting bodies and cultured mycelium of cordyceps

and related species. The major chemical constituent is

cordycepic acid with other amino acids, vitamins and

minerals [Table 4].

CONCLUSION

The folk healers of Sikkim use C. sinensis to cure 21 ailments

including cancer, asthma, TB, diabetics, cough and cold,

erectile dysfunction in males and female BHP, hepatitis,

etc. Many studies in vitro and in vivo support C. sinensis

having diverse biological activities and pharmacological

potential [Table 3]. Its effects on renal and hepatic function

and immunomodulatory-related antitumor activities are

most promising and deserve further attention. Although

the origin and preparation of cordyceps have not always

been clearly addressed, most studies use water-soluble,

polysaccharide-rich fractions or alcohol extracts.

Now all possible measures have to be undertaken to ensure

that a healthy environment is sustained so that substantial

harvesting can be carried out for the medicinal fungi and

plants, which will be able to provide the basic income for

folk healers and other rural people. Fermented mycelia can

be constantly produced on a large scale, and are a better

source of the medicine. Available evidence regarding C.

sinensis’s medicinal value look very promising, but there is

a lack of study performed specically on humans. More

mechanism-based and disease-oriented pharmacological

studies are required. The need of the hour is now to

undertake detailed pharmacological studies of C. sinensis for

its pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicities in

humans. In the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia, the mushroom/

fungus, C. sinensis, can be considered to fall in the Rasayana

category.

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Table 4: Chemical constituents of natural cordyceps[18-21]









and deoxyuridine and cordycepia); 28 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, their derivatives and other organic acids (oleic, linoleic, palmitic and



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Journal of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine | Jan-Mar 2011 | Vol 2 | Issue 1 13

Panda and Swain: Uses and medicinal potential of C. sinensis in Sikkim

Source of Support: Nil, Conict of Interest: None declared.

14. Zhu JS. Halpen GM, Jones K. The Scientic study of an

ancient Chinese medicine: Cordyceps sinensis. Part-2. J

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Cordyceps hyphae. Chung-Kuo Chung His I Chieh ho Tsa

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17. Li SP, Li P, Dong TT, Tsim KW. Anti –oxidant activity of

different types of natural Cordyceps sinensis and cultured

Cordyceps mycelia. Phytomedicine 2001;8:207-12.

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obtained from the hot water extract of Cordyceps sinensis

mycelia. J Lab Clin Med 1995;8:134-7.

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Cordyceps sinensis. Bull Chin Mater Med 1983;8:32-3.

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Pharmacology and Appilcation. Australia: Harwood Academic

Publication; 1998. p. 10-121.

21. Available from: http://www. natural products.org(Manograph

on cordyceps)[Last accessed on 2010 Jul 05].

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Diversity and ethnomycological importance of mushrooms from Western Himalayas, Kashmir

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2022

Background Wild edible mushrooms (WEM) are economically significant and used in traditional medicines worldwide. The region of Jammu and Kashmir (Western Himalayas) is enriched with the diversity of edible mushrooms, collected by the rural people for food and income generation. This is the first detailed study on diversity and ethno-medicinal uses of mushrooms from the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Methods Consecutive surveys were conducted to record ethnomycological diversity and socio-economic importance of wild edible mushrooms value chain in rural areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir during 2015–2019. Ethnomycological data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire having a set of questions on indigenous mycological knowledge and collection and retailing of wild edible mushrooms. A total of 923 informants from the study area provided the results identifying the gender, type of mushroom species, medicinal uses, and marketing of mushrooms. Diversity of mushrooms was studied by using quadrat and transect methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) were also applied to the dataset to analyse the relationship between species distribution, the underlying environmental factors, and habitat types. PCA identified the major species-specific to the sites and put them close to the sites of distribution. Results A total of 131 mushroom species were collected and identified during 2015–2019 from the study area. Ninety-seven species of mushrooms were reported new to the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The dominant mushroom family was Russulaceae with 23 species followed by Agaricaceae, 16 species. Major mushroom species identified and grouped by the PCA were Coprinus comatus, Lactarius sanguifluus, Amanita fulva, Armillaria gallica, Lycoperdon perlatum, Lycoperdon pyriforme, and Russula creminicolor. Sparassis crispa, Pleurotus sp, and Laetiporus sulphureus were recorded most edible and medicinally significant fungi. Morels were also expensive and medicinally important among all harvested macro-fungal species. These were reported to use against common ailments and various health problems. Conclusions Collection and retailing of WEM contribute to improving the socio-economic status, providing alternative employment and food security to rural people of the area. These mushrooms are used as a source of food and traditional medicines among the rural informants and could be used as a potential source of antibacterial and anticancer drugs in the future.

Mass Production and Marketing of Compost Caterpillar Fungus Cordyceps sinensis

Chapter

Full-text available

Nov 2022

During COVID, global wide peoples realized the importance of natural food sources and their pharmacological values and now it has been used widely. It retained the previous decades of healthy human livelihood and attention created on conventional foods and medicines. From human evolution, mushrooms played a most unique role in food and medicine. Among them, C. sinensis is a temperate loving entomopathogenic fungus at altitudes of 3000 to 14,000 MSL. It is used as energy-sourced food and medicinal uses, via. Antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, antiviral, antiaging, antidepressant, antifatigue, hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, vasorelaxation, aphrodisiac, chronic urinal regulators, neuroregulators, anticancer, glycemic regulators, antimicrobial, immune modulators, and functional modifiers (FMs) to better live from their production of bioactive compounds. So, this fungal source drastically reduced overexploitation, climate change, mutations, and reduction of host population rate (ghost moth). These situations are pushed into artificial cultivation by complete and seminatural systems with extended times. Thus, simplification of cultivation progress will yield a better outcome in C. sinensis productions and new generation medicines in future when accompanied with scientific approaches with knowledgeable skilled persons in mushroom technology for human livelihood.KeywordsAphrodisiacAntifatigue C. sinensis CordycepinHypocholesterolemic

An internet of things enabled framework to monitor the lifecycle of Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2023
IJECE

Cordyceps sinensis is an edible mushroom found in high quantities in the regions of the Himalayas and widely considered in traditional systems of medicine. It is a non-toxic remedy mushroom and has a high measure of clinical medical benefits including cancer restraint, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, depression, fatigue, immune disorder, and many infections of the upper respiratory tract. The cultivation of this kind of mushroom is limited to the region of the Sikkim and to cultivate in the other regions of the country, they are need of investigation and prediction of cordyceps sinensis mushroom lifecycle. From the studies, it is concluded that the precision-based agriculture techniques are limitedly explored for the prediction and growth of Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms. In this study, an internet of things (IoT) inspired framework is proposed to predict the lifecycle of Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms and also provide alternate substrate to cultivate Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms in other parts of the country. As a part of lifecycle prediction, a framework is proposed in this study. According to the findings, an IoT sensor-based system with the ideal moisture level of the mushroom rack is required for the growth of Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license.

Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Use to Strengthen Respiratory Health During and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

Article

Jan 2022
INT J MED MUSHROOMS

COVID-19 infection has been a key threat to the public health system globally, with an estimated 248 million cases worldwide. COVID-19 patients are subject to a higher risk of developing chronic respiratory disorders that are closely associated with long-term disability, multi-morbidity, and premature mortality. Although there have been recent advancements in respiratory treatment regimens, there has also been increased interest in the use of medicinal mushrooms in bridging the unaddressed pathways of action within the treatment algorithms. In this review, we provide a collection of medicinal mushrooms that are beneficial in promoting respiratory health and potentially reducing COVID-19 symptoms in patients who are newly diagnosed and those who have recovered. While reviewing the use of immunomodulatory pathways, which have shown promising results in tackling side effects and post-COVID syndromes, we also provide insights into how the antioxidant elements present in medicinal mushrooms help to achieve the same results, especially in the prophylactic and therapeutic management of COVID-19 infection. To date, medicinal mushrooms are regarded as a functional food, which, however, need further quality, safety, and efficacy assessments. These requirements are also highlighted in the present review to promote the future development and application of medicinal mushrooms for better respiratory health.

Chinese Caterpillar Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycota), Cold-Water Extract Relaxes the Rat Isolated Bladder

Article

May 2022

System-level investigation of anti-obesity effects and the potential pathways of Cordyceps militaris in ovariectomized rats

Article

Full-text available

May 2022

Background Cordyceps species have been used as tonics to enhance energy, stamina, and libido in traditional Asian medicine for more than 1600 years, indicating their potential for improving reproductive hormone disorders and energy metabolic diseases. Among Cordyceps, Cordyceps militaris has been reported to prevent metabolic syndromes including obesity and benefit the reproductive hormone system, suggesting that Cordyceps militaris can also regulate obesity induced by the menopause. We investigated the effectiveness of Cordyceps militaris extraction (CME) on menopausal obesity and its mechanisms. Methods We applied an approach combining in vivo, in vitro, and in silico methods. Ovariectomized rats were administrated CME, and their body weight, area of adipocytes, liver and uterus weight, and lipid levels were measured. Next, after the exposure of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells to CME, cell proliferation and the phosphorylation of estrogen receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) were measured. Finally, network pharmacological methods were applied to predict the anti-obesity mechanisms of CME. Results CME prevented overweight, fat accumulation, liver hypertrophy, and lowered triglyceride levels, some of which were improved in a dose-dependent manner. In MCF-7 cell lines, CME showed not only estrogen receptor agonistic activity through an increase in cell proliferation and the phosphorylation of estrogen receptors, but also phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and p38. In the network pharmacological analysis, bioactive compounds of CME such as cordycepin, adenine, and guanosine were predicted to interact with non-overlapping genes. The targeted genes were related to the insulin signaling pathway, insulin resistance, the MARK signaling pathway, the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway, and the estrogen signaling pathway. Conclusions These results suggest that CME has anti-obesity effects in menopause and estrogenic agonistic activity. Compounds in CME have the potential to regulate obesity-related and menopause-related pathways. This study will contribute to developing the understanding of anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of Cordyceps militaris.

Cordyceps inhibits ceramide biosynthesis and improves insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis

Article

Full-text available

May 2022

Ectopic ceramide accumulation in insulin-responsive tissues contributes to the development of obesity and impairs insulin sensitivity. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of serine palmitoyl transferase (SPT), the first enzyme essential for ceramide biosynthesis using myriocin in rodents reduces body weight and improves insulin sensitivity and associated metabolic indices. Myriocin was originally extracted from fruiting bodies of the fungus Isaria sinclairii and has been found abundant in a number of closely related fungal species such as the Cordyceps . Myriocin is not approved for human use but extracts from Cordyceps are routinely consumed as part of traditional Chinese medication for the treatment of numerous diseases including diabetes. Herein, we screened commercially available extracts of Cordyceps currently being consumed by humans, to identify Cordyceps containing myriocin and test the efficacy of Cordyceps extract containing myriocin in obese mice to improve energy and glucose homeostasis. We demonstrate that commercially available Cordyceps contain variable amounts of myriocin and treatment of mice with a human equivalent dose of Cordyceps extract containing myriocin, reduces ceramide accrual, increases energy expenditure, prevents diet-induced obesity, improves glucose homeostasis and resolves hepatic steatosis. Mechanistically, these beneficial effects were due to increased adipose tissue browning/beiging, improved brown adipose tissue function and hepatic insulin sensitivity as well as alterations in the abundance of gut microbes such as Clostridium and Bilophila . Collectively, our data provide proof-of-principle that myriocin containing Cordyceps extract inhibit ceramide biosynthesis and attenuate metabolic impairments associated with obesity. Moreover, these studies identify commercially available Cordyceps as a readily available supplement to treat obesity and associated metabolic diseases.

Molecular characterization, microscopic characteristics, and phylogenetic analysis of Ophiocordyceps sinensis from Sikkim, India

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2022

The zombie fungi are a group of entomo-parasitic fungi comprising of 400 diverse species having tremendous pharmaceutical virtues. They have their use in traditional practice among Himalayan highlanders and inhabitants across the globe living in high altitude areas. Ophiocordyceps sinensis is one such representative of the entomo-parasitic group. The current study aimed to identify Ophiocordyceps sinensis from Sikkim, India, following classical, molecular taxonomic approaches, and culture. The classical approach involved a microscopic study of asci, stroma, and mycelia and the macroscopic characters of the stroma and larva. The molecular approach involved the amplification of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region from the stroma, cytochrome oxidase subunit-I (COI), and cytochrome b (Cytb) from host larva for phylogenetic studies. The pure culture was established on potato dextrose agar (PDA). The sequences were edited with Bioedit version 7.2.5 and subjected to multiple alignments using fast fourier transform (MAFFT) database. Model testing was performed using MegaX version 10.2.5, and the best model was utilized to construct the maximum likelihood tree. To confirm the results of the maximum likelihood tree, a Bayesian tree was also constructed using MrBayes 3.2.7. Subsequently, the study confirmed that the collected specimen is O. sinensis. The main bioactive compounds of O. sinensis are cordycepin and adenosine which has been explored for different therapeutic applications including treatment of cancer, diabetes, anemia, inflammation etc. Thus, such study provides the platform for their exploration for extensive pharmaceutical and nutraceutical future studies.

MicroRNA-like RNA Functions Are Required for the Biosynthesis of Active Compounds in the Medicinal Fungus Sanghuangporus vaninii

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2022

miRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) have been recognized as sequence-specific regulators of posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. However, the functions of hundreds of fungal milRNAs in the biosynthesis of metabolic components are obscure. Sanghuangporus produces diverse bioactive compounds and is widely used in Asian countries. Here, genes encoding two Dicers, four Argonautes, and four RdRPs were identified and characterized in Sanghuangporus vanini. Due to the lack of an efficient gene manipulation system, the efficacy of spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) was determined in S. vanini, which showed efficient double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) uptake and gene silencing efficiency. SIGS-mediated gene knockdown showed that SVRDRP-3, SVRDRP-4, SVDICER-1, and SVDICER-2 were critical for mycelial biomass, flavonoid, triterpenoid, and polysaccharide production. Illumina deep sequencing was performed to characterize the milRNAs from S. vanini mycelium and fruiting body. A total of 31 milRNAs were identified, out of which, SvmilR10, SvmilR17, and SvmilR33 were Svrdrp-4- and Svdicer-1-dependent milRNAs. Importantly, SIGS-mediated overexpression of SvmilR10 and SvmilR33 resulted in significant changes in the yields of flavonoids, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides. Further analysis showed that these milRNA target genes encoding the retrotransposon-derived protein PEG1 and histone-lysine N-methyltransferase were potentially downregulated in the milRNA overexpressing strain. Our results revealed that S. vanini has high external dsRNA and small RNA uptake efficiency and that milRNAs may play crucial regulatory roles in the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds. IMPORTANCE Fungi can take up environmental RNA that can silence fungal genes with RNA interference, which prompts the development of SIGS. Efficient dsRNA and milRNA uptake in S. vanini, successful dsRNA-targeted gene block, and the increase in intracellular miRNA abundance showed that SIGS technology is an effective and powerful tool for the functional dissection of fungal genes and millRNAs. We found that the RdRP, Dicer, and Argonaute genes are critical for mycelial biomass and bioactive compound production. Our study also demonstrated that overexpressed SVRDRP-4- and SVDICER-1-dependent milRNAs (SvmilR10 and SvmilR33) led to significant changes in the yields of the three active compounds. This study not only provides the first report on SIGS-based gene and milRNA function exploration, but also provides a theoretical platform for exploration of the functions of milRNAs involved in biosynthesis of metabolic compounds in fungi.

Bioactive components of Cordyceps sinensis

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2022

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.

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

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2010

Ashok Kumar Panda

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:

Ethnomycolgical Knowledge on Uses of Wild Mushrooms in Western and Central Nepal

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2006

This paper highlights the knowledge on the uses of various wild mushrooms by the different ethnic castes and community inhabiting in the vicinities of Lumle (Kaski, western Nepal) and Kathmandu valley (central Nepal). The research carried out revealed that among 24 species 18 mushrooms are used as culinary, 8 for medicinal value and 3 for other purposes.

Yarsagumba [Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc.]; Traditional Utilization in Dolpa District, Western Nepal

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2006

Shiva Devkota

Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc., a well-known and valued traditional medicine, is also called winter worm summer grass. The product deserves high potential to generate income opportunities, enhance rural income and raise the national revenue. The study of C. sinensis was carried out in Dolpa district, Western Nepal to document ethnomycological uses and local practices. Data were collected using open ended questionnaires administered to collectors/users (n = 74), traders (n = 25) and local healers or amchis (n = 3). Indigenous peoples are utilizing this Himalayan treasure for the treatment of different diseases like diarrhea, headache, cough, rheumatism, liver disease, and also as an aphrodisiac and tonic. Internationally it is regarded as Himalayan Viagra. The present study therefore aims at highlighting the ethnomycological uses of C. sinensis resource of the Trans-Himalayan region in their niche.

The Scientific Rediscovery of an Ancient Chinese Herbal Medicine: Cordyceps sinensis Part I

Article

Full-text available

Feb 1998

This review presents Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc., a fungus highly valued in China as a tonic food and herbal medicine. The extant records show the continued use of C. sinensis is now centuries old. The major chemical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies on C. sinensis and the various derived, cultured, fermented mycelial products currently in use are reviewed from the English and Chinese literature. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical blinded or open-label trials in to date over 2000 patients are reviewed. These studies show the main activities of the fungus in oxygen-free radical scavenging, antisenescence, endocrine, hypolipidemic, antiatherosclerotic, and sexual function-restorative activities. The safety of the fungus, its effects on the nervous system, glucose metabolism, the respiratory, hepatic, cardiovascular, and immune systems, immunologic disease, inflammatory conditions, cancer, and diseases of the kidney will be reviewed in the second part of this article to be published in the winter issue of this journal.

The Scientific Rediscovery of a Precious Ancient Chinese Herbal Regimen: Cordyceps sinensis Part II

Article

Full-text available

Feb 1998

Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. is a time-honored tonic food and herbal medicine in China, where recent research has shown that many of its traditional uses may be viewed from the basis of pharmacological activities. The ongoing exploration of C. sinensis in its wild form and cultured, fermented mycelial products derived from it, are reviewed from English and Chinese literature. Part II concludes the series with a review of C. sinensis in preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, and open-label and double-blinded clinical trials on the respiratory, renal, hepatic, cardiovascular, immunologic, and nervous systems, and its effects on cancer, glucose metabolism, inflammatory conditions, and toxicological studies. In Part I, which appeared in the Fall 1998 issue of this journal (4(3):289-303), we discussed the effects of C. sinensis on antisenescence, endocrine and sexual functions, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, and free radicals.

Soma, Divine Mushroom of Immortality

Article

Jan 1972

Pharmacological functions of Chinese medicinal fungus Cordyceps sinensis and related species

Article

Dec 2000
J FOOD DRUG ANAL

Cordyceps sinensis, an entomogenous fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits very broad biological and pharmacologi-cal actions in hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, and immunologic systems as well as anticancer activity. Pharmacological functions of Cordyceps are primarily due to the bioactive polysaccharides, modified nucleosides, and cyclosporin-like metabolites produced by this fungus and related species. The beneficial effects on renal and hepatic function and immunomodulation-related antitumor activities are most promising and deserve great attention. Many previous studies used fruiting bodies, but recently an increasing number of studies have used cultured mycelia in investigations. It is difficult to determine if the same bioactive ingredients exist in fruiting bodies and cultured mycelia and contribute to the pharmacological actions reported in the literature. More mechanism-based, disease-oriented pharmacologi-cal studies are required to ensure clinical efficacy for particular diseases. Adjuvant therapy using C. sinensis for immune function distur-bances, cancer, and renal failure is possible if double-blind, randomized placebo-control clinical studies show the efficacy of this herb.

Morphological and phylogenetic studies onCordyceps sinensis distributed in southwestern China

Article

Dec 2001

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.

Studies on chemical constituents of Cordyceps sinensis I

Article