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Cordyceps Sinensis
"Caterpillar Fungus, Yartsa Gunbu"
![[object Object]](https://d16q8n2b2c01ef.cloudfront.net/media/Cordyceps2_new-800x450.webp)
Scientific Classification
About
Cordyceps sinensis, also known as the Caterpillar Fungus, is one of the most famous and valuable medicinal fungi in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine. This parasitic fungus grows on the larvae of ghost moths in high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. It has earned legendary status for its purported ability to boost energy, enhance stamina, support respiratory function, and promote overall vitality.
History
Used for over a thousand years in traditional Eastern medicine, Cordyceps sinensis was once reserved for royalty due to its rarity and potency. Tibetan and Chinese healers considered it a remedy for fatigue, impotence, and aging. It rose to international fame in the 1990s when Chinese athletes credited Cordyceps for their enhanced performance and recovery.
Wild C. sinensis is extremely rare and expensive, leading to the development of cultivated alternatives, including Cordyceps militaris, which shares many of its health-promoting compounds.
Overview
The fungus invades the body of a caterpillar and eventually replaces the host tissue, sprouting a dark-brown, club-shaped fruiting body from the mummified insect. It is harvested in the summer months in regions such as Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal, typically between 3,000–5,000 meters in elevation.
Traditionally consumed in teas, soups, and tonics, it is now also available in capsule and extract form. It contains cordycepin, adenosine, and other bioactive compounds that support immune function, increase oxygen uptake, and improve endurance. It is not used culinarily due to its high value and strong herbal character.
Physical Characteristics
Caps:
Small, elongated, orange-brown
Gills:
None
Cognitive Effects
Cordyceps is believed to enhance energy levels by improving cellular energy production and increasing oxygen utilization. It may help combat fatigue and improve stamina, making it popular among athletes and individuals seeking a natural energy boost.
Studies have shown that Cordyceps may have positive effects on mood and emotional well-being. It is believed to support a healthy stress response and may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Psychoactive Effects
Induces feelings of happiness or excitement
Changes in time perception, spatial perception, and perception of one's own body
Cordyceps affects the body's production of the hormone testosterone according to some studies, which might explain its reputation for increasing sexual desire and physical endurance.
Pharmacology
Fatigue
Helps to boost energy and reduce fatigue.
Immune System
Supports immune system function.
Libido
May help to improve libido.
Oxidative Stress
May help to reduce oxidative stress.
Injury Recovery
May help to improve injury recovery.
Diabetes
May help to improve blood sugar control.
Arthritis
May help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of arthritis.
Fertility
Used for centuries to improve fertility in both men and women. It has been associated with increasing levels of progesterone in women
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Chemical Constituents
Medicinal Chemistry
Similar Species
![[object Object]](https://d16q8n2b2c01ef.cloudfront.net/media/CordycepsOphioglossoides_new-400x400.webp)
Species: Cordyceps ophioglossoides
Edibility: inedible
Key Differences: Cordyceps ophioglossoides has a more elongated, slender fruiting body compared to the stout, club-like shape of Cordyceps militaris.
Species: Cordyceps ophioglossoides
Edibility: inedible
Mushroom Ratings
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01/29/2025
Ruth Zota
References
- Zhang, X., Qiao, Y., & Guoqiang , L. (2024). Exploratory studies of the antidepressant effect of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide and its potential mechanism. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.
- Wu , N., Ge, X., Yin, X., & Yang, L. (2024). A review on polysaccharide biosynthesis in Cordyceps militaris. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.
- TULI, H. (2022). Apoptotic effect of cordycepin on A549 human lung cancer cell line. .
- Sornchaithawatwong, C. (2022). Selective extraction of cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris – optimisation, kinetics and equilibrium studies. .
- Sun, H. (2021). Structure and hypoglycemic activity of a novel exopolysaccharide of Cordyceps militaris. .
- Li, L. (2021). Isolation and Assessment of a Highly-Active Anti-Inflammatory Exopolysaccharide from Mycelial Fermentation of a Medicinal Fungus Cs-HK1. .
- Ashraf, S. A. & Elkhalifa, A. E. (2020). Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps with Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential. Molecules.
- HUNG, D. (2020). Impact of different fermentation characteristics on the production of mycelial biomass, extra-cellular polysaccharides, intra-cellular polysaccharides, and on the antioxidant activities of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr. (strains AG-1, PSJ-1). .
- Wu, K. (2019). Immunological Investigation of Polysaccharides from Fermented Cordyceps Cs-4 in Healthy and Immunosuppressed Mice. .
- Kunhorm, P. (2019). Enrichment of cordycepin for cosmeceutical applications: culture systems and strategies. .