3. Importance of Cordyceps

 

3. Importance of Cordyceps

 

  The importance of Cordyceps species comes from its usage as either a fungal biocontrol agent (in either the sexual or conidial states of these fungi) and as herbal medicines (mostly in the sexual, Cordyceps state).

The species used as herbal medicines are stromata and the mummified sclerotia in immature insect hosts. Ophiocordyceps sinensis the most common and widely used of these medicinal Cordyceps species, consists of 10.84% water, 8.4% fat, 25.32% protein, 28.9% carbohydrate and 4.1% ash (Ying et al., 1987 / Icons of Medical Fungi...); in this fungus saturated versus unsaturated fatty acid content is 13% versus 82.2% (Ying et al., 1987), and the vitamin B12 content of the stromata is 0.29 mg per 100g (REF?). Ying et al. (1987) indicate that Ophiocordyceps sinensis protects the lungs, strengthens the kidneys, improves immunity, can be used to treat malignancies, and has antibiotic effects against a range of bacteria and fungi that cause illness in humans. Jones (1997; Cordy, Tonic Rood of Ancient China) provides an equally long and referenced discussion to the medicinal properties of Ophiocordyceps sinensis. It is particularly effective for circulatory diseases. Cordyceps sinesis has been found to suppress some types of malignancies (REFS from JONES, 1997, #94) and to treat drug addiction. It also decreases the time needed to recover body strength after heavy exercise, so Chinese track runners have had a lot of benefits.

At present in China, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, C. martialis, C. militaris, Elaphocordyceps ophioglossoides, Ophiocordyceps sobolifera, and Beauveria bassiana are used as medicines (Ying et al., 1977); among these, C. militaris and C. martialis are easily found in Korea. Throughout most of the world, Beauveria bassisna is best known as a pathogen being used for the practical and non-pesticidal control of a wide spectrum of insect pests (REFS); in Asia, however, this species is at least as well known for its medicinal properties (Ying et al., 1977). The ancient Chinese first considered larval silkworms mummified by B. bassiana to be a charm for eternal life.

 

 

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