Cordyceps

Cordyceps Latest News

A rare and highly valued species of mushroom, Cordyceps, has been recently discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district, drawing significant scientific attention.

About Cordyceps

• It is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on insect larvae. 
  • When these fungi attack their host, they replace its tissue and sprout long, slender stems that grow outside the host’s body.
• The fungi have a cosmopolitan distribution and are found on every continent except Antarctica.
• Some of the rarest kinds are at higher altitudes in the Himalayan regions of China, Nepal, and India.
• In total, there have been more than 750 species of cordyceps identified.
• Of those, scientists have identified at least 35 kinds that have had some potential health benefits and medicinal properties. 
• It is one of the most prized medicinal fungi.
• It is often referred to as “Himalayan gold” because of their exceptionally high commercial value and extensive use in traditional medicine, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical research.
• It produces a wide range of bioactive compounds, including cordycepin, adenosine, and polysaccharides.
• These compounds are associated with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antitumor properties.

Source: EM

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