Ophiocordyceps sinensis, commonly known as Caterpillar fungus, is
a medicinal fungus with significant nutritional and utilisation value.
Ophiocordyceps belongs to the genus Ophiocordyceps under the family
Ophiocordycipitaceae (Division: Ascomycota; Order: Hypocreales). The genus
Ophiocordyceps was first scientifically described by British mycologist Tom
Petch in 1931. It includes approximately 140 species that parasitise insects.
It is the most expensive fungus in the world and is widely distributed in upper
hilly regions of the Himalaya in China, Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and India.
This fungus is very important and widely used in China in Traditional Medicine.
The dried club-shaped fruiting body with the larva has a great medicinal value,
particularly in strengthening lungs and kidneys, as well as to increase energy
and vitality. It is a peculiar insect pathogenic fungus with a larva of moths
at the base and the fruiting body of the fungus at the top. The life cycle of
this fungus is also very interesting. The wide use of this fungus in
Traditional Chinese Medicine of China has made it the fungus as costliest of
the world. The characteristics and medicinal importance of the fungus in
general have been discussed before going to the study of caterpillar fungus.
The morphology, life cycle, harvesting, medicinal importance, and trade of
Caterpillar Fungus have been elaborated. The overharvesting of this Caterpillar
fungus by collectors is affecting the ecosystem of the alpine regions of the
Himalaya, leading to the threat of many endangered plant and animal species of
that area. Therefore, the conservation of this rare fungus is necessary by
regulating harvest and taking surveillance to check cross-border activity.
Author(s)
Details
Professor
Satyesh Chandra Roy
Department of Botany, Centre of Advanced Study for Cell and
Chromosome Research, University of Calcutta, India.
Please see the book here: https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-81-989371-7-9/CH8
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