What is Cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that specializes in infecting insects and sometimes spiders. It is famous in traditional medicine, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is used for its purported health benefits.
Where does it live?
Cordyceps usually grows in mountainous, cold, and humid areas. It is widely found in Tibet, Western China, and Nepal, and some species can also be cultivated artificially. Main species include Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps cicadae, and Cordyceps ophioglossoides. Less common species are Cordyceps taii, Cordyceps subsessilis, and Cordyceps kyushuensis.
In this article, we will explore Cordyceps in detail.
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Definition of Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that mainly infects insects, spiders, and other arthropods.
The life cycle of these fungi begins when their spores attach to the host, then penetrate its body, and these spores start replacing the host’s tissues with their fungal tissues. In the end, long fruiting bodies grow out of the host’s body, and after a while, they release new spores into the environment and this cycle repeats over and over.
There are more than 600 known species of Cordyceps, but Chinese cordyceps and militaris cordyceps [F1] [F2] are the most studied and used because they have been widely applied in traditional Chinese medicine.
These fungi are characterized not only by their unique ecological role as natural pathogens of insects, but also by their potential health benefits for humans, such as their immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Species
There are more than 600 identified species of cordyceps, but only a few of them have been studied and shown to possess medical and pharmacological importance. Among the most important species are:
1.Cordyceps Sinensis (Chinese Caterpillar Fungus)
Cordyceps sinensis is an entomopathogenic ascomycete fungus, which has currently been reclassified as Ophiocordyceps sinensis based on molecular phylogeny. It has a unique life cycle, infecting the larvae of Ghost Moths (Thitarodes spp.), it invades the host’s body, colonizes it, and gradually consumes its internal tissues. Eventually, the fungus emerges as a fruiting body from the larva’s head, which is why it is commonly referred to as the "Caterpillar Fungus."
2.Cordyceps Militaris (Scarlet Caterpillar Fungus)
Cordyceps militaris is an entomopathogenic ascomycete fungus, This species of cordyceps is characterized by its ease of cultivation under laboratory conditions, which is why it is the most extensively studied and researched species within the genus, Its life cycle is somewhat similar to that of Cordyceps sinensis, but it differs in that it produces characteristic bright orange to scarlet fruiting bodies, which is why it is commonly referred to as the "Scarlet Caterpillar Fungus."
3.Some other common types of cordyceps include:
• Cordyceps ophioglossoides
• Cordyceps sobolifera
• Cordyceps pruinosa
• Cordyceps cicadae
• Cordyceps liangshanensis
Cordyceps Benefits
1.Traditional Medicine
It has been used in Chinese and Tibetan medicine for ages. It is prescribed to alleviate fatigue, respiratory disorders such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, and kidney disease.
It is also known as a "rejuvenating tonic" to restore vitality and energy.
2.Pharmacological and Medicinal Value
It should be noted that Cordyceps is not established definitively to have therapeutic effects on humans. However, many recent studies are investigating its potential, and the following are some of the diseases in which Cordyceps has the potential to bring benefits:
• Immunomodulator: May enhance immune function and may amplify the strength of resistance to infection.
• Antitumor: Polysaccharides and Cordycepin may be able to inhibit tumor growth as well as induce apoptosis.
• Anti-inflammatory: May reduce chronic and acute inflammation.
• Antioxidant and may delay aging: May be able to protect against oxidative stress and may slow cellular aging.
• Metabolic Benefits: May help regulate blood glucose and lipid levels.
• Respiratory and Renal Support: May improve oxygen utilization and renal function.
• Cardiovascular Health: May improve circulation and have anti-clotting activity.
• Antiviral effects: May show activity against influenza and HIV in laboratory tests.
3. Biological and Environmental Significance
It plays a crucial role in regulating the population of insects. It maintains ecological balance and has different host–pathogen associations, making it valuable in ecological and biological research.
4. Cultivation and Research
Cordyceps militaris can be readily cultivated in the laboratory. It is used as a model organism to research bioactive molecules. It provides an eco-friendly alternative to wild Cordyceps sinensis and supports conservation of biodiversity.
5. Economic Impact
It is considered to be one of the most valuable natural medicinal mushrooms. Natural Cordyceps sinensis is expensive, sometimes worth more than gold. Cultivated Cordyceps militaris is most commonly encountered in capsule, tea, and dietary supplement forms.
• Current evidence remains preliminary, and further clinical trials are required to confirm these potential therapeutic effects.
Cordyceps Dangers
Like any other medication, there are some risks and harms from taking it, especially since we do not know much about it yet. In this case, your doctor will be the decision-maker because the side effects vary from one person to another. Therefore, if you happen to take any type of it, you must immediately go to the doctor to avoid any type of risk.
The side effects it may cause are unknown and we do not know much about them, but research is still ongoing in this field, but it may cause:
• Upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Allergic reaction as (Hives, Skin rash, itching, Swelling, Wheezing , Runny Nose.)
The Difference Between The Last of Us and Real Cordyceps
The story of the series is based on a type of fungus that infects humans and turned them into "Zombies." This fungus is Cordyceps, precisely Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, but there are important differences between the show and reality.
1.Host
In the series, the fungus infect humans. In reality, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis only infect ants.
2.Temperature
In the series, the fungus survives at human body temperature (37°C). In reality, Cordyceps fungi cannot live at high temperature; they grow in cooler environments (20-30°C).
3.Transmission
In the series, infection spreads through Bites and Scratch. In reality the fungus spreads through airborne spores.
Cordyceps FAQs
Can cordyceps infect human? No, Cordyceps cannot infect humans; It only infects insects.
What are cordyceps in The Last of Us? The species of cordyceps in the series is Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, also called Zombie-ant fungus.
Who cannot eat cordyceps? People who have any type of cancer, type 2 diabetes, or autoimmune diseases, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid Cordyceps.
Is Cordyceps safe to use? It is generally safe in moderate amounts, but people with cancer, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it. Consult a doctor before use.
Can Cordyceps cure diseases? No, it has not been proven to cure any disease.
Important Note
The content of this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or your Doctor before making any decisions regarding your health or using supplements.