B IOF A RM A S I J NA T P R OD B I OCH E M

Volume 18, Number 2, August 2020 E-ISSN: 2580-2550

Pages: 70-77 DOI: 10.13057/biofar/f180204

Review:
The endless nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits of the Himalayan
gold, Cordyceps; Current knowledge and prospective potentials

W.A. ELKHATEEB♥, G.M. DABA

Pharmaceutical Industries Division, Department of Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, National Research Centre. Tahrir Street, 12311, Dokki,
Giza, Egypt. Email: waillahmed@yahoo.com.

Manuscript received: 2 July 2020. Revision accepted: 20 July 2020.

Abstract. Elkhateeb WA, Daba GM. 2020. Review: The endless nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits of the Himalayan gold,
Cordyceps; Current knowledge and prospective potentials. Biofarmasi J Nat Prod Biochem 18: 70-77. As a traditional medicine,
Cordyceps has long been used in Asian nations for maintaining vivacity and boosting immunity. Numerous publications on various
bioactivities of Cordyceps have been investigated in both in-vitro as well as in vivo studies. Nevertheless, the role of Cordyceps is still
arguable whether it acts as food supplement for health benefits or a real healing drug that can be prescribed in medicine. The Cordyceps
industry has developed greatly and offers thousands of products, commonly available in a global marketplace. In this review, focus will
be on introducing the ecology of Cordyceps and their classification. Moreover, elucidation of the richness of extracts originated from
this mushroom in nutritional components was presented, with description of the chemical compounds of Cordyceps and its well-known
compounds such as cordycepin, and cordycepic acid. Furthermore, highlights on natural growth and artificial cultivation of famous
Cordyceps species were presented. The health benefits and reported bioactivities of Cordyceps species as promising antimicrobial,
anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, organ protective agent, and enhancer for organ function were
presented.

Keywords: Cordyceps; cultivation; secondary metabolites; traditional medicine

INTRODUCTION The most famous and widely used species of Cordyceps

is C. sinensis (Berk.) Sacc (syn. Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Commonly seen nowadays on shelves of pharmacies (Berk.) G.H. Sung, J.M. Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora).
and drug stores, and recommended for many benefits as Currently, the preferred scientific name is Cordyceps
boosting immunity, the genus Cordyceps is an sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. (Devkota et al. 2006). This species
ascomycetous traditional medicinal mushroom that is has wide host range including different species of
famous for having numerous bioactive compounds. Lepidopteran larvae (Wang and Yao 2011), numerous
Cordyceps have different common names as insect species of Thitarodes caterpillars, and its most common
mushroom, caterpillar fungus, Himalayan gold, and much host, the Himalayan bat moth Hepialus armoricanus (Chen
more, but the name Cordyceps originates from the Latin et al. 2000). Cordyceps militaris (also known as orange
words (cord) which means ‘club’, and (ceps), referring to caterpillar mushroom) is rich in bioactive compounds and
‘head’. The fruiting bodies of these fungi appear from the hence have medical-biological activities in a similar way to
head of different life stages of various orders of insect Cordyceps sinensis (Shrestha and Sung 2005; Gong et al.
species (Zhou et al. 2009; Smiderle et al. 2014; Chen et al. 2006; Ma et al. 2007; Huang et al. 2009; Das et al. 2010;
2000; Peterson 2008; Wang and Yao 2011; Dworecka- Dong et al. 2012). In this review, ecology, classification,
Kaszak 2014). The genus Cordyceps is classified under nutritional components, chemical composition, natural
order Hypocreales; family Ophiocordycipitaceae; and growth and artificial cultivation, health benefits and
phylum Ascomycota. Some genera belong to families reported bioactivities of famous Cordyceps species were
Cordycipitaceae and partial Clavicipitaceae as shown in discussed.
Table 1 (Pu and Li 1996; Buenz et al. 2005; Sung et al.
2007; Kepler et al. 2012).
Species belonging to the genus Cordyceps have a CORDYCEPS ECOLOGY
golden history due to their safe use in traditional oriental
medicines (Paterson 2008). Also, they were utilized 2000 Many Cordyceps species grow by feeding on insect
years ago in China for curing different infectious diseases larvae and sometimes on mature insects. Cordyceps grow
(Singh et al. 2008; Zhou et al. 2009). Although Cordyceps on different insects, crickets, cockroaches, bees,
have a wide reaching distribution, the majority of species centipedes, black beetles, and ants. From the genus
have been described from Asia (Boesi Alessandro and Cordyceps, there are several species known to have
Francesca Cardi 2009). medical value, only few are cultivated and the most
 ELKHATEEB et al. – The endless story of the Himalayan gold Cordyceps 71

common and well known are Cordyceps sinensis (Figure 1)

and Cordyceps militaris (Figure 2) (Halpern Georges
2007). Cordyceps may grow also on other arthropods as
well as the fungus Elaphomyces Nees.
Table 1. Current classification system of Cordyceps (Cordyceps
sensu lato)

Genus No. of species

Partial Clavicipitaceae
Drechmeria 2
Hypocrella 50
Metacordyceps 4
Metarhizium 35
Nomuraea 3
Pochonia 3
Podocrella 4
Figure 1. Cordyceps sinensis (Collector: Soraj25: Locality:
Regiocrella 2
Nepal, Mid-Western, Jumla, Nepal, hosted by
Sphaerocordyceps 2
http://mycoportal.org)
Tyrannicordyceps 5
Total: 10 110

Ophiocordycipitaceae
Blistum 1
Didymobotryopsis 3
Elaphocordyceps 1
Haptocillium 8
Hirsutella 78
Hymenostilbe 22
Ophiocordyceps 155
Paraisaria 2
Perennicordyceps 4
Polycephalomyces 12
Purpureocillium 3
Syngliocladium 5
Synnematium 1
Tolypocladium 39
Trichosterigma 1
Total: 15 335
Figure 2. Cordyceps militaris (Collector: Marjan Kustera:
Cordycipitaceae Locality: Gabrovac, Serbia, hosted by http://mycoportal.org).
Akanthomyces 13
Ascopolyporus 7
Beauveria 31 Classification of the genus Cordyceps was previously
Beejasamuha 1
within family Clavicipitaceae, order Hypocreales (the old
Cordyceps 175
Coremiopsis 2 genus Cordyceps Fr.). Currently, many genera have
Engyodontium 5 segregated from the genus Cordyceps such as
Gibellula 21 Metacordyceps, Tyrannycordyceps (placed in family
Hyperdermium 2 Clavicipitaceae); Elphcordyceps, Ophiocordyceps (in
Insecticola 2 family Ophiocordycepitaceae); Sphaerocordyceps, and
Isaria 83 remaining Cordyceps species (placed in Incertae sedis
Lecanicillium 21 within Hypocreales). Due to their special nutritional and
Microhilum 1 healing values, Cordyceps is widely spreading in China,
Phytocordyceps 1
with a huge existing domestic market. In Chinese market,
Pseudogibellula 1
Rotiferophthora 27 Cordyceps is known as ‘Dongchong Xiacao (worm in
Simplicillium 8 winter, herb in summer; O. sinensis (Berk.) Sung et al.
Torrubiella 66 2007) which is the most expensive type and only produced
Total: 18 467 from the Tibetan Plateau; other Cordyceps species in the
markets are termed ‘fake Dongchong Xiacao’.
Total: 3 families, 43 genera and 912 species
Note: The data is counted from Catalogue of Life:
http://www.catalogueoflife.org/, access in June 2017)
72 B I OF A R MA S I J NA T P R O D B IOCH E M 18 (2): 70-77, August 2020

THE NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS IN vitro cultivation of Cordyceps using artificial medium.

CORDYCEPS While over 400 species under the genus Cordyceps have
been identified, only 36 species have been successfully
Cordyceps is rich in various compounds, which are cultivated in artificial media (Sung et al. 1999; Yin and Qin
considered nutritional such as vitamins (K, B1, B2, B12, 2009). The first large scale fruiting techniques used for
and E); essential amino acids. Additionally, many mono-, growing Cordyceps reduced the natural growing cycle from
di-, and oligosaccharides, and many complex 5 to 2 years, this technique included breeding the host
polysaccharides were found in Cordyceps besides trace larvae, Thitarodes (Hepialus), then placing about 100
elements (Na, K, Zn, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zr, Pi, larvae into shoe carton sized plastic containers covered
Se, Si, Sr, Ti, Ga, V, and Ni), proteins, nucleosides, and with lids, which are filled with grassland soil containing
sterols. Cordyceps contains considerable quantities of roots and tubers of their natural foods collected from the
polysaccharides, which represent 3-8% of mushroom total wild, besides other roots from cultivation. Spores of C.
weight, and these polysaccharides are usually originated sinensis were inoculated after two years and about 10% of
from fruiting bodies. Cordyceps polysaccharides, are the larvae were actually taken over by Cordyceps and grew
considered as the major biologically active compounds stromata (Yue et al. 2013). On the other hand, Arora et al.
besides nucleotides (Zhou et al. 2009; Mishra and Yogesh (2013) succeeded in using submerged conditions for
2011; Elkhateeb et al. 2019). culturing Cordyceps sinensis at pH 6 and temperature 15ºC.
In previous studies, the medium used for growth of C.
sinensis was sabouraud’s dextrose supplemented with yeast
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE MOST extract broth medium, and different additives, carbon, and
COMMON CORDYCEPS SPECIES nitrogen sources were also investigated (Arora et al. 2009).
The highest number of conidia was obtained under the
Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc.) is considered as the physical stress of freeze-shock (Ren and Yao 2013).
most expensive and well- studied Cordyceps species. Sucrose has been reported as the best-tested carbon source
According to different chemical analyses, C. sinensis for the growth of C. Sinensis. Similarly, beef extract and
contains proteins, polysaccharides, fats, fiber, yeast extract were the best nitrogen sources (Seema et al.
carbohydrate, the famous bioactive compounds cordycepin 2012). Furthermore, using folic acid meaningfully
(30-deoxyadenosine) and cordycepic acid (D-mannitol), increased the yield, and adding calcium chloride and zinc
and different vitamins (Ohta et al. 2007; Zhou et al. 2009). chloride as micro and macronutrients, one-to-one,
The therapeutic potentials of Cordyceps depend mainly increased the yield significantly. One of the optimum
on the key actions of increased oxygen utilization, ATP artificial techniques for culturing of C. sinensis was
production, and sugar metabolism stabilization. Many utilizing sterile rice media at 9- 13°C for 40-60 days, then
bioactive compounds originated from Cordyceps are to induce stroma production temperature was lowered to
responsible for those effects, such as cordycepin, 4°C, and at 13°C for 40 days for developing fruiting bodies
cordycepic acid, some polysaccharides, vitamins, and trace (Cao et al. 2015). It should be highlighted that the growth
elements. Till now, the full bioactive compounds existing of Cordyceps mycelium is mainly affected by some
in C. sinensis are not yet identified. However, at least the environmental factors, and many factors such as
two compounds, cordycepic acid, and cordycepin, have temperature, growth media, and pH (Calam 1971), but after
been identified and recommended as important bioactive testing various media, potato dextrose agar was confirmed
compounds. Of all Cordyceps species, C. militaris is the to be the optimum medium at pH ranging between 8.5-9.5
only species that has been successfully cultivated and most at 20- 25°C (Ruhul et al. 2008).
intensively studied. Majority of Cordyceps products Artificial cultivation is achieved by inoculating reared
available in the markets are developed from the fruiting larvae with cultured strains and the infected larvae were
bodies of cultivated C. militaris. According to reported monitored and fed indoors for one or two years. After that,
chemical investigations, C. militaris contains cordycepin, C. sinensis could be collected. (Lo et al. 2013). C. militaris
adenosine, polysaccharide, mannitol, trehalose, cultivation is much easier than C. sinensis in both solid and
polyunsaturated fatty acids, δ-tocopherol, p- liquid media using different carbon and nitrogen sources,
Hydroxybenzoic acid and β-(1→3)-D-glucan (Reis et al. since C. militaris can complete its life cycle when cultured
2013; Liu et al. 2014; Smiderle et al. 2014; Wen et al. in-vitro (Shrestha et al. 2004, Xiong et al. 2010). Artificial
2017; Elkhateeb et al. 2019). cultivation of C. militaris mycelium on synthetic media has
recently been advanced especially for the goal of
cordycepin production using different methods such as
CORDYCEPS NATURAL GROWTH AND surface culture (Masuda et al. 2007) and submerged culture
ARTIFICIAL CULTIVATION (Mao et al. 2005). Usually, C. militaris stromata production
requires 35-70 days (Zhang and Liu 1997; Du et al. 2010).
The natural growing fruiting bodies of Cordyceps are Culture duration depends on many conditions such as the
rare and their collection is an expensive process. Moreover, amount of medium, shape, and volume of the culture
natural populations of key Cordyceps species are container. The development of C. militaris stroma
decreasing rapidly due to over-collection (Stone 2008; cultivation in-vitro started with using insects to grow
Zhang et al. 2012), presenting the need for increased in- stromata by Leatherdale (1970) followed by laboratory
 ELKHATEEB et al. – The endless story of the Himalayan gold Cordyceps 73

trials using various organic substrates by Yue et al. (1982). Anticancer activities of Cordyceps
For commercial production of C. militaris stromata, cereals Various Cordyceps originated bioactive compounds
including rice have been widely used (Wen et al. 2008; having promising anticancer activity that were previously
Chen et al. 2011). Also, using substrates such as wheat reported (El-Hagrassi et al. 2020). For example, cordycepin
grains, cottonseed coats, corn cobs, corn grain, bean showed antitumor activity against B16 melanoma cells
powder, millet, and sorghum have shown promising results (Yoshikawa 2004 and 2007). In addition, cordycepin
(Chen and Wu 1990; Zhang and Liu 1997; Gao and Wang inhibited the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 in
2008, Wei and Huang 2009). The optimum organic gallbladder cancer cells in-vitro resulting in loss of cancer
substrate currently used is a mixture of rice and silkworm cell viability and apoptosis (Wong et al. 2010; Ferreira et
pupae (Shrestha et al. 2005, Sung et al. 2006; Jin et al. al. 2010; Wu et al. 2014). C. militaris was found to inhibit
2009). Furthermore, brown rice, malt, and soybean were U937 cells growth in a dose-dependent manner and limit
found to be important sources of nutrition for C. militaris human leukemia (Park 2005). Cordyceps has shown
in comparison with chemical media (Xie et al. 2009). C. promising results in slowing and inhibiting the growth of
militaris cultivation needs a relatively low level of nitrogen cancer cells (Santhosh Kumar et al. 2014) and in some
(Gao et al. 2000) which may explain lower yields when cases could reduce tumor size (Nakamura et al. 2003).
using insects in comparison with higher yields reached Clinical trials on cancer patients have been conducted in
when cereals were used in the culture. Plant hormones such many Asian countries, showing talented results in reducing
as colchicines, 2, 4-D, citric acid triamine can promote C. tumor size (Wang et al. 2001), improving tolerance for
militaris stroma production. Also, potassium, calcium, and chemotherapy and/or radiation (Zhou et al. 1998) and in
magnesium salts can increase the yield of fruiting bodies stimulating the immune system which, hence, enhances the
(Xiao et al. 2010). efficiency of chemotherapy (Shin et al. 2003). Crude
Mycelia production for the aim of large scale extract of C. militaris showed potent anticancer activity in
production of bioactive compounds is also achievable and a xenograft mouse model with RMA cell-derived tumors
has been performed in submerged culture (Huang et al. (Park et al. 2017). Additionally, some Cordyceps species
2006; Xie et al. 2009; Das et al. 2010). C. militaris have anti-leukemia activities and better suppressive effects
cultivation has been improved, which results in successful of chemotherapy on bone marrow function as a model for
production of high yield of stromata and elevated cancer treatment (Liu et al. 2008; Wong et al. 2010;
cordycepin content (Sun et al. 2009; Du et al. 2010). Ferreira et al. 2010).
Production of fruiting bodies has been studied for three
successive generations (Hong et al. 2010; Xiao et al. 2010; Hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effect
Shrestha et al. 2012; Xiaoli et al. 2014). Cordyceps are found to regulate and also lower the
blood sugar levels by improving metabolism of glucose and
conserving hepatic glycogen (Zhao et al. 2002; El-Hagrassi
CORDYCEPS AND HEALTH BENEFITS et al. 2020). Cordyceps can increase secretion of
glucokinase and hexokinase which are glucose regulating
The genus Cordyceps species are extensively studied enzymes secreted by the liver (Kim et al. 2017).
due to the uncountable number of medical-biological Polysaccharides are the key player in showing the
activities used by their extracted compounds, with various hypoglycaemic activity of Cordyceps. For example, CS-
medical and nutritional values. In traditional Chinese F30, a polysaccharide extracted from C. sinensis culture
medicine, the main use of Cordyceps has been in the mycelium has been reported for its promising
treatment of asthma and other bronchial conditions, and hypoglycaemic effect (Kiho 1996). Additionally, the
giving energy and sexual power. Recent research now plasma glucose level was reduced quickly after intravenous
confirms the competence of Cordyceps in many other administration of CS-F30 in normal and streptozocin-
fields. One of the advances of modern research has been induced diabetic mice (Kiho 1996). Another
the discovery of cordycepin, which has a potent polysaccharide (CS-F10), was purified from a hot-water
antibacterial action against majority of bacterial species extract of C. sinensis cultured mycelia and consists of
that have currently developed resistance to other commonly galactose, glucose, and mannose in a molar ratio of
used antibiotics. Cordyceps showed remarkable activity 43:33:24. CS-F10 lowers the plasma glucose level in
during treating tuberculosis and human leukemia, as shown normal, adrenaline-induced hyperglycaemic and diabetic
in many clinical trials in Asia and elsewhere (Halpern mice. Hypercholesterolemia is an indicator for high risk of
Georges 2007). Cordyceps was shown to improve the cardiovascular attack. El-Hagrassi et al. (2020) reported the
maximum amount of oxygen and to improve respiratory role of C. militaris in lowering the total cholesterol level
function. Other components produced by Cordyceps and the level of triglycerides. A hot-water extract of C.
sinensis include the deoxynucleoside 2', 3' deoxyadenosine. sinensis mycelia has been found to reduce total cholesterol
Also, Quinic acid derived from cordycepin obtained from concentration in the serum of mice, by reducing LDL(low-
Cordyceps, exerts antimicrobial and antiviral activities. density lipoprotein) hypocholesterolemic activities (El-
Many studies have reported the potency of Cordyceps Hagrassi et al. 2020). A hot-water extract of C. sinensis
sinensis in healing heart rhythm disturbances such as mycelia has been found to reduce total cholesterol
chronic heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia (Mishra and concentration in the serum of mice, by reducing LDL) and
Yogesh 2011; Wang et al. 2012).
74 B I OF A R MA S I J NA T P R O D B IOCH E M 18 (2): 70-77, August 2020

very-low-density lipoprotein, and increasing good cooling effects. On the respiratory system, C. sinensis has a
cholesterol concentration (HDL cholesterol) (Koh 2003). potent relaxant action on bronchi, noticeably increases
secretion of adrenaline from the adrenal glands, and also
Improving kidney functions and liver disorders participates in tracheal contraction caused by histamine; it
Some clinical trials revealed that the administration of additionally has an expectorant, antitussive, and anti-
C. sinensis could significantly improve kidney function and asthmatic effects, and it also inhibits pulmonary
boost overall immunity of patients diagnosed with chronic emphysema. On the endocrine system, C. sinensis has
renal failure (Guan et al. 1992). Additionally treating effects as a male hormone. Polysaccharides extracted from
patients with gentamicin-induced kidney damage helped in Cordyceps can increase corticosterone levels in plasma.
recovering 89% of normal kidney function in a relatively Cordyceps is used in traditional medicine for decades to
short time (Zhou et al. 1990). The mode of kidney improve men's fertility. A study has proven the positive
enhancing action of Cordyceps is explained by its ability to effect of using C. militaris mycelium on sperm motility,
protect sodium pump activity of tubular cells, increase 17- morphology, productivity, and enhancement of sexual
ketosteroid and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid levels in the activity (Lin et al. 2007). Cordyceps extracts contain
human body, reduce content of calcium in certain tissues, adenosine, deoxyadenosine, related adenosine type
and accelerate regeneration of tubular cells (Zhou et al. nucleotides, and nucleosides which help in stabilizing
1990; Xu et al. 1995; Wang et al. 1998). Cordyceps is heartbeat and correcting heart arrhythmias (Pelleg and
commonly used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and Porter 1990).
C. Using the antiviral drug, lamivudine, plus mixed
extracts of Cordyceps with other medicinal mushrooms Cordyceps as anti-inflammatory
showed promising results for treating hepatitis B (Wang Commonly, the famous cordycepin is the compound
and Shiao 2000; Ng and Wang 2005; Zhou et al. 2009). On causing the anti-inflammatory activity of numerous
the other hand, daily consumption of Cordyceps improved Cordyceps species (Won and Park 2005; Kim et al. 2006;
liver functions in patients suffering from post-hepatic Yang et al. 2011). C. militaris ethanolic extracts of cultured
cirrhosis (Zhu and Liu 1992; Zhou et al. 2009). Cordyceps fruiting bodies and mycelia exerted an anti-inflammatory
extracts is used to help in the healing of both chronic activity on the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane
hepatitis B and C (Wang and Shiao 2000). angiogenesis, and in the croton oil-induced ear edema in
mice (Won and Park 2005). On the other hand, an alkaline
Cordyceps as antioxidant and antiaging activities extract of C. militaris, showed a strong anti-inflammatory
One of the most potent bioactivities reported for effect against formalin-induced nociception and LPS-
Cordyceps extracts is their ability to protect cells from induced peritonitis in mice, due to containing a potent anti-
being damaged by free radicals. This activity is inflammatory compound (linear b- (1R3)-D-glucan)
corresponding to polysaccharide fraction (Yu et al. 2007; (Smiderle et al. 2014; Park et al. 2015). Adenosine is also
Wang et al. 2012). Cordyceps sinensis has potent extracted from Cordyceps species with numerous activities
antioxidant and anti-aging properties (Yamaguchi et al. related to avoiding tissue damage as anti-inflammatory
2000; Ji et al. 2009). Also, many studies elucidated the properties (Nakav et al. 2008; Tsai et al. 2010; Liu et al.
antioxidant effect of extracts obtained from C. militaris 2015).
(El-Hagrassi et al. 2020). The fruiting bodies extract of C.
militaris showed strong DPPH radical scavenging activity, Cordyceps as antiviral agents
which indicated high antioxidant activity, while the Many studies reported that cordycepin extracted from
fermented mycelia extract had stronger total antioxidant C. militaris can inhibit infection with human
activity, and reducing capability (Dong et al. 2014). immunodeficiency virus (Mueller et al. 1991). Cordycepin
Cordyceps has been used for centuries as a remedy for has shown antiviral activities against different viruses such
weakness and fatigue by residents living in the high as plant viruses, and human viruses (influenza virus,
mountains of Tibet to give them energy which is achieved Epstein-Barr virus, murine leukemia virus) (Ryu et al.
by increasing cellular ATP (Holliday et al. 2008). 2014). Till now, the mode of killing or inhibiting actions of
Nowadays, Cordyceps is utilized by athletes to overcome cordycepin is not fully understood, but number of studies
weakness and fatigue, and to increase endurance and boost have elucidated the ability of cordycepin to inhibit
energy levels (Liu et al. 1997). Moreover, clinical trials numerous protein kinases (Glazer and Kuo 1977; Jin et al.
connecting chronic fatigue with aging patients revealed that 2011; Elkhateeb et al. 2019). On the other hand crude
treatment with C. sinensis resulted in improvement of extract of fruiting bodies of C. militaris showed promising
fatigue and dizziness, increasing cold intolerance, and in-vitro antirotavirus SA-11 agents activities (El-Hagrassi
amnesia (Mizuno, et al. 1999; Chen et al. 2013; Wu et al. at al. 2020).
2014).
Cordyceps side effects and safety
Cordyceps for organs and glands protection Cordyceps is generally safe in recommended dosage
Cordyceps sinensis also has clear effects on other organ and no major side effects were reported. (Das et al. 2010).
systems (Chen 1995; Zhang and Yuan 1997; Guo and Guo
2000; Xu 2006). For example, in the central nervous
system, C. sinensis has sedative, anticonvulsant and
 ELKHATEEB et al. – The endless story of the Himalayan gold Cordyceps 75

CONCLUDING REMARK Elkhateeb WA, Daba, GM, Thomas PW, Wen TC. 2019. Medicinal
mushrooms as a new source of natural therapeutic bioactive
compounds. Egyptian Pharmaceutical Journal 18 (2): 88-101.
Cordyceps and its bioactive components and Ferreira I, Vaz J, Vasconcelos M, Martins A. 2010. Compounds from wild
metabolites are golden mines with therapeutic potential mushrooms with antitumor potential. Anti-Cancer Agents in
against various fatal diseases. Developing new techniques Medicinal Chemistry (Formerly Current Medicinal Chemistry-Anti-
Cancer Agents) 10 (5): 424-436.
capable of cultivating species other than Cordyceps Gao SY, Wang FZ. 2008. Research of commercialized cultivation
militaris can contribute to producing enough quantities of technology on Cordyceps militaris. North Horti. 9: 212-215.
bioactive compounds such as cordycepin, and cordycepic Gao X, Wu W, Qian G. 2000. Study on influences of abiotic factors on
acid, and which also may lower cost of this expensive fruit body differentiation of Cordyceps militaris. Acta Agric Shanghai
16: 93-98.
medicinal mushroom. On the other hand, further in vivo Glazer RI, Kuo JF 1977. Inhibitory effects of cordycepin on cyclic
studies should be conducted in order to evaluate clinical nucleotide-dependent and cyclic nucleotide-independent protein
activities of Cordyceps metabolites which can be a step to kinases. Biochemical Pharmacol. 26(14): 1287-1290.
certify its use as a medical drug. Gong CL, Pan ZH, Zheng XJ. 2006. Antioxidation of cultured Cordyceps
militaris growing on silkworm pupa. In: Proceedings of International
Workshop on Silk handcrafts cottage industries and silk enterprises
development in Africa, Europe, Central Asia and the Near East, &
REFERENCES Second Executive Meeting of Black, Caspian seas and Central Asia
Silk Association (BACSA), Bursa, Turkey 615-620.
Guan Y, Hu G, Hou M, Jiang H, Wang X, Zhang C. 1992. Effect of
Arora RK, Singh N, Singh RP. 2013. Characterization of an
Cordyceps sinensis on lymphocyte subsets in chronic renal failure.
entomophagous medicinal fungus Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. of
Chinese J Integrated Medicine 323: 338-339.
Uttarakhand, India. Bioscan 8: 195-200.
Guo TF, Guo TY. 2000. Study on pharmacological action and clinical
Arora RK, Singh RP. 2009. Effect of nutritional sources on mycelial
application of Cordyceps sinensis. J Jindongnan Teachers Coll 21: 70-
growth of Caterpillar mushroom Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. J
73.
Mycol Plant Pathol 39: 114-117.
Halpern Georges 2007. Healing mushrooms. Square One Publishers, Inc.
Boesi A, Francesca C. 2009. "Cordyceps sinensis medicinal fungus:
2007.
traditional use among Tibetan people, harvesting techniques, and
Holliday J, Cleaver M. 2008. Medicinal value of the caterpillar fungi
modern uses. Herbal Gram 83: 52-61.
species of the genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Ascomycetes). A Review
Buenz EJ, Bauer BA, Osmundson TW, Motleym TJ. 2005. The traditional
Intl J Med Mushrooms 10: 219-234.
Chinese medicine Cordyceps sinensis and its effects on apoptotic
Hong IP, Pil-Don K, Ki-Young K, Sung-Hee N, Man-Young L, Yong-Soo
homeostasis, J Ethnopharmacol 96(1-2): 19-29.
C, Kwang-Gill L, Richard A. 2010. Fruit body formation on silkworm
Calam CT. 1971. The evaluation of mycelial growth. In: Norris J.R. and
by Cordyceps militaris. Mycobiology 38: 128-132.
Ribbons D.W. (eds). Methods in Microbiology. Academic Press, New
Huang L, Li QZ, Chen YY. 2009. Determination and analysis of
York.
cordycepin and adenosine in the products of Cordyceps spp. African
Cao L, Ye Y, Han RF. 2015. Fruiting body production of the medicinal
Journal Microbiol Res 3: 957-961.
Chinese caterpillar mushroom Ophiocordyceps sinensis in artificial
Huang SJ, Tsai SY, Lee YL. 2006. Non-volatile taste components of
medium. Int. J. Med. Mushrooms 17: 1107-12.
fruiting bodies and mycelia of Cordyceps militaris. Food Sci Technol
Chen DG. 1995. Effects of Jinshuibao capsule on the quality of life of
39: 577-583.
patients with heart failure. J Admin Tradit.Chin Med 5: 40-43.
Ji DB, Ye J, Li CL, Wang YH, Zhao J, Cai SQ. 2009. Antiaging effect of
Chen PX, Wang S, Nie S, Marcone M. 2013. Properties of Cordyceps
Cordyceps sinensis extract. Phytotherapy Research 23 (1): 116-122)
sinensis: A review. J Functional Foods 5 (2): 550-569.
Jin LY, Du ST, Ma L. 2009. Optimization on mathematical model of basic
Chen S, Yin D, Li L, Zha X, Shuen J, Zhama C. 2000. Resources and
medium of Cordyceps militaris cultivation. J Northwest A F Univ
distribution of Cordyceps sinensis in Naqu Tibet. Zhong Yao Cai 23:
(Nat Sci Ed) 37: 175-179.
673-675.
Jin ML, Park SY, Kim YH, Park G, Son HJ, Lee SJ. 2011. Suppression of
Chen SZ, Wu PJ. 1990. A brief introduction to bottle culture technique of
α-MSH and IBMX-induced melanogenesis by cordycepin via
Cordyceps militaris. Edible Fungi 4: 31.
inhibition of CREB and MITF, and activation of PI3K/Akt and ERK-
Chen YS, Liu BL, Chang YN. 2011. Effects of light and heavy metals on
dependent mechanisms. International J molecular medicine 29 (1):
Cordyceps militaris fruit body growth in rice grain-based cultivation.
119-124.
Korean J Chem Eng 28: 875-879.
Kepler RM, Sung GH, Harada Y, Tanaka K, Tanaka E, Hosoya T,
Das SK, Masuda M, Sakurai A. 2010. Medicinal uses of the mushroom
Bischoff JF, Spatafora JW. 2012. Host jumping onto close relatives
Cordyceps militaris: Current state and prospects. Fitoterapia 81: 961-
and across kingdoms by Tyrannicordyceps (Clavicipitaceae) gen. nov.
968.
and Ustilaginoidea (Clavicipitaceae). Am J Bot 99: 1-10.
Devkota S Yarsagumba 2006. [Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc.]:
Kiho T. 1996. Polysaccharides in fungi, hypoglycemic activity of a
Traditional utilization in Dolpa District, Western Nepal. Our Nature
polysaccharide (CS-F30) from the cultural mycelium of
4: 48-52.
Ophiocordyceps sinensis and its effect on glucose metabolism in
Dong C, Yang T, Lian T. 2014. A comparative study of the antimicrobial,
mouse liver. Biol Pharm Bull. 19: 294-296.
antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of methanol extracts from fruit
Kim DJ, Kang YH, Kim KK, Kim TW, Park JB, Choe M. 2017. Increased
bodies and fermented mycelia of caterpillar medicinal mushroom
glucose metabolism and alpha-glucosidase inhibition in Cordyceps
Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes). International J medicinal
militaris water extract-treated HepG2 cells. Nutrition Research and
mushrooms 16(5).
Practice 11 (3): 180-189.
Dong JZ, Lei C, Ai XR. 2012. Selenium enrichment on Cordyceps
Kim HG, Shrestha B, Lim SY, Yoon DH, Chang WC, Shin D, Han
militaris Link and analysis on its main active components. Appl
SK, Park SM, Park JH, Park HI, Sung JM, Jang Y, Chung N, Hwang
Biochem Biotechnol 166: 1215-1224.
KC, Kim TW. 2006. Cordycepin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced
Du AL, Zhang X, Zhang HZ. 2010. A new high cordycepin Cordyceps
inflammation by the suppression of NF-κB through Akt and p38
militaris cultivar ‘Haizhou 1’. Acta Hortic Sin. 37: 1373-1374.
inhibition in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. European J
Dworecka-Kaszak B. 2014. Cordyceps fungi as natural killers, new hopes
Pharmacol 545 (2-3): 192-199.
for medicine and biological control factors. Ann Parasitol 60(3).
Koh JH. 2003. Hypocholesterolemic effect of hot water extract from
El-Hagrassi A, Daba G, Elkhateeb W, Ahmed E, Negm El-Dein A, Fayad
mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Biol Pharm Bull 26: 84-87.
W, Shaheen M, Shehata R, El-Manawaty M, Wen TC. 2020. In-vitro
Leatherdale D. 1970. The arthropod hosts of entomogenous fungi in
bioactive potential and chemical analysis of the n-hexane extract of
Britain. Entomophaga 15: 419-435.
the medicinal mushroom, Cordyceps militaris. Malaysian J Microbiol
Lin WH, Tsai MT, Chen YS, Hou RCW, Hung HF, Li CH, Jeng KC.
16 (1): 40-48.
2007. Improvement of sperm production in subfertile boars by
76 B I OF A R MA S I J NA T P R O D B IOCH E M 18 (2): 70-77, August 2020

Cordyceps militaris supplement. The American J Chinese medicine germination in Ophiocordyceps sinensis. FEMS Microbiol Lett 346
35 (04): 631-641. (1): 29-35.
Liu J, Yang S, Yang X, Chen Z, Li J. 1997. Anticarcinogenic effect and Ruhul AS, Nadia A, Mousumi T, Asaduzzaman KM. 2008. Study of
hormonal effect of Cordyceps militaris Link. Chung Kuo Chung Yao mycelial growth of Cordyceps sinensis in different media, at different
Tsa Chih (Chinese Journal); 22: 111-113. pH level and temperature. Bangladesh J Mushroom 2: 43-48.
Liu X, Huang K, Zhou J. (2014). Composition and antitumor activity of Ryu E, Son M, Lee M, Lee K, Cho J.Y, Cho S, Lee S.K, Lee Y.M, Cho H,
the mycelia and fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris. J Food Nutr Sung GH, Kang H. 2014. Cordycepin is a novel chemical suppressor
Res 2 (2): 74-79. of Epstein-Barr virus replication. Oncoscience 1 (12): 866.
Liu Y, Wang J, Wang W, Zhang H, Zhang X, Han C. 2015. The chemical Santhosh KT, Sujathan K, Biba V. 2014. Naturally occurring
constituents and pharmacological actions of Cordyceps entomogenous fungi having anti-cancerous properties. Proceedings of
sinensis. Evid-Based Compl Altern Med 2015: 575063. DOI: the 25th Swadeshi Science Congress Kerala 206: 97.
10.1155/2015/575063. Seema S, Subir R, Prem SN, Mohammed A. 2012. Optimization of
Lo HC, Hsieh C, Lin FY, Hsu TH. 2013. A Systematic Review of the nutritional necessities for in-vitro culture of Ophiocordyceps sinensis.
Mysterious Caterpillar Fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Dong Intl J Sci. Res 3: 1523-1528.
Chong Xia Cao (冬蟲夏草 Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo) and related Shin KH, Lim SS, Lee S, Lee YS, Jung SH, Cho SY. 2003. Anti-tumour
and immunostimulating activities of the fruiting bodies of
bioactive ingredients. J Trad Compl Med 3 (1): 16-32.
Paecilomyces japonica, a new type of Cordyceps spp. Phytother Res
Ma T, Feng Y, Wu XP 2007. Primary investigation of a host insect of
17: 830-833.
Cordyceps militaris and analysis of its main ingredients. For Res 20:
Shrestha B, Han SK, Lee WH. 2005. Distribution and in-vitro fruiting of
63-67.
Cordyceps militaris in Korea. Mycobiology 33: 178-181.
Mao XB, Eksriwong T, Chauvatcharin S, Zhong J. 2005. Optimization of
Shrestha B, Park YJ, Han SK. 2004. Instability in in-vitro fruiting of
carbon source and C:N ratio for cordycepin production by submerged
Cordyceps militaris. J Mushroom Sci Prod 2: 140-144.
cultivation of medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris. Process
Shrestha B, Sang KH, Sung JM, Sung GH. 2012. Fruiting body formation
Biochem. 40: 1667-1672.
of Cordyceps militaris from multi-ascospore isolates and their single
Masuda M, Urabe E, Honda H, Sakurai A, Sakakibara M. 2007. Enhanced
ascospore progeny strains. Mycobiology 40: 100-106.
production of cordycepin by surface culture using the medicinal
Shrestha B, Sung J. 2005. Notes on Cordyceps species collected from
mushroom Cordyceps militaris. Enzyme Microb Tech 40: 1199-1205.
central region of Nepal. Mycobiology 33: 235-239.
Mishra R, Yogesh U. 2011. Cordyceps sinensis: The Chinese Rasayan-
Singh RP, Pachauri V, Verma RC, Mishra KK. 2008. Caterpillar fungus
current research scenario. Intl J Res Pharmaceut Biomed Sci 2 (4):
(Cordyceps sinensis) - A Review. J Ecofriendly Agric 3: 1-15.
1503-1519.
Smiderle FR, Baggio CH, Borato DG, Santana-Filho AP, Sassaki GL,
Mizuno T. 1999. Medicinal effects and utilization of Cordyceps (Fr.) Link
Iacomini M, Van Griensven LJ. 2014. Anti-inflammatory properties
(Ascomycetes) and Isaria Fr. (Mitosporic fungi) Chinese caterpillar
of the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris might be related to its
fungi, ‘‘Tochukaso’’ (review). Intl J Med Mushrooms 1: 251-262.
linear (1→3)-β-D-glucan. PloS One 9 (10): e110266. DOI:
Mueller WE, Weiler BE, Charubala R, Pfleiderer W, Leserman L, Sobol
10.1371/journal.pone.0110266.
RW, Suhadolnik RJ, Schroeder HC. 1991. Cordycepin analogs of 2',
Stone R. 2008. Last stand for the body snatcher of the Himalayas? Science
5'-oligoadenylate inhibit human immunodeficiency virus infection via
322: 1182.
inhibition of reverse transcriptase. Biochemistry 30: 2027-2033.
Sun JD, Xiong ST; Wang P. 2009. Study on biological and cultivated
Nakamura K, Konoha K, Yamaguchi Y, Kagota S, Kazumasa S,
characters of Cordyceps militaris SN3. J Fungal Res 7 (324): 148-
Kunitomo M. 2003. Combined effects of Cordyceps sinensis and
152.
methotrexate on hematogenic lung metastasis in mice. Receptors
Sung GH, Hywel-Jones NL, Sung JM, Luangsa-ard JJ, Shrestha B,
Channels 9: 329-334.
Spatafora JW. 2007. Phylogenetic classification of Cordyceps and the
Nakav S, Chaimovitz C, Sufaro Y, Lewis EC, Shaked G, Czeiger D,
clavicipitaceous fungi. Stud Mycol. (57): 5-69.
Zlotnik M, Douvdenvani A. 2008. Anti-inflammatory preconditioning
Sung JM, Choi YS, Lee HK. 1999. Production of fruiting body using
by agonists of adenosine A1 receptor. PLoS ONE 3 (5): e2107. DOI:
cultures of entomopathogenic fungal species. Korean J. Mycol. 27:
10.1371/journal.pone.0002107.
15-19.
Ng TB, Wang HX. 2005. Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized
Sung JM, Park YJ, Lee JO. 2006. Effect of preservation periods and
folk medicine. J Pharm Pharmacol 57 (12): 1509-1519.
subcultures on fruiting body formation of Cordyceps militaris in-
Ohta Y, Lee JB, Hayashi K, Fujita A, Park DK, Hayashi T. 2007. In vivo
vitro. Mycobiology (34): 196-199.
anti-influenza virus activity of an immunomodulatory acidic
Tsai YJ, Lin LC; Tsai TH. 2010. Pharmacokinetics of adenosine and
polysaccharide isolated from Cordyceps militaris grown on
cordycepin, a bioactive constituent of Cordyceps sinensis in rat. J
germinated soybeans. J Agric Food Chem 55 (25): 10194-10199.
Agric Food Chem 58 (8): 4638-4643.
Park C. 2005. Growth inhibition of U937 leukemia cells by aqueous
Wang M, Meng XY, Le Yang R, Qin T, Wang XY, Zhang KY, Fei C, Li
extract of Cordyceps militaris through induction of apoptosis. Oncol
Y, Hu Y, Xue F. 2012. Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides can
Rep 13: 1211-1216.
enhance the immunity and antioxidation activity in
Park SY, Jung SJ, Ha KC, Sin HS, Jang SH, Chae HJ, Chae SW. 2015.
immunosuppressed mice. Carbohydrate Polymers 89 (2): 461-466.
Anti-inflammatory effects of Cordyceps mycelium (Paecilomyces
Wang R, Xu Y, Ji P, Wang X, Holliday J. 2001. Clinical trial of a mixture
hepiali, CBG-CS-2) in Raw264. 7 murine macrophages. Oriental
of six medicinal mushroom extracts.
Pharma Exp Med 15 (1): 7-12.
http://wwwalohamedicinals.com/c linical_trials.html.
Park J, Lee Y, Baek, T, Yoon, N, Kim D, Aravinthan T, Hong
Wang SM, Lee LJ, Lin WW, Chang CM. 1998. Effects of a water-soluble
A, HoonKim GJ. 2017. Anticancer efficacy of Cordyceps militaris
extract of Cordyceps sinensis on steroidogenesis and capsular
ethanol extract in a xenografted leukemia model. Evid-Based Compl
morphology of lipid droplets in cultured rat adrenocortical cells. J
Altern Med 2017: 8474703. DOI:
Cell Biochem 69: 483-489.
Paterson RR. 2008. Cordyceps-A traditional Chinese medicine and
Wang SY. Shiao MS. 2000. Pharmacological functions of Chinese
another fungal therapeutic biofactory? Phytochemistry 69 (7): 1469-
medicinal fungus Cordyceps sinensis and related species. J Food Drug
1495.
Anal 8: 84-88.
Pelleg A, Porter R. 1990. The pharmacology of adenosine.
Wang XL, Yao YJ. 2011. Host insect species of Ophiocordyceps sinensis:
Pharmacotherapy (10): 157-174.
A review. Zookeys 127: 43-59.
Pu ZL, Li ZZ. 1996. Insect Mycology. Anhui Science and Technology
Wei Q, Huang M. 2009. Effects of nutrient ingredient in culture medium
Press, Hefei, 108.
on the growth of Cordyceps militaris. Beijing Agric 27: 36-38.
Reis FS, Barros L, Calhelha RC, Ćirić A, Van Griensven LJ, Soković M,
Wen TC, Kang JC, Li GR. 2008. Effects of different solid culture
Ferreira IC. 2013. The methanolic extract of Cordyceps militaris (L.)
condition on fruit body and cordycepin output of Cordyceps militaris.
Link fruiting body shows antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and
Guizhou Agric Sci 36: 92- 94.
antihuman tumor cell lines properties. Food Chem Toxicol 62: 91-98.
Wen TC, Zha LS, Kang JC, Hyde KD. 2017. Problems and prospects of
Ren SY, Yao YJ. 2013. Evaluation of nutritional and physical stress
research and development of Cordyceps militaris. Mycosystema 36:
conditions during vegetative growth on conidial production and
14-27.
 ELKHATEEB et al. – The endless story of the Himalayan gold Cordyceps 77

Won SY, Park EH. 2005. Anti-inflammatory and related pharmacological Yoshikawa N. 2004. Antitumor activity of Cordycepin in mice. Clin Exp
activities of cultured mycelia and fruiting bodies of Cordyceps Pharmacol Physiol 31: S51-S53.
militaris. J Ethnopharmacol 96 (3): 555-561. Yoshikawa N. 2007. Cordycepin and Cordyceps sinensis reduce the
Wong YY, Moon A, Duffin R, Barthet-Barateig A, Meijer HA, Clemens growth of human promyelocytic leukaemia cells through the Wnt
MJ, De Moor CH. 2010. Cordycepin inhibits protein synthesis and signaling pathway. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 34: S61-S63.
cell adhesion through effects on signal transduction. J Biol Chem. Yu R, Yang W, Song L, Yan C, Zhang Z, Zhao Y. 2007. Structural
285: 2610-2621. characterization and antioxidant activity of a polysaccharide from the
Wu JY, Leung HP, Wang WQ, Xu C. 2014. Mycelial fermentation fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps militaris. Carbohydr Polym
characteristics and anti-fatigue activities of a Chinese caterpillar (70): 430-436.
fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis strain Cs-HK1 (Ascomycetes). Intl J Yue DC, Yang YP, Wang SF. 1982. Preliminary study on stroma
Med Mushrooms 16 (2): 105-114. formation of Cordyceps militaris strain. J Chin Med Mater (5): 7-10.
Xiao ZH, Li ZX, Li JZ. 2010. Influence of additive on growth and Yue K, Ye M, Zhou Z. 2013. The artificial cultivation of medicinal
differentiation of Cordyceps militaris (L.) fruit body. Food Ferment caterpillar fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycetes): A
Technol 46: 60-64. review. Intl J Med Mushrooms 15: 425-434.
Xiaoli L, Kaihong H, Jianzhong Z. 2014. Composition and antitumor Zhang CK, Yuan SR. 1997. Recent advances in studies on immune
activity of the mycelia and fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris.” J pharmacological activities of Cordyceps sinensis and its submerge-
Food Nutrition Research (2): 74-79. cultured mycelia. J Capital University Med Sci (18): 37-38.
Xie CY, Gu ZX, Fan GJ. 2009. Production of cordycepin and mycelia by Zhang XK, Liu WX. 1997. Experimental studies on planting Cordyceps
submerged fermentation of Cordyceps militaris in mixture natural militaris (L. ex Fr.) Link with different culture materials. Edible
culture. Appl Biochem Biotechnol (158): 483-492. Fungi China 16: 21-22.
Xiong CH, Xia YL, Zheng P. 2010. Developmental stage-specific gene Zhang YJ, Li E, Wang CS. 2012. Ophiocordyceps sinensis, the flagship
expression profiling for a medicinal fungus Cordyceps militaris. fungus of China: Terminology, life strategy and ecology. Mycology
Mycology 1: 25- 66. 3: 2-10.
Xu CD. 2006. Advances of researches on Cordyceps sinensis. J Fungal Zhao CS, Yin WT, Wang JY, Zhang Y, Yu H, Cooper R. 2002.
Res 4: 60-64. Cordyceps Cs-4 improves glucose metabolism and increases insulin
Xu F, Huang JB, Jiang L, Xu J, Mi J. 1995. Amelioration of cyclosporin sensitivity in normal rats. J Altern Compl Med 8: 403-405.
nephrotoxicity by Cordyceps sinensis in kidney-transplanted Zhou JS, Halpern G, Jones K. 1998. The scientific rediscovery of an
recipients. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 10 (1): 142-143. ancient Chinese Herbal Medicine: Cordyceps sinensis. J Alternat
Yamaguchi Y, Kagota S, Nakamura K, Shinozuka K, Kunitomo M. 2000. Compl Med 4: 429-457.
Antioxidant activity of the extracts from fruiting bodies of cultured Zhou L. 1990. Short term curative effect of cultured Cordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps sinensis. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal (Berk) Sacc. Mycelia in Chronic Hepatitis B. Chang Kuo Chung Yao
Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Tsa Chih (Chinese Journal) 19: 53-55. [Chinese]
Product Derivatives 14 (8): 647-649. Zhou X, Gong Z, Su Y, Lin J, Tang K. 2009. Cordyceps fungi: natural
Yang ML, Kuo PC, Hwang TL, Wu TS. 2011. Anti-inflammatory products, pharmacological functions and developmental products. J
principles from Cordyceps sinensis. J Nat Prod 74 (9): 1996-2000. Pharm Pharmacol 61 (3): 279-291.
Yin H, Qin S. 2009. Effects of cultivation conditions on cell growth of Zhu J, Liu C. 1992. "Modulating effects of extractum semen Persicae and
inoculums of Cordyceps sinensis. Modern Food Sci Technol 25 (2): cultivated Cordyceps hyphae on immuno-dysfunction of inpatients
188-190. with posthepatitic cirrhosis. J Integr Trad Western Med 12 (4): 207-
209. [Chinese]