Cordyceps is a genus of parasitic fungi that grows on the larvae of insects. A vast amount of literature exists about cordyceps mushrooms, some of which is scientific, and some popular myth and even hype. Also known as caterpillar fungus, the fact that cordyceps grown in the wild consumes insects’ bodies from the inside out inspired the hit HBO series The Last of Us and the video game from which it is adapted. The terrifying premise of this television drama, which made cordyceps infamous, is that a pandemic started by mutant cordyceps causes a zombie apocalypse where next door neighbours become mushroom monsters. However, we can rest assured that humans are not the natural host for cordyceps as it has not adapted to infect or colonise us. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that we will ever face the same fungal plague as seen in the award winning show, which caused the collapse of society and nearly decimated the entire human race. On the contrary, cordyceps is well known for its ability to stimulate the immune system and reduce fatigue in humans.
The remains of the insect and the cordyceps fungi Ophiocordyceps sinensis (formerly referred to by its synonym Cordyceps sinensis) have been hand-collected, dried and used as a combination in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat fatigue, sickness, kidney disease and low libido. The long-term process of symbiosis between the fungus and insect is time-consuming, the harvesting from its natural site makes it expensive and the growing demand for this species made it endangered so this led to the search for alternative sources. The solution to this issue is the related species Cordyceps militaris, which has a similar composition but does not present the same sustainability issues. This fungus is cultivated on a large scale in various substrates including rice, corn, soybean or barley, which are used in the culture medium instead of insects.
Nowadays, cordyceps is known as a functional mushroom for energy and endurance because of its adaptogenic and tonic effects. Herbalists and naturopaths prescribe it to support energy levels and for convalescence after infection or illness, stress, improved vitality, general daily health prophylaxis regimes, including for healthy aging, lung and kidney support, cardiovascular health and arthritis.
References
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