Topic summary
Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Ophiocordyceps sinensis, formerly Cordyceps sinensis and colloquially known as caterpillar fungus, is an insect-pathogenic fungus in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae. It is primarily found in high-altitude regions of the Tibetan Plateau. It parasitizes larvae of ghost moths and produces a fruiting body which is valued in traditional Chinese medicine and Nepalese medicine as an aphrodisiac. However, naturally harvested fruiting bodies often contain high amounts of arsenic and other heavy metals, making them potentially toxic. As a result, their sale has been strictly regulated by China's State Administration for Market Regulation since 2016.
O. sinensis parasitizes the larvae of moths within the family Hepialidae, specifically genera found on the Tibetan Plateau and in the Himalayas between elevations of 3,000–5,000 m (9,800–16,400 ft). found across Tibet, the Himalayan regions of India, Bhutan and Nepal, and several Chinese provinces (Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan). The fungus germinates in the living larva, kills and mummifies it, and a fruiting body emerges from the corpse as an upright stalk.
O. sinensis is classified as a medicinal mushroom, and its use has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in traditional Tibetan medicine. It is marketed for various health benefits but lacks sufficient scientific evidence for safety or effectiveness, and quality can vary due to inconsistent processing and labeling. The hand-collected, intact fungus-caterpillar body is valued by herbalists as medicine, and because of its cost, its use is also a status symbol.
The fruiting bodies of the fungus are not cultivated commercially outside of China, but the mycelium form can be cultivated in vitro. Overharvesting and overexploitation have led to the classification of O. sinensis as an endangered species in China. Additional research needs to be carried out in order to understand its morphology and growth habits for conservation and optimum utilization.