Review on Pharmacologically Active Metabolites from Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), an Epitome of Himalayan Elixir

Authors

  • S Shrestha Graduate School of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Resources, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 446-701, Republic of Korea and Green Energy Mission/Nepal, Kathmandu
  • AK Shrestha G.P.O. Box 6133, Kathmandu
  • JH Park Graduate School of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Resources, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 446-701
  • DY Lee Department of Medicinal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Eumseong 369-873
  • JG Cho Graduate School of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Resources, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 446-701
  • B Shrestha Mushroom Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Eumseong 369-873 and Green Energy Mission/Nepal, Kathmandu
  • NI Baek Graduate School of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Resources, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 446-701

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i2.10415

Keywords:

active metabolite, bioactivity, Cordyceps sinensis, pharmacology

Abstract

Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sung et al.) is a well-known entomogenous fungus native to alpine nival terrain of trans-Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau. The traditional use of O. sinensis in Ayurvedic medicine as well as in traditional Chinese medicine for range of human health requirements with well documented evidences are themselves testimony of its value. It is regarded as winter worm, summer grass due to its association with Thitarodes (Hepialus) larvae. The extremities of habitat condition and endurance of fungus to sustain adversaries by production of metabolites has led to unique profile of metabolites including nucleosides, proteins and nitrogenous compounds, polysaccharides, sterols, fatty acids and their derivatives, as well as some vitamins and inorganics. There are wide ranges of biological activities that have been reported from O. sinensis including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, insecticidal, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycemic, antiageing, lipolytic, neuroprotective, renoprotective effects, etc. Although several components can be responsible for activity of compounds, understanding ultimate compounds which fit with biomolecular target is crucial to combat diseases and development of new class of effective drugs. In this review a concise evaluation of pharmacological activities of metabolites reported for O. sinensis are done to provide insight into its biologically active components.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i2.10415  

Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 2 (2013) 49-58

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Published

2014-05-15

How to Cite

Shrestha, S., Shrestha, A., Park, J., Lee, D., Cho, J., Shrestha, B., & Baek, N. (2014). Review on Pharmacologically Active Metabolites from Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), an Epitome of Himalayan Elixir. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology, 14(2), 49–58. https://doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i2.10415

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