Chemical Constituents of Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sung et al.), a Valued Traditional Himalayan Medicine

Authors

  • Sabina Shrestha Graduate School of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Resources, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 446-701,
  • Bhushan Shrestha Mushroom Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon 441-707,
  • Ji-Hae Park Graduate School of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Resources, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 446-701,
  • Dae-Young Lee Department of Medicinal Crop Research, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Eumseong 369-873
  • Jin-Gyeong Cho Graduate School of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Resources, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 446-701,
  • Nam-In Baek Graduate School of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Resources, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 446-701,

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i1.7398

Keywords:

Cordyceps sinensis, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Thitarodes larvae, Yarsagumba

Abstract

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sung et al. is popularly known as Yarsagumba (winter worm summer grass) in Nepal. It is a well-known entomogenous fungus distributed in alpine nival zone of trans-Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. Its occurrence in extreme biological niche and cohabitation with insect [Thitarodes (Hepialus)] larvae has led to unique assemblage of metabolites including proteins and nitrogenous compounds, polysaccharides, sterols, nucleosides, fatty acids and their derivatives, vitamins and inorganics. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is one of the most trusted main ingredients for several preparations of remedy from wide range of human health conditions. Several biological activities from O. sinensis have been reported that include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, insecticidal, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycemic, anti-ageing, lipolytic, neuroprotective, renoprotective effects, etc. The chemical constituents and their pharmacological uses are reviewed here highlighting the potentiality of this highly esteemed traditional Himalayan medicine.

Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 13, No. 1 (2012) 43-58

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i1.7398

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Published

2013-01-17

How to Cite

Shrestha, S., Shrestha, B., Park, J.-H., Lee, D.-Y., Cho, J.-G., & Baek, N.-I. (2013). Chemical Constituents of Yarsagumba (Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sung et al.), a Valued Traditional Himalayan Medicine. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology, 13(1), 43–58. https://doi.org/10.3126/njst.v13i1.7398

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2012)

Section

Articles

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