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Cordyceps Sinensis
Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi, which includes around 300 other species. Cordyceps sinensis is very well known as the species that parasitizes the vegetable caterpillar. It has long been considered as an important ingredient in the traditional Chinese medicines. All the species of Cordyceps are parasitic. They parasite mainly on insects and other arthropods, but some species are parasitic on other fungi. The mycelium invades into the host body and replaces the host tissue. The elonged fruiting body of the fungi may be cylindrical, branched or complex type. The stroma contains small, flask shaped perithecia that in turn contain thread-like ascospores. These ascospores break into fragments and are infective.
These fungi have a worldwide distribution and most of the species have been noted from Asia. Cordyceps sinensis are abundant in humid temperate and tropical forests. One of the anamorph types of the genus – Beauveria, is used in the control of insect pests. Some of the species of Cordyceps are rich sources of biochemicals. They have got interesting biological and pharmacological properties. The anamorphous of Cordyceps subsessilis is the source of ciclosporin. Ciclosporin is useful drug in human transplants, as it suppresses the immune system.
Cordyceps sinensis is found in southwest mountains of China. The Chinese were the first to discover this amazing grass. It attacks caterpillars, especially the larvae of hepialid moths. When the larvae are infected by C.sinensis, the fungal mycelium enters and fills the entire body, killing the host. The whole of the fungus-caterpillar combination is collected by hands for medicinal purposes. In Chinese medicine Cordyceps is considered sweet and warm. It is mostly whole dried choice specimens. It is artificially cultured by growth of the pure mycelium in liquid culture; stomata are not produced apart from the insect host.
Cordyceps sinensis possesses anti-tumor properties, as well as anti-bacterial activity. It is a powerful detoxifier and a natural anti-inflammatory. Cordyceps also enhances libido and improves fertility. It resists the body from infection by promoting endocrine system balance and can help athletic performance and recovery. You can know more about Cordyceps from longevityherbs.com. Longevityherbs is a wonderful resource of herbal remedies related to healthcare concerns. Log on to the website www.longevityherbs.com to know about Reishi, green tea and other useful herbs.