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More About Cordyceps Sinensis
Cordeceps sinensis is a well-known species that parasitizes on the vegetable caterpillar. All the species of Cordyceps are parasitic. It comes under the genus of ascomycete fungi that includes around 300 other species also. Since long time it has been considered as a vital ingredient in traditional Chinese medicines. Cordyceps parasitizes mainly on insects and other arthropods. However, some species are parasitic on other fungi also. The mycelium of these fungi attacks into the body of host and replaces the host tissue. Their elonged fruiting body may be cylindrical, branched or complex type. There is stroma that contains small, flask shaped perithecia with thread-like ascospores. These ascospores break into fragments that are infective in nature.
Cordyceps sinensis is found in southwest mountains of China but the fungi have got their distribution all over the world. Most of the species have been noted from parts of Asia. These fungi are found abundantly in damp, humid, temperate and tropical forests. One of the anamorph types of the genus Cordyceps is Beauveria, which is used in controlling insect pests. Some of the species of Cordiceps are highly rich in biochemicals and they have got interesting biological as well as pharmacological properties. The anamorph of Cordyceps subsessilis is an important source of ciclosporin. Ciclosporin is a drug used in human transplants as it suppresses the immune system.
The Chinese were the first to discover the amazing grass – Coryceps sinensis. The fungus attacks on caterpillars, especially the larvae of hepialid moths. When the larvae of hepialid moths become infected by Cordyceps sinensis, the fungal mycelium enters the entire body and kills the host. The whole of the fungus-caterpillar combination is very useful and is collected by hands for certain medicinal purposes. The Chinese Cordyceps is considered as sweet and warm. It is mostly whole dried specimen. The fungi are artificially cultured by growth of the pure mycelium in liquid culture.
Cordyceps sinensis has got numerous curative qualities. It shows anti-tumor and anti-bacterial properties. It is a powerful detoxifier and a natural anti-inflammatory agent also. The fungi improves libido, improves fertility and resists the body from various infections. If you want to collect more about Cordyceps sinensis, log on to longevityherbs.com. Longevityherbs is a fantastic source of herbal remedies that are related to healthcare concerns. Log on to the website www.longevityherbs.com to get informed about Chinese herbs, herbal remedies, Reishi Mushroom, and other useful herbs.