The “Caterpillar Fungus”

Why the Caterpillar Fungus Could Be More Valuable Than Gold

After researching some major ingredients in some of my anti-aging products, I became particularly fascinated with the Cordyceps mushroom. “Cordyceps sinensis” is a species of parasitic fungi found mainly in the Tibetan plateaus and Himalayan region among the alpine grasslands. 

 

The spores of this parasitic fungus infect a larva of a ghost moth, and eventually take over the inside of its host during the caterpillar’s normal, vertically-positioned hibernation period. The larva becomes mummified, and only the exoskeleton remains. The fungus then sprouts a brown stalk from the caterpillar’s head. This long stalk (called a “stroma”) then emerges a few inches above the soil. 

 

For obvious reasons, this particular species of fungus is referred to in English as “caterpillar fungus.” Cordyceps sinensis originates from the Latin words “cord” (club), “ceps” (head), and “sinensis” (from China). In Tibetan, it is called “yartsa gunbu” (summer grass, winter bug) and in Chinese, “Dōng chóng xià cǎo” (winter worm, summer grass). 

 

It has been used in Chinese medicines for thousands of years as a healing tonic. Yartsa was given to many emperors of the ancient dynasties. Although it was formerly common to have a duck stuffed with the mushroom, it is now extremely expensive, and mostly used in smaller quantities for its medicinal purpose. Among the rich, it is considered to be a prestigious gift or a symbol of status at a fancy dinner party. 

 

Although the use of Cordyceps dates back to the 14th century, it wasn’t until the 1993 Olympics in Beijing when the Chinese women’s track and field broke multiple world records that this “secret weapon” began receiving a lot of attention. They attributed their victory to their intense training, coupled with a Cordyceps sinensis concoction that they consumed regularly. 

 

It has since become scarce due to over harvesting. Economically speaking, this scarcity has led to a monumental price increase. Currently, scientists have not been able to propagate the Cordyceps sinensis strain in the lab using caterpillars as it occurs naturally in Tibet, but alternative methods have been used to make synthetic forms of Cordyceps.

 

Currently, synthetically-made Cordyceps sinensis is marketed and sold by many nutraceutical/health food companies as a supplement. Although there are still not a plethora of scientific studies that have been done proving its effectiveness, many anecdotal claims have been made regarding the benefits of Cordyceps sinensis. It is said to promote vitality and stamina, healthy lung function, and reduce fatigue. It has been cited for its aphrodisiacal and libidinous properties, and has been said to help with impotency. Since it binds to the same receptors as caffeine, many have experienced a boost in energy levels without the jittery feeling/crash associated with a lot of other stimulants. Scientists think it may help increase ATP production, which would explain the increased endurance many have claimed to have felt. Various people have claimed to have seen improvement in cases of tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, bronchitis, anemia, renal disease, and back pain after taking Cordyceps sinensis. One study done on mice with tumors using cordycepin (extracted component of Cordyceps sinensis) was shown to inhibit the metastasis of the tumors. 

 

As with all mushroom strains, it is important to purchase your Cordyceps sinensis products from a reputable source to guarantee the efficacy and safety. More research needs to be done before any claims can be made and potentially beneficial drugs can be developed. But from my experience, I believe Cordyceps sinensis to be a valuable addition to your daily regimen.