Caterpillar Fungus
Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Ophiocordyceps sinensis, traditionally known as caterpillar fungus or winter worm summer grass, originates from traditional Tibetan medicine and is also used in Chinese herbalism. It has been employed for various health benefits, including enhancing vitality and treating respiratory issues, though specific uses vary among traditions. Scientific evidence suggests that Ophiocordyceps sinensis may have potential anticancer effects through multiple mechanisms, but these findings are preliminary and require further clinical validation. Additionally, cordycepin from a related species, Cordyceps militaris, has shown promise in improving glucose and lipid profiles in mice on a high-fat diet, possibly due to changes in AMPK/SREBP-1c signaling pathways. Key metabolites and signaling pathways for prehypha development in Ophiocordyceps sinensis have also been identified, including Sodium Danshensu. To date, no major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded, but caution is advised given the limited clinical data available.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris improved fasting glucose and lipid profiles in mice fed a high-fat diet, associated with changes in AMPK/SREBP-1c signalling.
- Key metabolites and signaling pathways for prehypha development in Ophiocordyceps sinensis were identified, including Sodium Danshensu.
- Ophiocordyceps sinensis showed promising anticancer effects in preclinical models through multiple mechanisms including apoptosis induction and immune modulation, but further clinical studies are needed.
- The study identified and validated an immunomodulatory peptide, WALGT, from Ophiocordyceps sinensis.
Frequently asked questions
What is Caterpillar Fungus?
Caterpillar Fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Caterpillar Fungus?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Caterpillar Fungus; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris improved fasting glucose and lipid profiles in mice fed a high-fat diet, associated with changes in AMPK/SREBP-1c signalling.
How strong is the evidence for Caterpillar Fungus?
The strongest finding for Caterpillar Fungus carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Caterpillar Fungus safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Caterpillar Fungus in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Caterpillar Fungus interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Caterpillar Fungus in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Caterpillar Fungus?
Caterpillar Fungus is also known as: кордицепс китайский.
Is Caterpillar Fungus a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Discovery of functional compounds from dimorphic edible Ophiocordyceps sinensis fungus in host haemolymph. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comparative computational analysis of the hypolipidaemic potential of Cordyceps militaris and Ophiocordyceps sinensis, with in vivo validation of cordycepin. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Peptidomics-based identification of endogenous free peptides from Ophiocordyceps sinensis and functional validation of immunomodulatory peptide WALGT. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Cancer Therapy: Bridging Traditional Medicine and Modern Oncology. literature abstract metadata