Caterpillar Fungus
Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Ophiocordyceps sinensis, traditionally known as caterpillar fungus or冬虫夏草 (dōng chóng xià cǎo) in Chinese, is a traditional medicine with roots in Tibetan and Chinese herbal practices. It has been used for various purposes including enhancing vitality and treating respiratory issues, though specific recorded uses are limited. Scientific evidence suggests that Ophiocordyceps sinensis may have potential anticancer effects through mechanisms such as apoptosis induction and immune modulation; however, these findings are based on preclinical models and require further clinical validation. Additionally, cordycepin from a related species, Cordyceps militaris, has shown improvements in fasting glucose and lipid profiles in mice fed 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 been identified, including Sodium Danshensu. A study also validated an immunomodulatory peptide, WALGT, from the fungus. Safety concerns are currently minimal as no major issues have been recorded; similarly, there are no reported drug interactions at present.
- 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