Traditional and Modern Medicinal Uses of Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a genus of fungus usually found at high altitudes on the Tibetan Plateau and its surrounding areas. It has a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine, with traditional books recording its use as remedies for diseases such as those affecting the kidney and lungs. Recent scientific research has further validated the extensive range of biological properties possessed by various Cordyceps species (antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatoprotective activities) and elucidated the underlying bioactive constituents contributing to their potent pharmacological effects. In modern medicine, the scientifically evident health-benefiting properties of Cordyceps have propagated significant developments in the scientific field to ultimately increase their suitability for industrial applications. These include the utilization of methods such as illumination, optimization of medium components, and generation of mutant strains to enhance compound content and production, along with making modifications to isolated bioactive compounds into more advantageous derivatives. As a result of their robust health-promoting effects, a wide range of products consisting of Cordyceps as the main ingredient have been developed and approved for commercial use, further highlighting the medicinal value of Cordyceps in both traditional medicine and pharmaceutical industries.