What is Chinese caterpillar fungus?
Chinese caterpillar fungus, scientific name known as Ophiocordyceps sinensis, is a fungus growing on insects in Ophiocordycipitaceae family. In Chinese language, it is pronounced as "Dong Chong Xia Cao", "Dong" means winter, "Chong" means worm, "Xia" means summer, "Cao" means herbs. It is called yartsa gunbu in Tibet, and aweto in Australia and New Zealand.
During winter, ghost moths larvae get infected and parasitized by caterpillar fungus spores and die. The combination of ghost moths larvae's leftover internal tissues, outer shell, and hyphae forms a hard mycelium which looks like "winter worm", therefore mummifies. With the arrival of spring, the fungus begins to grow, and in summer, it protrudes from the ground resembling a plant. The rod-shaped ascopods looks like a "herb", therefore forming the name as "Dong Chong Xia Cao" meaning winter-worm-summer-herb.
It has a rich history as a nutritional and medicinal aid, with antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties. The fungus is one of the most precious traditional Chinese medicinal materials. It is known as the "King of Tonics". Due to the soar in price in recent years, it is also known as "soft gold" and "medicine gold".
The trade in caterpillar fungus is highly valued for its medicinal purposes but puts its habitat at risk. It supports rural livelihoods and generates significant government revenue. However, overexploitation and human disruptions have led to a decline in production.
Habitat
Chinese caterpillar fungus are found in alpine meadows and shrubs, this species is distributed in China's Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, as well as Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Generally habitat at low temperature, short growing seasons, and heavy snowfall in winter.
Chinese caterpillar fungus is a unique organism that thrives in extreme conditions like low temperatures and aridity. It grows on grass slopes near the snow line in alpine grassland shrub belts at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 meters. The fungus starts its life cycle by parasitizing the larvae of insects, utilizing their bodies as a source of nutrition. The caterpillar fungus has a distinct appearance, resembling a silkworm with a length of a few centimeters and diameter of less than 1cm. Its surface is dark yellow to yellow-brown with distinct ring stripes, and its head is reddish brown. Additionally, the fungus has a slender and cylindrical base that is flexible and slightly fishy in odor.
Caterpillar fungus has varied host insects and over 30 plant species from 16 families are linked to it. Some examples of plant species are:
- Bistorta macrophylla
- Juncus thomsonii
- Saxifraga species
- Nardostachys grandiflora
- Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora
- Potentilla fulgens
- Rhododendron anthopogon
- Rumex acetosa
- Androsace zambalensis
- Carex species
- Aconogonum molle
- Anemone polyanthes
Soil pH affects the fungus's growth; higher pH levels retard the growth of certain species. While acidic, sandy soil is ideal for caterpillar fungus growth, the optimum pH level is around 6. Soil calcium is related to pH and cation exchange capacity, whereas it negatively affects phosphorus.
Health benefits
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Chinese "Compendium of Materia Medica" records caterpillar fungus is a powerful supplement known for nourishing kidneys and lungs, stops bleeding, resolves phlegm. It is also for boosting vitality, brainpower, and the immune function. And it is externally used to treat waist and knee pain, excessive phlegm and chronic cough. For those with weak "qi" and "yin", physical weakness after illness, and lung "qi" and "yin" deficiency, it will have a warming and tonic effect after taking it. Also for those who have fatigue and cough, and are prone to colds.
According to modern scientific tests, caterpillar fungus contains cordycepin and various nutrients that inhibit bacterial growth. Polysaccharides boost cell proliferation, macrophage activity, and immune defense. Protein strengthens the immune system and normal physiological systems. Nucleic acid and adenosine have antibiotic effects, combat hypoxia, increase blood oxygen content, and dilate blood vessels. Fatty and organic acids help lower blood cholesterol while HDL prevents cardiovascular disease. Sterols regulate physiological functions and stabilize systems, while vitamins B1, B2, B12, and K aid in metabolism. Selenium, zinc, sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, aluminum, and chromium are important minerals, with selenium as a crucial trace element.
Experts have criticized whether caterpillar fungus contains active ingredients. It is believed that cordycepic acid, considered the functional component, is actually just mannitol – a cheap chemical used in food and drugs. Furthermore, studies have shown that Cordyceps sinensis lacks cordycepin, a substance found in Cordyceps militaris, known for its anticancer effects. Excessive cordycepin intake can be harmful, as it causes cytotoxicity in fungi. An article published in "Cell Chemical Biology" even supports these findings, suggesting caution in consuming cordycepin.
Who is suitable for consumption
Chinese caterpillar fungus is suitable for consumption by people of all ages and genders, including children. It can help improve physical fitness and resistance in children, especially those prone to asthma and bronchitis. For athletes, it can maintain the health of blood vessels, relax the trachea, and increase oxygen intake, leading to better endurance. Working individuals, who often face high work pressure and mental exhaustion, can benefit from the immune-enhancing properties of Cordyceps sinensis. Lastly, it can also assist the elderly in reducing phlegm, relieving cough, and delaying aging, in addition to improving their physical fitness and resistance.
How is it produced
Caterpillar fungus harvested from May to July annually, can be collected when it reaches an inch in size. Optimal harvesting is when the fruiting body is between 4 to 11 cm long. The small brown Sichuan variety is best collected in May, while the medium-sized Qinghai caterpillar fungus with a strong fragrance is collected in June. The highest quality Tibetan caterpillar fungus, harvested in July, is the largest and golden yellow in color. Harvesters face challenges finding the rare spores in the soil and use simple tools to carefully extract the fungus.
Fresh caterpillar fungus is moist and covered in soil and needs to be dried in the sun before use.
Types distinguished by its origin
China Sichuan caterpillar fungus
The worm-like part is thin, uneven in size, dull and yellowish brown in color. The herb-like part is relatively longer. Relatively small compared to others, having an average fragrance.
China Qinghai caterpillar fungus
The worm-like part is thick and golden color. The herb-like is relatively shorter. It is medium in size and has a good fragrance.
China Tibetan caterpillar fungus
The worm-like part is thick and golden color. The herb-like is relatively shorter. Relatively large and finest, with the best fragrance.
Types distinguished by size
The sizes are divided into five levels, namely: king of kings, king of caterpillar fungus, first-level, second-level, and third-level caterpillar fungus.
- The King of Kings: 600 gram contains 900 pieces or less.
- Cordyceps King: 600 gram contains 1000-1400 pieces.
- Grade 1: 600 gram contains 1500-1900 pieces.
- Grade 2: 600 gram contains 2000-2400 pieces.
- Grade 3: 600 gram contains more than 2,500 pieces.
How to pick and buy
Chinese caterpillar fungus is primarily found in the alpine zones and snow-capped mountains of Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, Xinjiang, and western Sichuan. The highest output of caterpillar fungus is in Qinghai, but the best quality is found in Dajianlu, Sichuan and Nagqu, Tibet. The caterpillar fungus in Nagqu has a yellow and bright color, with a plump and fat body. It is considered the best due to its yellow-white cross-section.
Due to new discoveries of caterpillar fungus' pharmacological effects and its dual use as medicine and food, its price has significantly increased due to supply exceeding demand. Beware of counterfeit products and only purchase from trusted stores. Caterpillar fungus is now available in powdered form, making it easier to consume for health benefits without stewing soup.
Caterpillar fungus is graded based on its completeness, size, and thickness. Higher grades are more physical complete in shape and also thick in size, which also yield the highest prices. Younger caterpillar fungus is priced lower.
Fake or Impersonate products
When selecting and shop for caterpillar fungus, may use below criteria to check and beware of counterfeit products.
- Authentic wild caterpillar fungus composed of two connected parts: mycelium (worm) and fruiting body (grass). The mycelium includes the head and tail of the "worm", and eight pairs of legs appear in the middle, with the four pairs of legs in the middle being more obvious.
- Authentic wild caterpillar fungus has very fragrant or strong mushroom smell, while fake ones has no mushroom smell and sometimes have a slight odor of wood.
- Authentic wild caterpillar fungus stems are tough, while fake ones are easy to break when touched by hand.
- Authentic wild caterpillar fungus tastes sweet after stewing, while fake ones tastes bitter after stewing.
- Reputable stores will provide customers with genuine guarantees, such as using metal detectors to check for impurities and dry, to ensure that customers will not buy wet or heavy products, while unscrupulous merchants will not provide any genuine guarantees.
Impersonate caterpillar fungus products
Below are some examples of impersonate products:
- Cordyceps hawkesii
- Cordyceps militaris
- Cordyceps liangshanensis Zang
- Cordyceps ramosa
- Cordyceps species
- Stachys sieboldii Miq.
- Stachys affinis Bunge
- Stachys tuberifera Naud.
- Stachys palusyris Linn.
- Stachys geobombycis
Fake caterpillar fungus products
Below are some methods for creating fake products:
- Mold manufacturing involves shaping materials like starch, clay, flour, corn flour, gypsum, etc., followed by coloration and drying.
- Adding lead or Bamboo Branches to caterpillar fungus In order to increase the weight and also used for join fractions into complete a caterpillar fungus in shape.
Storing condition
Because of the nutritious nature of the fungus, caterpillar fungus must be stored below -4 degrees to prevent damage and maintain its nutrient-rich properties, also to prevent being eaten by insects or getting damp and causing mold.
Preparation
Caterpillar fungus found in high-altitude permafrost is often left dirty by Tibetans to prevent damage. Some cordyceps available in markets are not properly dried or brushed, often retaining sand stains. Direct consumption without cleaning can harm the body due to impurities and bacteria present. Follow these cleaning methods before eating.
- Remove soil from caterpillar fungus, as it is fragile. Dry brushing is done to remove sediment.
- Rinse Cordyceps sinensis gently with cold, slow-flowing water for 90 seconds to avoid nutrient loss from volatilization.
- To maintain freshness and efficacy, only wash fresh Cordyceps sinensis just before consumption. Pre-washing may darken its color and create unfavorable conditions for storage, leading to insect and mold growth.
how much should you eat
The dosage varies depending on individuals' physical conditions. Healthy and sub-healthy people typically take 0.5-2 grams daily, while patients' dosage depends on disease severity, treatment stage, duration, symptoms, age, and other factors.
Beware that China's State Food and Drug Administration warned of higher risk due to arsenic content ranging from 4.4 to 9.9 mg/kg in Cordyceps Sinensis products.
References
Sigdel, S. R., Rokaya, M. B., Münzbergová, Z., & Liang, E. (2017). Habitat Ecology of Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Western Nepal. Mountain Research and Development, 37(2), 216. https://doi.org/10.1659/mrd-journal-d-16-00075.1
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, April 13). Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophiocordyceps_sinensis
Starting Cordyceps Sinensis: The beginning of a "Chinese-style" scam. (2016, April 12). https://china.caixin.com/m/2016-04-12/100930939.html
chinanews. (n.d.). Food and Drug Administration: Long-term consumption of Cordyceps sinensis poses higher risks. www.chinanews.com, https://www.chinanews.com.cn/sh/2016/02-05/7750006.shtml