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A Review on Medicinal and Therapeutic Potency of Cordyceps militaris

Raghav Singh, Adarsh Singh, Manish Kunwar, Sandeep Sirohi

Abstract


Cordyceps is an entomopathogenic fungus with a high nutritional and therapeutic value. It is a pleomorphic fungus that can be easily found in tropical forests and humid temperate regions around the world. The potency of Cordyceps species, especially Cordyceps militaris due to its medical and therapeutic uses, is a major area of research worldwide. This species belongs to the Clavicipitaceae family. Many species containing Cordycepin such as C.sinensis, C.submilitaris, C.militaris, C.sphingum and C. rosea, are known for their unique efficacy. Cordycepin is a special bioactive compound that has received much attention from most of the bio-industrial for various applications due to its valuable potencies, such as pharmaceuticals, food and manufacturing processing and cosmetics. The cordycepin production is improved and achieved by mutating Cordyceps by ultraviolet irradiation. Cordycepin's pharmacological functionality includes antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.


Keywords


Cordyceps, entomopathogenic fungus, Cordycepin, Clavicipitaceae, Lepidopteran pupa, Hepialu larva

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References


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