Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part B (2017)
Yarsagumba: A miracle mushroom its history, cultivation, phytopharmacology and medicinal uses
Author(s): Gupta Ghanshyam and Karkala Manvitha
Abstract: Yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinensis / Ophiocordyceps sinensis) belonging to Ophiocordycipitaceae family is a fungus that parasitizes larvae of ghost moths and produces a fruiting body valued as an herbal remedy. Yarsagumba has been recognized in Nepal for last thousands of years. It is one of the highly potential medicinal mushrooms in the world. Owing to the herb's high efficacy and potency in curing various diseases, it is well known as an important nourishing tonic. In the present review an attempt has been made to gather the information regarding Yarsagumba, its history, cultivation, taxonomical characters, and various medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological studies conducted so far. Different pharmacological actions such as antiasthmatic, antineoplastic, antibacterial as well as actions on the heart and blood vessels, and on the smooth muscles of intestine and uterus have been reported. With this review we conclude that there is a need for further studies for isolation of individual constituents and screening of various activities on this miracle mushroom.
How to cite this article:
Gupta Ghanshyam, Karkala Manvitha. Yarsagumba: A miracle mushroom its history, cultivation, phytopharmacology and medicinal uses. Int J Herb Med 2017;5(2):69-72.