Major component composition and their functions of Chinese caterpillar fungus (IMAGE)
Caption
The chemical composition and bioactive compounds of O. sinensis have been increasingly elucidated, with key components such as cordycepin, adenosine, polysaccharides, and sterols recognized for their pharmacological properties. These compounds have demonstrated a range of health benefits, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities. Beyond the traditional harvesting of wild O. sinensis from their native, harsh environments, significant advancements have been made in the large-scale artificial cultivation of O. sinensis. This method is particularly advantageous as it allows for more sustainable production while mitigating the environmental impact associated with wild harvesting. However, the market is currently flooded with numerous low-quality substitutes, which may not only fail to deliver the therapeutic benefits associated with genuine O. sinensis but may also pose safety risks. To ensure clarity, precision, and a deeper understanding of the medicinal potential of O. sinensis, a multifaceted approach to its production and quality control is imperative. Thus, it is essential to establish rigorous identification and standardization protocols. These should include a detailed analysis of morphological characteristics and comprehensive profiling of active ingredients to distinguish between natural O. sinensis, its fermented counterparts, and inferior substitutes. Current research is mainly through comparative analysis of natural and cultivated O. sinensis metabolites. It is generally believed that the components and pharmacological activities of the two are similar, but there are differences in the content of some specific components. Accurate identification and quality control are crucial to ensuring that the therapeutic potential of O. sinensis is fully harnessed. Therefore, a more profound and systematic understanding of the health benefits and therapeutic potential of O. sinensis will significantly contribute to its future medicinal applications. Such knowledge will not only enhance its utilization in traditional medicine but also pave the way for its integration into modern therapeutic practices, potentially leading to the development of novel drugs and health supplements derived from this precious fungus.
Credit
Liang Wang, Yurong Tang, Zhangwen Ma, Qinghua Liu
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CC BY-NC