Cordyceps

With the example of Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, the life cycle after the death of the host involves three stages: dead host, stroma, and perithecia. In the dead host stage, the dead insect without any structure growing on its body is observed. In the stroma stage, an elongated stalk called stroma grows from the body of the host. In the perithecia stage, fruiting bodies develop on the stroma. After the perithecia stage, spores are released to the environment to infect other hosts. O. unilateralis go through several cycles in the sequence of dead host, stroma, and perithecia phases.[12]

Cordyceps manipulates host behavior to facilitate the transmission of spores. Examples include nest abandonment of hosts,^[12] a phenomenon known as the “death grip,” in which the hosts hang under the leaves upside down and clamp themselves onto the leaves with their mandibles,^[12] and self-exposure to predators for greater transmission to other hosts.^[13]

Research

Polysaccharide components and cordycepin are under basic research and have been isolated from C. militaris.^[14] Research has found that cordycepin can ameliorate testicular damage caused by diabetes, by which it regulates the activities of antioxidant enzymes through the Sirt1/Foxo3a pathway.^[15] Cordycepin has also been evidenced to abate the pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease with the anti-oxidative stress and autophagy activation.^[16] This implication opens up a potential treatment option for neurodegenerative diseases. From another species, Cordyceps gunnii, the extracted polysaccharides have been found to enhance the activities of natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells in immunodeficient mice, as well as up-regulate the levels of cytokines and immunoglobulins.^[17]

In addition, Cordyceps produces mycotoxins, such as alkaloids, peptides, and polyketides, that have been found to have fatal effects on both adults and nymphs of Asian citrus psyllids.^[18] Moreover, Cordyceps-induced infection decreases activities of Asian citrus psyllids’ detoxification enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and peroxidase (POD). As these enzymes are important in regulating immune functions, the infection in turn suppresses immune activities of Asian citrus psyllids, causing them to succumb to environmental stresses more easily.^[19] Discoveries on the effects of Cordyceps on Asian citrus psyllids provide potential solutions to citrus greening disease, or Huanglongbing.

Uses

Along with Ophiocordyceps, Cordyceps has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine in the belief it can be used to treat diseases.^[20] There is no strong scientific evidence for such uses.^[14] However, studies have found several effects of Cordyceps on health. For example, Cordyceps has been found to relieve respiratory, renal, cardiovascular, and hepatic problems, with its anti-oxidation, enhancing immunity, and anti-tumor activities.^[21] In addition, Chinese herbal formula containing Cordyceps helps with increasing mitochondrial ATP production as well as mitochondrial antioxidant capacity.^[22] Cordyceps also has nutritional value, as it contains biological components such as essential amino acids, various vitamins (B1, B2, B12, E and K), and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.^[23] Moreover, Cordyceps has been found to improve symptoms of asthma.^[24]

In popular culture

Cordyceps has appeared throughout popular culture:

• In the video game series The Last of Us (2013–present)^[25] and its television adaptation (2023–present), a Cordyceps fungus infects humans, causing a zombie apocalypse and the collapse of human civilization.^[26]

• It is the cause of the pandemic that wipes out most of humanity in Mike Carey's postapocalyptic novel The Girl with All the Gifts (2014) and its film adaptation (2016).^[27]

Gallery

• 
  Cordyceps beginning its fruiting growth from a wasp
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  Cordyceps militaris
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  Cordyceps militaris
• 
  Cordyceps ophioglossoides

See also

• Medicinal fungi

References

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