Cordyceps sinensis —a Traditional Chinese Medicine Known as Winter-worm Summer-grass

Introduction Cordyceps sinensis is the complex of fungus Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. (Clavicipitaceae) growing on the larva of Hepialus armoricanus Oberthur (caterpillar) that lives afew inches underground. It is also commonly known as Cordyceps, or “Dong Chong Xia Cao” (winter-worm and summer-grass) in Chinese, because of its appearance during different seasons. Cordyceps has been used in China as a medication for over a few hundred years. In Chinese medicinal theory, Cordyceps processes both “Yin-nourishing” and “Yang-invigorating” activities. Indeed, numerous reports have shown the pharmacological properties of Cordyceps. Different therapeutic effects of Cordyceps have been reported : stimulating immune response; inhibiting cancer growth; protecting the kidney and liver; stimulate cardiovascular circulation; lowering blood glucose; and acting against free-radical formation. Today, Cordyceps is commonly used in many hospitals in China and as a household remedy. However, more than 100 different types of Cordyceps or its substitutes have been found worldwide today. The authentication of Cordycepsis a serious problem on the market.