ABSTRACT
Neuroprotection is one of the potential areas of research among investigators as they are more focused on finding suitable approaches to protect neurons against diverse pathological factors in neurodegenerative diseases. The genus Cordyceps consists of insect-inhabiting ascomycetous fungi belonging to the family Clavicipitaceae, which is regarded as a rich reservoir of valuable natural products with several biological activities and those have been used as a health-supplement for sub-health patients, especially the elderly people in many Asian countries. This chapter highlights the neuroprotective attributes of Cordyceps. In a broader sense, neurotoxins are exogenous and endogenous substances or metabolites resulting in neuronal cell death by inducing apoptotic and necrotic or necroptoptic events. Many species of Cordyceps are widely used in traditional medicines in China, Japan, Korea and other East Asian countries.
