ABSTRACT
Ohiocordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps miliaris are two very important fungal species found as parasites on arthropods larvae at 2000–5000 m altitudes in the Himalayan region of countries like India, China, Bhutan, and Nepal. These have high medicinal value and are frequently used in the conventional medicinal system to treat various ailments and diseases. Various secondary metabolites viz. cordycepin, adenosine, cordysinins, cordysinocan, cordymin along with proteins, polysaccharides, amino acids have been identified and isolated extract of O. sinensis and C. militaris. With such a broad range of phytoconstituents, these species possess high pharmacological and biological potential. Literature has revealed anti-fatigue, anti-angiogenic, immunomodulatory, spermatogenic, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, renal protective, and cardiovascular effects of cordyceps species. Along with high pharmacological importance, there are also some toxicity effects with symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and allergy have also been reported. In this chapter, a detailed discussion of distribution, morphology, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and economic importance have been presented.
