VietNamNet Bridge – The Institute of Plant Protection Research has recently announced its success in producing caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), a rare medicine with the potential to increase the capacity of the body against cancer.

After a visit to a center for cancer prevention in the United States where caterpillar fungus was produced in 2011, scientists at the Institute of Plant Protection Research began researching the mushroom and they have successfully produced this fungus.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a fungus that parasitizes larvae of ghost moths and produces a fruiting body valued as an herbal remedy. The fungus germinates in the living larva, kills it, and then the stalk-like fruiting body emerges from the corpse.

O. sinensis is known in the West as a medicinal mushroom, and its use has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. The hand-collected fungus-caterpillar combination is valued by herbalists and as a status symbol; it is used as an aphrodisiac and treatment for ailments such as fatigue and cancer, although such use is mainly based on traditional Chinese medicine and anecdotal evidence.

 Caterpillar fungus is cultured in artificial environment. Photo: Pham Nha.

In the world, caterpillar fungus exploited in the wild is extremely rare, mainly at an altitude of 3,200 meters of the Himalayas and Tibet. Each year the output is only 80kg so the price is very high, from $60,000 to $80,000 per kilo. This fungus is not yet cultivated commercially.

Dr. Pham Van Nha, a member of the research team, said this fungus contains high nutritional value, in which the team focused on the two main compounds - cordycepin with the function of fibroids and precancerous prevention, and adenosine which is used in the treatment of cardiovascular problems.

The researchers cultured the fungus by two methods: in an artificial environment and on the host, silkworms.

Dr. Nha said the market price for 1kg of the fungus is $50,000 but the Institute offers only VND100-200 million ($5,000-10,000) per kilo for the fungus cultured on silkworms and VND7 million ($350) for the fungus cultured in an artificial environment.

Experts warn that up to 70% of caterpillar fungus in the market is fake.

My Le