Imagine an insect that is brainwashed by parasitic fungi (genus Cordyceps). This interesting fungi manipulates insect's brain forcing him to climb the plant or tree, and upon reaching to the top grows out of his head or body! Cordyceps also called Chinese caterpillar fungus, native to the Tibetan plateau in China. In human beings, it enters through the ears, germinates in the mind, causes the host to destroy rival communities, and exits via the mouth, and infects others. A Korean study of a related species of Cordyceps indicates that it has components that may inhibit coagulation, making it potentially beneficial in stroke and heart attack prevention. A hot water extract of the fungus appeared to stimulate the immune system. In other studies, which have reported that Cordyceps may be useful in treating Hepatitis B. A study from Thailand reported that Cordyceps nipponica might be of value in the treating malaria. Another review concluded that Cordyceps might be promising as a possible support for heart & lung function. Interesting fact is that Chinese Olympic athletes use this fungi to improve their performance and stamina.
Hi, I came across your Blog looking for pictures of Cordyceps nipponica. I am a research scientist and have recently completed the synthesis of two of the compounds found in the fungus called Cordypyridone A and B. These two compounds are the ones that are attributed to the fungus' antimalarial properties. You mention the report from Thailand, that is where we found the compounds initially in the literature. We are currently generating analogues of the compounds for further biological testing -- Just thought I'd let you know...
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