Affiliation:
1. Department of Molecular Mechanisms of Chronic Diseases, Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University , Hangzhou , China
2. Department of Central Laboratory, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine , Shenzhen , Guangdong , China
3. National Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou , China
4. Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University School of Medicine , Shenzhen , China
Abstract
Abstract
Caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps sinensis) has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine for several decades. It is essential to clarify the product composition, structural characteristics, and pharmacological functions of caterpillar fungus. In this review, we comprehensively and systematically summarized the various bioactive components isolated from caterpillar fungus, including nucleosides, d-mannitol, sterols, flavonoids, fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, peptides, amides, proximate, and mineral composition. Meanwhile, peptides, nucleosides, and polysaccharides serve as the main active components in this genus, which possess immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-malaria, and antifungal activities. Consequently, the active components of caterpillar fungus demonstrate a vital source of treatment for various diseases and can be used as possible leads for drug discovery. This article reviews the composition and pharmacological action of caterpillar fungus, which is the key to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of caterpillar fungus, and will be of interest for future research.
Subject
Materials Chemistry,General Chemistry