A Paper presentation on
"DISCOVERING CORDYCEPS SINENSIS IN AYURVEDA"
WORLD AYURVEDA CONGRESS 2006, PUNE

-Dr. Dinesh Gyanwali

 

Discovering Cordyceps sinensis in Ayurveda

Dr. Dinesh Gyawali, Mr. Sushil Gyawali 

Abstract

Cordyceps sinensis, locally known as Yarsagumba in Nepali is found in alpine meadows of Himalaya above 3600m from the sea level. Yarsagumba develops when a type of fungus parasites the larvae of a moth and forms a fungus composite body. The larva forms a cocoon in the winter and hibernates in the ground. Because the fruiting body of the fungus emerges from the head of the larva in the summer trembling a grass sprout, it's local name means roughly Yarsa(winter bug) and  gumba(summer grass). This plant is mainly used to treat low energy following serious illness and as a strengthening tonic. It resembles all the properties of Rasayana and Vajikarana dravyas mentioned in Ayurveda. It's medicinal value is rooted in Tibetan indigenous medicine and at present is traded at the rate of about $4,000 per kg. Though Himalaya has always been the best place for qualitative herbs, there is not any clear proof of the ancient Ayurvedic literatures mentioning about it. However, one cannot deny the possibility of this drug being used in past with name other than it possesses today. Though it needs a lot of research and authenticity, this paper attempts to provide an Ayurvedic lens to this unique and important natural gift.  

Keywords:
Yarsagumba, Rasayana, Vajikarana dravya, Yarsagumba collection 

Introduction

Botanical Classification:

Kingdom: Fungi
Phylum: Ascomycota
Subphylum: Ascomycotina
Class: Ascomycetes/ Pyrenomycetes
Order: Hypocreales/ Clavicipitales
Family: Clavipripataceae
Genus: Cordyceps
Species: Cordyceps sinensis(Brek.) Sacc. 

Vernaculars:
Nepali: Yarsagumba, Jeebanbuti, Sanjivani, Kiraghans
Tibetian: Yarchakunbu
Chinese: Dong chong xia cao
Japanese: Tochukaso 

Description of name:
In Tibetan, it is called Yarchakunbu, which literally means 'Yar' for rain; 'Cha' for plant; 'Kun' for winter; and 'Bu' for insect. So, the literal meaning of Yarchakunbu becomes summer plant winter insect.
Tibetan people consider it as a 'Bu', which means living insect. In Buddhism, the collection of 'Bu' is considered as a sin act, which may be the reason of Yarsagumba being protected in the Himalayas for thousands of years.
The botanical name of Yarsagumba comes from a latin word 'Cord'and 'Ceps' which mean club and head respectively. So, the meaning derived from its Latin name is an insect with its head in a horse's tail like body. (NEHHPA 2006)

Biological Description of Cordyceps sinensis:

Habit and habitat:
Cordyceps sinensis is a caterpillar larva of an insect parasitizing fungus of the Hypocreaceae family, found at alpine meadows above 3600 m from the sea level. This fungus lives primarily in the larvae of one particular species of moth, Hepialus armoricanus. It is found that this larva is a voracious eater of leaves of plant Bistorta macrophylla. It is occasionally found growing on other moth species as well. 

Morphology:
It is 5-15 cm long and 0.14 to 0.4 cm thick and resembles a caterpillar in shape and colour. It has a black or brown stem about 2-5cm long. Based on colour, it has 2 types. The whitish yellow is larger and good in quality. The other type is of copper colour and is smaller as well as qualitatively compromised.  
There are 310 types of fungus of this genus but three of them are found to have medicinal value. Among these three, the Cordyceps sinensis is found to have the best quality.
Two other species of Cordyceps that are used as medicines are Cordyceps millitaris and Cordyceps barnesii, found in Korea.

Historical Background of Cordyceps sinensis:
Cordyceps sinensis, known to the Chinese as "DongChongXiaCao" and to the Japanese as "Tochukaso" has been used in medicine for a very long time. The first known written record of this herbal medicine was in the Ben-Cao-Cong-Xin (New Compilation of Materia Medica) by the author Wu-Yiluo. Written around the year 1757 AD during the Qing Dynasty, this early medical text lists the traditional usage of Cordyceps as a "Lung Protectorate", for "Kidney Improvement" and as a "Yin/Yang double invigorant". (Holliday et al.)
However, in Ayurveda there isn't any documented proof of this product being used as the same name. But it is believed that the 'Sanjivani' brought by Hanumaan from the Himalayas in Ramayana is the same plant which was used for Lakshman.
During the 13^th century, Ming Dynasty from China popularized the use of Yarsagumba collected from the Himalayan belt, most probably Nepal. They used to give a big surprise award to those who used to take pains to bring Yarsagumba from Nepal (Rawal). The vegetable worm first became widely publicized during the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, when two female Chinese athletes,and attributed their display of phenomenal power and beat the world records for 1,500, 3000 and 10,000 meters. Later it was learned that they used it at the recommendation of their coach, which has been known for 2,000 years as a folk medicine that gives immense power and lengthen life (Rawal and Wikipedia).  

Nepal and Yarsagumba :
 
Distribution of Yarsagumba in Nepal
Located at central part of the great Himalayan range, Nepal provides habitat to wider varieties of flora and fauna. These floras contain many west Himalayan elements and that of east Himalaya too, with many Sino-Japanese elements. Northern part of Nepal provides habitat to the plants of the Tibetan plateau, especially in the trans-Himalayan regions (Bhattrai N. 1989-1993). Over 1,000 species of Himalayan plants have been discovered and described from the Nepalese Flora (Bajracharya et al., 1988). Some 370 plant species are endemic to Nepal (Joshi and Joshi, 1991) of which 252 are found in high altitude (Bajracharya et al., 1988). Amongst these Cordyceps sinensis has received higher attention these days. In Nepal Polunin and Williams first collected it in 1952 from Chakure Lek of Jumla district (NEHHPA 2006). Dolpa district is one of the major areas producing Yarsagumba in Nepal. Besides, it is also found in many other places like Darchula, Humla, Lamjung, Bajura, Bajhang, Mugu, Jumla, Gorkha and Rasuwa (Gyawali 2006). 
 
Collection:
This product is collected during the spring and early summer when the snow melts and fungus sprouts out on the hills (Gyawali 2006). Crowd of thousand of local people gather in Nepal Himalaya's alpine meadows in the season.

Cultivation of Cordyceps sinensis:   
 Since native Cordyceps (wild Cordyceps sinensis) is rare and very expensive, countries like China and Korea have been investing a great effort in research for cultivation of this fungus. However, the exact method of cultivation of this fungus has not still known in Nepal. Some individuals and business organization are working on in this aspect. In 1982, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences isolated the commercial strains of Cordyceps for the first time. This strain named CS-4 was fermented in aseptic environment to develop a mycelium, which underwent extensive human testing, and clinical trials during the 1980's. In this way, commercial production of Yarsagumba begun from China in the name of JinShuiBao capsules. A wide range of population was encouraged to use it as a clinical trial in order to establish its chemical composition, therapeutic activity, toxicity and many other facts. (Bau, 1995) 

Rasayana in Ayurveda :
Acharya Dalhana says
Bhesajashritaanam rasaviryavipaakaprabhavaparamaayurbalaviryaanaam vaya sthyairyakaranaamayanam laabhaopaayo rasaayanam     Su. Su. 1/15

Those dravyas, which are capable of utilizing all the rasas, gunas, virya, vipaak and prabhava to strengthen the body and develop immune mechanism increasing the lifespan, are known as Rasayana.   Rasayanas increase a healthy person's mental and physical capabilities. Rasayanas or vitalizers replenish the vital fluids of our body, thus keeping us away from diseases. Rasayana is actually that which increases the essence of each dhatu, starting with rasa. Literally, Rasayana is a sanskrit word comprising of Rasa & Ayana.
Rasa means the nutrient portion derived after the proper digestion of the food and Ayana means proper chanalisation of such nutrients. Hence Rasayana therapy provides good nutrition to different tissues of our body and maintains health leading to long healthy lifespan. It can be effectively used in treating geriatric disorder as they are also known as vayasthapak.
Various merits of Rasayana therapy have been highlighted in the texts of Ayurveda as Charaka has mentioned in the following shloka
 
Dirghamaayu smritimedhamaarogyam tarunam vaya.
Prabha warna swaraudaaryam dehendriyam balam param.
Waaksiddhimpranatimkaantilavate na rasayaanat
Labho paayo hi sastaanaam rasaadinaam rasayanam.      Ch. Chi. 1/8  
  Dirghamaayu (Long life).
Smritimedha (Memory and intelligence)
Arogya (Good health)
Tarunam vaya. (Youthful age)
Prabha varna. (Glowing skin)
Sworaudaaryam. (Modulated voice)
Dehendriya balam param (Optimum strength of physique and sense organs) 

However the Rasayana dravyas are considered useful as remedies of various ailments especially the Auto-immune conditions and other psychosomatic disorders.

It is also said as:

            Rasayanancha tajjgeyam yajjaravyadhinaashanam. Ch. Chi. 1/5

Hence, Rasayanas deal with the methods to maintain youth, increase longevity, intellectual capacity and strength and keep the patients free from diseases.  

Vajikarana in Ayurveda :
Vaaja is the word synonymus to Vega of Sukra (semen). Person with vaaja is called Vaaji and lacking it is called Avaaji. So, vajikarana is the process of changing an avaaji purush to a vaaji purush.  As per some definitions those dravays which enables a male to enjoy sex for a longer time are known as vajikarana dravya.
Vajikarana is defined as

Vajikarana in Ayurveda explains the art of producing healthy progeny for the creation of a better society. Vajikarana therapy is recommended to treat various diseases like infertility and conditions relating to weak shukra dhatu resulting in male impotence (napunsakata). Ayurveda has laid much importance on a male's potency. Charaka states the use of aphrodisiacs as mentioned in ayurvedic therapies (Vajikarana therapies) enhances one's potency. These medicines are said to give one the strength and potency of a horse by increasing the quantity and quality of semen. It helps increase the will power, intellect and memory in addition to a healthy body. Shukra dhatu is the final product of all the dhatus and a precursor of Oja, the immunity of the body also known as the eighth dhatu. Hence, vajikarana dravyas help people to renew the sukra dhatu ultimately strengthening the immune system. For this purpose various aphrodisiacs and tonic preparations are prescribed for enhancing the vigor and reproductive capabilities of men. These not only serve as sukrabardhak(precursor of sukra)  but also strengthen other dhatus like Rakta, Mamsha, Meda and Asthi. They are said to increase quantity and quality of semen, sperm count and sperm motility and nourish the body of the person.  

Pharmacology:   
Important components of Cordyceps sinensis

Chemical composition of Cordyceps sinensis

Medicinal value of Cordyceps sinensis:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) suggests use of Cordyceps sinensis by cooking the whole fruit body in chicken or duck soup. People use it this way for the treatment of many conditions, such as respiratory diseases, renal dysfunction, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia.(Zhou, Halpern and Jones, 1998). Clinical research has shown 'Yarsagumba' to be very effective in treatment of Arrhythmia, Chronic kidney failures and hypercholesteraemia. It helps to strengthen the immune system of patients receiving chemotherapy, Anti tubercular drugs and various surgeries. The Host Defence Potentiators (HDP) present in Yarsagumba defends the host (patient) from foreign invasion by bacteria, cancer cells, and virus and thereby boosts the immunity. It also stimulates the hormone production giving it an anti aging property. (Rawal). Researches show that it may be useful in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, angina pectoris, liver disease, and even cancer. It is a building block for gene repair in cell replication and plays an important role in ATP metabolism.

Mode of use varies from place to place
In Nepal Yarsagumba is believed to act as an aphrodisiac and as a tonic when 1-3 pieces are taken regularly mixed with either milk or Shilajatu.
Balfour-Browne (1955) mentioned that Bhutanese use it for impotence caused by typhoid and other permanent diseases (Rawal).
Chinese believe that it boosts Yang, strengthens kidneys, reduces phlegm, and stops bleeding (Holliday et al.)
Including Holiday et al, many literatures have been found to be describing Yarsagumba for following uses.  

Hriddya (Cardiac Tonic)
It has been found to have good effects in various Hriadaya rogas (Cardiac diseases). Studies have shown that over 84% of the patients with Hridaya roga esp. cardiac arrhythmia improved following treatment with Yarsagumba. 

Raktasodhak(Blood purifier)
Yarsagumba reduces the amount of LDL Cholesterol and increases the amount of HDL Cholesterol thus thereby works as a blood purifier. It is found to have lowered total cholesterol levels by over 17% in a clincal trial. 

Yakrit Balya (Liver Tonic)
Yarsagumba is found capable of curing some liver diseases. Clinical trials have shown that treatment with Yarsagumba improved symptoms of liver cirrhosis following hepatitis. The extract of Yarsagumba is considered to relax contractions in the liver blood vessel system and to increase hepatic blood flow, causing liver ATP levels to increase. Such hepatic ATP augmentation may contribute to the acceleration of recovery and improvement of liver function in patients with anaemia.(Manabe et al. 1999)  

 Used in Vrikka roga (Kidney Diseases)
In TCM Yarsagumba's main use is in the treatment of Kidney disorders. It is believed that it improves kidney function. In kidney transplanted patients it was shown to return levels of infection fighting T cells to normal. 

Balakarak (Strengethening tonic)
Cordyceps Sinensis is an excellent strengthening tonic for convalescing patients, and patients with reduced appetite, weak blood, weakened resistance of respiratory tract and susceptibility to colds or flu can take this product orally to strengthen resistance. Cordyceps has an ancient reputation as an effective sex stimulant for male. At present day, this property has made it so expensive and important. It has been termed as 'Himalayan Viagra' or 'Herbal viagra' by the western world nowadays.  

Used in Swas roga (Respiratory Disorders)
A preliminary study found that middle aged and elderly patients who took Cordyceps for COPD showed notable improvements. During it's intake by the patients with respiratory disorders it has found to improve coughing, reduction in quantity of sputum, and gradual decrease in shortness of breath. I has also good results in curing prolonged chronic bronchitis (both asthmatic and ordinary type), particularly ordinary type.

Ojobardhak (Immunomodulator)
Yarsagumba appears to be one of the most adaptive immune modulators. The mushroom was found to quiet immune cells in patient with abnormally overactive immune systems, and to raise immune system functions in patients with low or compromised immunological activity. These include a cure for tuberculosis and a restorative action after various diseases (Chatterjee et al. 1957)  

Adverse effects:

This medicine may cause the following reactions to the user allergic to it
Breathing problems or tightness chest; chest pain, skin rashes, itchy or swollen skin.
Studies have shown following two major side effects in some cases:
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and upset stomach and dry mouth (Halpern GM et. al 1998) 

Economic value:
From Nepal, Yarsagumba is mostly illegally traded to China or Tibet in bulk quantity of 3-5 tons per year worth NRs. 1-1.5 billion. Its price varies from NRs 140,000 to 3, 00,000 per kg in Nepal. In 2004, only two villages (Majhphal and Sun) of Dolpa district in Nepal sold around 600kg of Yarsagumba, most to Tibet. It is estimated that 1 kg of Yarsagumba contains 2,700-4,500 pieces. Government's rate of royalty is NRs. 10,000 per kg. In addition, Maoist rebels collect tax of NRs 5,000 to NRs 27,000 per Kg (Gyawali 2006). Local people of Himalaya are much dependent on this resource, more economically than medicinally.  

Conclusion
The Ayurvedic medicine is rich in natural herbs and the rejuvenator group of herbs termed as ' Rasayana ' has micronutrients, which improve health, immunity, vigor, vitality, and give longevity as well as protection against stress. All these actions of certain Rasayana dravyas have now been scientifically proved through experimental as well as clinical studies. Rasayana dravyas prevent the process of aging and keep the individual free from disease even at an advanced age. In this context, we need to introduce a new Rasayana dravya, Yarsagumba, in Ayurveda. Like all the other Rasayana formulations eg. Chyavanaprasha, Triphala rasayana, Pippali rasayana , Shilajatu , Haritaki rasayana,etc. Yarsagumba Rasayana is too serving the people in many aspects. In addition to enriching Ayurveda with a new ingredient, local economy will be improved ensuring sustainable incomes to poor peoples of Himalayas. Thus, it becomes the responsibility of entire Ayurveda world to encourage its use and help people lead a healthier and happier life without itself being destroyed.  

References:

Bajracharya, D.M., Joshi, R.M., Rajbhandari, K.R., Shakya, P.R. & Shrestha, T.B. 1988: Endemism in Nepal flora. In: Proceedings of the National Conference on Science and Technology. Kathmandu, Nepal; Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. pp. 73-76

Balfour-Browne(1955): Citation made from unpublished article "Nepal's Pride Yarsagumba" by Dr. Rana B. Rawal

Bau TT, 1995. Further Study of Pharmacological Functions of JinShuiBao. Journal of Administartion  Traditional Chinese Med 1995;5 (suupl):6

Bhattrai N. 1989-1993: Articles on Regional Aspects of Medicinal Plants Use, Biodiversity - People Interface in Nepal

Charaka Samhita

China Science Institute Shimyang Edible Center: Citation made from unpublished article "Nepal's Pride Yarsagumba" by Dr. Rana B. Rawal Gyawali 2006: Article titled "Himali Money - Yarsagumba", Himal Magizine, Issue 174, July 2006

Halpern GM, Zhu JS, & Jones K: The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient chinese herbal regime: Cordyceps sinensis, part II. J Alt Complement Med 1998; 4(4):429-457.

John C. Holliday, Phillip Cleaver, Megan Loomis, Dinesh Patel: The hybridization of Cordyceps sinensis strains and the modifications of their culture parameters, in order to optimize the production of target medicinal compounds

NEHHPA 2006: Extension Material Series, Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Association

N. Manabe1, Y. Azuma1,  M. Sugimoto1,  K. Uchio1,  M. Miyamoto1,  N. Taketomo2,  H. Tsuchita3 And H. Miyamoto1 1999 : Effects of the mycelial extract of cultured Cordyceps sinensis onin vivo hepatic energy metabolism and blood flow in dietary hypoferric anaemic mice
Sushruta Samhita

Tang Teng-han et al: Citation made from unpublished article "Nepal's Pride Yarsagumba" by Dr. Rana B. Rawal

Zhou, Halpern and Jones, 1998 Zhu JS, Halpern GM & Jones K: The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient chinese herbal regime: Cordyceps sinensis, part I. J Alt Complement Med 1998; 4(3): 289-303

Author: Dr. Dinesh Gyawali

Ayurveda Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tel: 977-9803156374, 977-1-4108954 ®, email: dgyawali@yahoo.com

Co-author: Mr. Sushil GyawaliAsia Network for Sustainable Agriculture and Bioresources, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tel: 977-9841241222, 977-1-4497547 (o), email: hilgyawali@ansa