Mushroom
, Clavicipitaceae (Ascomycetes) – Tibetan caterpillar club fungus.
Life cycle
The fungus has a very particular life cycle. Spores infect larvae of certain moths (bat moth , ) in autumn. In spring, the fruiting body of the fungus grows out of the head of the infested caterpillar.
Drug
Traditionally, the combination of insect and fungus is used (see figure).
Preparations
Extracts, powder, granules
Ingredients
- Polysaccharides, ergosterol
- Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine)
- Glycopeptides
Effects
The mushroom is believed to have the following effects, among others:
- Tonic
- Antitumoral
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Aphrodisiac
- Immunomodulating
- Insecticidal, antimicrobial
- Neuroprotective
- Lipid-lowering
- Antidiabetic
- Renoprotective
- Anti-aging
Areas of application
So far, exclusively in traditional Chinese medicine and Western alternative medicine:
- As a tonic
- As an aphrodisiac
- Stress
- Anti-aging
- For numerous diseases
Contraindications
Not sufficiently known. Hypersensitivity, pregnancy and lactation.
Interactions
Not sufficiently known
Adverse effects
- Not sufficiently known
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Cases of lead poisoning have been reported (poor quality of the medicinal drug)
Things to know
Is included in the list of documented traditional Asian substances (list TAS) of Swissmedic. This allows a simplified approval as an alternative medicine.
