Researchers identify potential caterpillar fungus for producing bioactive compounds

Ophiocordyceps sinensis, known for its extensive use in traditional Asian medicine, grows in the high altitude regions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This rare and expensive fungus has generated increasing global demand, requiring artificial cultivation techniques to produce bioactive compounds.

A review highlights the genomic biology, culture systems and fermentation processes involved in the production of bioactive compounds from O. sinensis. It also addresses biological properties at the genomic level essential for the development of synthetic media. Using bibliometric analysis, the review includes information from 135 research articles, with a focus on bioactive compound production and “x-omics” studies.

The results are published in the journal Exploratory research and hypotheses in medicine.

The results reveal the genetic basis of fungal biology, host specificity, and mechanisms underlying fruiting body development and cold adaptation. This review highlights the potential of O culture. sinensis as an alternative to natural strains, with emphasis on the design and formulation of solid media for enhanced production of fruiting bodies and bioactive compounds.

The medicinal mushroom market is growing due to its therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Cordyceps, a genus of parasitic fungus, has experienced significant growth, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Among these, Ophiocordyceps sinensis stands out for its broad pharmacological properties and economic value. Given its limited natural resources and high market demand, there is an urgent need for effective artificial cultivation methods.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis, a reclassified species of Cordyceps sinensis, infects host larvae and forms a complex structure including dark brown fruiting spores and white mycelium. This mushroom produces a range of bioactive compounds with anti-tumor, anti-aging, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis and antioxidant activities. It also shows potential in the treatment of male sexual disorders and in improving sports performance.

The high demand for O. sinensis has resulted in extensive research into artificial cultivation techniques, primarily focusing on submerged and solid-state cultivation.

This method is advantageous for large-scale production, using various artificial media to optimize the yield of mycelial biomass, exopolysaccharides and cordycepin. Research indicates that specific growing conditions and medium components, such as sucrose and coconut water, significantly enhance biomass and exopolysaccharide production. Submerged cultivation provides controlled conditions, facilitating handling and enhancing the production of desired bioactive compounds.

While C. militaris has been widely cultivated using substrates such as cereals and soybeans, cultivation of the fruiting bodies of O. sinensis is more difficult. However, substrates such as rice grains, silkworm pupae, and germinated soybean seeds have shown promise in producing bioactive compounds in solid-state cultures. This method more closely mimics natural growing conditions and is essential for producing fruiting bodies with O-like properties. wild sinensis.

O. sinensis produces various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, nucleosides, and sterols, which exhibit multiple pharmacological activities. These compounds were isolated from wild mushrooms, fermented mycelia, and culture supernatants, demonstrating significant antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antitumor effects. The ability to artificially produce these compounds opens new possibilities for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Advances in genomics and associated “x-omics” fields have provided a better understanding of the biology and potential of O. sinensis. These studies reveal the genetic basis of fungal biology, host specificity, and mechanisms underlying fruiting body development and cold adaptation. Understanding these genetic factors is crucial to optimize artificial cultivation techniques and improve the yield and quality of bioactive compounds.

Artificial cultivation of Ophiocordyceps sinensis shows significant potential for the sustainable production of valuable bioactive compounds. Advances in genomic studies and cultivation techniques will pave the way for improved synthetic media and large-scale production methods. Continued research in this area will improve our understanding and use of this powerful medicinal mushroom.