Research on Chinese cordyceps during the past 70 years in China

Author of the article:HAN Ri-Chou；WU Hua；TAO Hai-Ping；QIU Xue-Hong；LIU Gui-Qing；RAO Zhong-Chen；CAO Li

Author's Workplace：Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou 510260, China；Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou 510260, China；Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou 510260, China；Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou 510260, China；Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou 510260, China；Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou 510260, China；Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Guangdong Institute of Applied Biological Resources, Guangzhou 510260, China

Key Words：Ophiocordyceps sinensis; Hepialidae; Chinese cordyceps; artificial cultivation; chemical constituents and bioactivities; safety

Abstract：Chinese cordyceps is a traditional and valuable bioresource with tonic food value. The history of its research and development reflects the whole process from laboratory to industry. Its successful artificial cultivation at low altitude was a breakthrough for the modernization of a traditional bioresource, and a milestone for science and industry. The present paper summarizes progress in research on, and development of, Chinese cordyceps over the past 70 years, including current issues and future prospects, Thitarodes/Hepialus insect hosts, caterpillar fungus, chemical constituents and bioactivities, and food safety, in China.