For the first time, Vietnam successfully cultivated Cordyceps.

Vietnamese scientists have successfully researched the process of cultivating mycelium biomass of Cordyceps Sinensis originating from Tibet.

Cordyceps. Photo: Nepl.

The report “Research on the process of culturing mycelium biomass and surveying some biological activities of extracts from Cordyceps Sinensis biomass” conducted by Dr. Truong Binh Nguyen, Dr. Dinh Minh Hiep and Associate Professor, Dr. Le Huyen Ai Thuy was highly appreciated by the scientific council of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City for its applicability.

At the acceptance meeting, based on the results from the cultivation process along with the analysis of DNA and physical and chemical components, the scientific council determined that the obtained product was indeed cordyceps biomass cultivated from the Cordyceps Sinensis gene source. Professor, Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc, Head of the Department of Scientific Research and Library, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Chairman of the Scientific Council concluded that the above research was qualified to grant a certificate of scientific work.

Council members all assessed that the success of this research brings great value in the field of science and practical application. Associate Professor, Doctor of Science Ngo Ke Suong, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Biology Association, said that this is the first time Vietnam has produced a cultured product from the Cordyceps Sinensis gene source, a precious medicinal herb with many benefits for human health. According to Dr. Truong Binh Nguyen, the Cordyceps Sinensis mushroom biomass will reach users in powder form contained in capsules.

“Cordyceps” is the name that represents the growth cycle of this strange creature: in winter it is a worm, in summer it is a plant. It is a symbiotic combination between the fungus Cordyceps Sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. and the larvae of the moth Hepialus. In winter, the larva lives underground, encounters the spreading fungal spores and is infected with the fungus. The fungus absorbs all the nutrients in the worm, causing the worm to die. In summer, the fungus grows and emerges from the ground. This miraculous combination has given the Cordyceps sinensis mushroom hundreds of nutrients that are beneficial to health.

In nature, Cordyceps sinensis carrying the Cordyceps Sinensis fungus gene is only found in mountainous areas over 4,000 m above sea level such as Nepal, Tibet, the Himalayas, and some regions of China such as Sichuan, Qingxi, Gansu, Yunnan... Thousands of years ago, Chinese people and some Eastern countries knew how to use Cordyceps sinensis, believing that this is the most precious medicinal herb among herbs, with nutritional effects and the ability to cure many diseases.

Professor, Dr. Nguyen Lan Dung, senior expert of the Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Biology, said that many medical and pharmaceutical studies have proven that Cordyceps Sinensis has beneficial effects on health. Daily use will help fight the harmful effects of modern medicine on the kidneys, protect the kidneys in case of damage due to anemia, prevent kidney failure, lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, prevent myocardial ischemia, and enhance non-specific immunity. Cordyceps also enhances the phagocytic capacity of immune cells, slows down the aging process of the body, reduces blood cholesterol and prevents atherosclerosis, enhances virility and prevents impotence...

According to VNE