Biological Characteristics Analysis of Ophiocordyceps sinensis

Abstract

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is an entomophagous fungus endemic to alpine regions of the Tibetan Plateau.It has been long known by its synonym Cordyceps sinensis both in scientific and non-scientific communities.O.sinensis,a unique entomophagous fungus parasitizing the larvae of the genus Thitarodes,mainly distributed in the alpine meadows of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,is known as a valuable invigorant of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries in China.In order to research characteristics of O.sinensis,taking sample from Dalag County to laboratory for measuring content of amino acids and elements,and comparing the results with other examples selected from Sichuan,Yunnan and Tibet.The results show that content of amino acids is ample in O.sinensis,and the level of contents is clearly visible from basal caterpillar to stroma.Comparison with examples of Yunnan,Sichuan and Tibet,the amino acids is in average level.In addition,there were abundant mineral elements in O.sinensis.