The fungus Cordyceps Militaris, a valuable and rare organism with
medicinal properties, has been successfully cultivated in Vietnam.
C.
Militaris, a parasitic organism that befalls insect’s larvae hosts, has
been used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its broad
pharmacological components such as Cordycepin, Adenosine, Mannitol,
Cordypolysaccarid, Superoxide and Dismutise.
Medical research
shows that CM, part of a large family of parasitic fungi, may help
treat heart and kidney disease and some viruses. The fungus has also
been shown to lessen the symptoms of diabetes and sexual dysfunction.
Initial research has found that C. Militaris also has anti-oxidant and
anti-cancer properties.
The fungus, called Dong Trung Ha Thao
in Vietnamese, is much sought after in Vietnam for its alleged medical
effects. All Dong Trung Ha Thao products available in Vietnam are
imported, and sold at high prices.
The fungus breeding project
was funded and implemented by the Biotechnology Transfer Centre owned
by Vietnam Technical Scientific Application JSC under the Association
for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE).
The project’s
success is expected to reduce prices for C. Militaris and medication
containing its active ingredients, making it more widely available for
Vietnamese consumers. The technologies used to breed the fungus have
been passed on to numerous institutions and individuals, contributing
to people’s livelihoods.-VNA