Ophiocordyceps sinensis - Wikipedia

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (synonym Cordyceps sinensis), known colloquially as caterpillar fungus, is an entomopathogenic fungus (a fungus that grows on insects) in the family Ophiocordycipitaceae. It is mainly found in the meadows above 3,500 metres (11,500 ft) on the Tibetan Plateau in Tibet and the Himalayan regions of Bhutan, India, and Nepal.

Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special ...

An entomopathogenic fungus, Cordyceps sp. has been known to have numerous pharmacological and therapeutic implications, especially, in terms of human health making it a suitable candidate for ethno-pharmacological use. ... This herb is also referred as "Himalayan Viagra" or "Himalayan Gold" due to its broad clinical and commercial value ...

A Systematic Review of the Mysterious Caterpillar Fungus

In recent years, DongChongXiaCao has been regarded as the Himalayan Viagra, which has caused the price to reach USD $6.77 per piece of wild medicine. Over the past 10 years, its value has increased dramatically. For example, collectors must pay as much as USD $12,500 per kg for top-quality material.

Shrinking harvest of caterpillar fungus puts squeeze on Tibetan herders

The fungus, which originates from dead caterpillars, is found on meadowland above 3,500 meters (10,500 feet) in Tibet, parts of China and in the neighboring Himalayan regions of Bhutan and Nepal.