Cordyceps Unilateralis Fungus Properties and Effects

Cordyceps unilateralis is a species of fungus that has been reclassified and assigned to a new genus: it is now known as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis.

O. unilateralis is a fungus that grows in the rainforests of Brazil and in tropical forest regions in Thailand.

It is being investigated for possible immune-modulating, anti-cancer, antibacterial, cholesterol-lowering and hypoglycemic properties. However, there is not enough research on O. unilateralis to determine its medicinal benefits. More research is needed to understand how it affects the human body.

The fungus is not commonly available as a supplement and potential therapeutic properties have yet to be established. The related Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris mushrooms are more widely used.

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Cordyceps Unilateralis

In 1859, British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace discovered O. unilateralis, which is now commonly referred to as the “zombie mushroom.”

O. unilateralis is a parasitic fungus that uses a particular species of ant—Camponotus leonardi—as its main host.

The fungus has been observed to change the behavior of the ant after infection, which is why it is often called the zombie mushroom. The fungus causes the ant to leave its colony and affix itself to the underside of a leaf where it will remain until its eventual death.

O. unilateralis infects the ant by using enzymes and physical pressure to break through the ant’s exoskeleton. This process will eventually kill the host.

The fungus spreads when a fruiting body erupts from the head of the dead ant, releasing spores that can infect other ants. This process has led to the destruction of entire ant colonies.

Constituents of Ophiocordyceps Unilateralis

O. unilateralis contains a number of constituents that have attracted the attention of researchers. However, the fungus remains poorly studied. More research is needed to understand what, if any, therapeutic effect O. unilateralis has on the human body.

Preliminary research indicates O. unilateralis contains a number of constituents that may have therapeutic properties.

Some of the most interesting of these include 4-O-methyl erythrostominone, epierythrostominol, erythrostominone, deoxyerythrostominone, deoxyerythrostominol and 3,5,8-trihydroxy-6-methoxy-2-(5-oxohexa-1,3-dienyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone.

Researchers hope that some of these constituents may prove useful in the development of new pharmaceuticals, but more research is needed before any conclusion can be reached.

Cordyceps Unilateralis vs. Cordyceps Sinensis

O. unilateralis should not be confused with Cordyceps sinensis. Like O. unilateralis, C. sinensis is a parasitic fungus that has been reassigned to the Ophiocordyceps genus.

With the refinement of DNA-based taxonomic tools, C. sinensis was discovered to be genetically different from other cordyceps species and reassigned to the newly created taxonomic family.

Also like O. unilateralis, this mushroom uses an insect host – a larva – to grow and reproduce. It will eventually kill its host and produce a long column-shaped fruiting body.

However, unlike O. unilateralis, C. sinensis has a history of use in traditional medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to support kidney health, improve vigor and act as an aphrodisiac.

The rarity of C. sinensis and other cordyceps mushrooms meant that their use was limited to only the Chinese emperor and other members of the royal court. The mushroom was commonly used as a stuffing for duck to confer health benefits to the king and his dinner guests.

Today, C. sinensis supplements are readily available, but are cultivated in controlled environments. Wild cordyceps are extremely rare and their popularity has nearly eradicated wild populations.

Medicinal Uses of Codyceps Mushrooms

Codyceps Mushrooms extracts are readily available as dietary supplements and are used to improve immune function, support kidney health as well as increase athletic performance and endurance.

Individuals looking to supplement with cordyceps generally take either C. sinensis or C. militaris, instead of Cordyceps unilateralis.

Cordyceps (particularly C. sinensis) became popular in the West after two Chinese runners broke records at the 1993 world championships in Germany. Their coach attributed their success to their training regime and cordyceps supplementation.

However, subsequent human studies found no correlation between cordyceps supplementation and improved athletic performance in either competitive cyclists or healthy elderly participants. [1]

Conclusions about Ophiocordyceps Unilateralis

Mycologists estimate there are as many as 1.5 million species of fungi. Of these species, only about 7% (~100,000) have been documented. Also, there are more than one million species of insects that have already been described. It is suspected that the prevalence of ‘zombie’ insects may extend beyond O. unilateralis, but it currently remains a unique phenomenon.

The unique biological and pharmacological actions of O. unilateralis have inspired a great deal of research; however, there is no reliable evidence available to determine the safety of O. unilateralis as a dietary supplement. Likewise, there is no safety data or dosing recommendations available. Currently, it is not readily available as a dietary supplement.

Individuals looking to supplement their diet with Cordyceps unilateralis or any cordyceps species should speak with their doctor to make sure they are not at risk of side effects or drug interactions.

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