| Title | Ethnomycological Use of Medicinal Chinese Caterpillar Fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G. H. Sung et al. (Ascomycetes) in Northern Yunnan Province, SW China |
| Author | Chen, Jiyue |
| Publication | INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS |
| Year | 2010 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Corresponding Author | Yang, DR |
| Abstract | Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a well-known medicinal mushroom in traditional oriental medicine such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM). It is endemic to alpine habitats on the Tibetan Plateau, located predominantly in Tibet and Tibetan autonomous prefectures of neighboring Provinces and the high Himalayas. This area includes parts of Northern Yunnan, but is inhabited by other ethnic groups. Although ethnopharmacological use among Tibetan people has been researched, such studies among other ethnic peoples are limited. This study aims to review the traditional uses of caterpillar fungus among Bai, Naxi, Lisu and Tibetan people living in the mountainous Northern Yunnan Province. Ethnomycological survey methods, interviews, participatory action research and field visits were conducted to elicit information on the uses of caterpillar fungus. In this paper, we have presented this traditional knowledge about collection, discovery, protection, and nutritional value, learned from these indigenous peoples. Of special interest is the range of diseases treated with O. sinensis and the corresponding methods of application. Furthermore, the diverse ethnic groups examined each have their own unique legends regarding O. sinensis. |
