Cordyceps Polysaccharides

Cordyceps, parasitic fungi grown on the larva of caterpillar, is a unique and precious edible and medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and has long been used in traditional therapies. Polysaccharide, one of the bioactive constitutents of Cordyceps, exhibits a wide range of bioactivities. In recent years, with the development of agamotype and submerged fermentation technologies of Cordyceps, production reached an increased level. Meanwhile, research on Cordyceps polysaccharide attracted increasing attention because of its multi-pharmacological functions such as immunomodulation, anti-tumor, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, renal and liver protective effects, etc. This chapter will provide detailed information on the extraction, purification, chemical composition, chain conformation and pharmacologic function of polysaccharides from various Cordyceps species, especially Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. and Cordyceps militaris (Fr.) L.