Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Keera Jari/ Himalayan Viagra): Pharmacological properties and their therapeutic potential
Review Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21276/pt.2025.v2.i4.4Keywords:
Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Keera Jari, Himalayan Viagra, Medicinal applications, Himalayan plateauAbstract
Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Keera jari), also known as caterpillar fungus, is a member of the Ophiocordycipitaceae family of fungi that parasitizes ghost moth larvae and produces a fruiting body valued as herbal medicine. Due to its numerous uses in the pharmaceutical and medical fields, Cordyceps species are commonly referred to as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Keera jari has been acknowledged in Nepal for many years, and in India it is known as ‘keera jari’ or ‘keera ghas.’ It is among the most promising therapeutic mushrooms in the world. People all throughout the world use the caterpillar fungus for its tremendous therapeutic properties. It grows between 3500 and 4500 meters above sea level on the upper Himalayan plateau. This review's goal is to gather information on Keera jari (Yarsagumba), including its history, cultivation, taxonomic traits, several medicinal applications, and phytochemical research that has been done thus far.
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