Biological properties and immunotropic effects of the genus Сordyceps fungi

Abstract

The possible mechanisms of biological activity and immunotropic potencies of the genus Cordyceps fungi are analyzed. The characteristic of the development cycle and the ecology of these fungi are presented. The biological effect of Cordyceps is determined, first of all, by immunomodulating polysaccharides, activating immune cells, increasing the production of cytokines and interferon. It has been shown that preparations based on the fungus mycelium of Cordyceps also have antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral activity.