Yarsagumba [<i>Cordyceps sinensis</i> (Berk.) Sacc.]; Traditional Utilization in Dolpa District, Western Nepal

Abstract

Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc., a well-known and valued traditional medicine, is also called winter worm summer grass. The product deserves high potential to generate income opportunities, enhance rural income and raise the national revenue. The study of C. sinensis was carried out in Dolpa district, Western Nepal to document ethnomycological uses and local practices. Data were collected using open ended questionnaires administered to collectors/users (n = 74), traders (n = 25) and local healers or amchis (n = 3). Indigenous peoples are utilizing this Himalayan treasure for the treatment of different diseases like diarrhea, headache, cough, rheumatism, liver disease, and also as an aphrodisiac and tonic. Internationally it is regarded as Himalayan Viagra. The present study therefore aims at highlighting the ethnomycological uses of C. sinensis resource of the Trans-Himalayan region in their niche.Key words: Cordyceps, Dolpa, Ethnomycology, Nepaldoi:10.3126/on.v4i1.502Our Nature Vol. 4(1) 2006 pp48-52

Distribution and Status of Highland Mushrooms: A Study from Dolpa, Nepal

“…Sharma, (1974) reported the local belief upon Cordyceps sinensis for its tonic value in Dolpa. But the local people became aware about its market value only after the year 1987 (Devkota, 2006). Indigenous peoples are utilizing this Himalayan treasure for the treatment of different diseases like diarrhea, headache, cough, rheumatism, liver disease, and also as an aphrodisiac and tonic.…”

“…Dolpa has one of the largest stores of high altitude Himalayan medicinal and aromatic plants in Nepal and also a vast body of knowledge related to the management and use of medicinal plants (Ghimire, 2005). Dolpa district has been a famous ground of Cordyceps sinensis and Morchella spp in the country since long time (Subedi, 2001, Devkota, 2006 …”

“…Wild mushrooms are important Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) from the forests and are being used as food since time immemorial. Collection of wild mushrooms is very common in Nepal and is important for livelihoods in rural areas (Adhikari 2000, Christensen & Larsen, 2005, Devkota, 2006.…”

“…Wild mushrooms are important Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) from the forests and are being used as food since time immemorial. Collection of wild mushrooms is very common in Nepal and is important for livelihoods in rural areas (Adhikari 2000, Christensen & Larsen, 2005, Devkota, 2006.The collection and survey on mycoflora from Nepalese Himalayan belt was at first done by Hooker (1848-54) from Eastern Nepal. The result of his gatherings was published by Berkeley (1854 a, b, c, d).…”

“…Balfour-Browne (1968) published the fungal species collected from eastern and central Nepal. The major studied on wild mushrooms in temperate to alpine regions of Nepal were carried out by Imazeki et al, (1966), Pandey (1976, Singh & Nisha (1976), Pegler (1977, Waraitch & Thind (1977), Sacherer (1979), Bhandary (1980), Otani (1982, Thind & Sharma (1983), Hijortstam & Ryvarden (1984), Cotter & Bhandary (1985), Cotter (1987), Adhikari (1988Adhikari ( , 1990Adhikari ( , 1999Adhikari ( , 2000, Bills & Cotter (1989), Adhikari & Manandhar (1996), Devkota et al, (2005), Pandey et al, (2006), Rana & Giri (2006), Devkota, (2006), and Adhikari & Devkota (2007.Previously occurrence of Cordyceps sinensis (Sharma, 1974), Lycoperdon perlatum , Morchella conica and M. esculenta …”