INDRAPAL AHIRWAR, MONICA AGRAWAL AND MANISH KUMAR AGRAWAL
Abstract
Ophiocordyceps sinensis, or caterpillar fungus, is a highly valued entomopathogenic fungus exclusively from the Himalayas, prized for its health benefits. As natural populations decline due to increased demand, there is growing interest in cultivating it in labs. However, lab-grown varieties often rely on non-vegetarian mediums, limiting their appeal to vegetarians and vegans, and quality concerns also persist. In this study, natural forms of O. sinensis were collected from North Sikkim, India, at an altitude of 17,500 feet. The mycelia were cultured on an all-vegetarian medium using holy millet Echinochloa frumentacea (Bhagar in Hindi). Culture attained maturity in 12 months. The presence of cordycepin was established using HPLC-UV which confirmed the authenticity of the lab-grown fungus and demonstrating its potential for commercial cultivation.