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<p>The fungi of the genus <italic>Ophiocordyceps sinensis</italic> (Berk.) belong to entomopathogenic fungi. <italic>Ophiocordyceps sinensis</italic> has been used as a tonic and medicinal product in China for more than 2,000 years. A number of scientific papers have described the clinical use of this parasitic fungus with subsequent biological and pharmacological effects. The various chemical compounds identified in these fungi are responsible for a wide range of biological activity: cordycepin, cordycepic acid, D-mannitol, polysaccharides, nucleotides, proteins, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids. Our research focused on the determinations of the biologically active chemical compounds in extracts from cultivated <italic>Ophiocordyceps</italic> fungi using UV/VIS (Ultraviolet/Visible) spectrophotometry and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy. The testing of antimicrobial activity of extracts against the collection strains of <italic>Escherichia coli</italic> and <italic>Staphylococcus aureus</italic> demonstrated that the percentage of RIZD (relative inhibition zone diameter) ranged from 83 % to 166 %. The increased antimicrobial activity against <italic>E. coli</italic> was observed in comparison with that against <italic>S. aureus.</italic></p>
</abstract>

The fungi of the genus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) belong to entomopathogenic fungi. Ophiocordyceps sinensis has been used as a tonic and medicinal product in China for more than 2,000 years. A number of scientific papers have described the clinical use of this parasitic fungus with subsequent biological and pharmacological effects. The various chemical compounds identified in these fungi are responsible for a wide range of biological activity: cordycepin, cordycepic acid, D-mannitol, polysaccharides, nucleotides, proteins, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acids. Our research focused on the determinations of the biologically active chemical compounds in extracts from cultivated Ophiocordyceps fungi using UV/VIS (Ultraviolet/Visible) spectrophotometry and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy. The testing of antimicrobial activity of extracts against the collection strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated that the percentage of RIZD (relative inhibition zone diameter) ranged from 83 % to 166 %. The increased antimicrobial activity against E. coli was observed in comparison with that against S. aureus.

Medicinal Mushrooms <italic>Ophiocordyceps Sinensis</italic> and <italic>Paecilomyces Hepiali</italic>

Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice

Folia Veterinaria

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

The fungi of the genus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) belong to entomopathogenic fungi. Ophiocordyceps sinensis has been used as a tonic and medicinal product...

Medicinal Mushrooms Ophiocordyceps Sinensis and Paecilomyces Hepiali

Published Online: Dec 30, 2021

Page range: 1 - 6

Received: Jun 19, 2021

Accepted: Sep 30, 2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/fv-2021-0031

© 2021 Ioannis Chrysikos, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.