I. INTRODUCTION
Species of the genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link (Chinese
caterpillar fungi, Tochucaso in Japanese; Clavicipitaceae,
Ascomycetes) are the fungi found growing
on insect larvae (Figs. 1–3), mature insects, or fruiting
bodies of truffl es of the genus Elaphomyces.
Cordyceps has a long history as a rare and exotic
medicinal fungi. It has been a highly regarded
cornerstone of Chinese medicine for centuries;
one that reportedly has a number of far reaching
medicinal effects.1–4