Potential of Chinese Herb “Cordycep militaris” as a Medicinal Food

Abstract

Abstract

     Cordyceps militaris is a parasite fungus which contains abundant nutritional bioactive compounds and extensively used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as well as tonic food. Many researchers reported that Cordyceps militaris possessed various pharmacological activities that benefit human health. In the context of culinary medicine, which considered as a blend of art with medicinal science, this paper reports in vitro scientifically proved of Cordyceps militaris as a potential source for therapeutic agent and a functional ingredient for health or supplement food with ethnomedicinal claims.

 Keywords:  Cordyceps militaris, crude extract, pharmacological properties, antioxidant, antimicrobial, health food