Tirupati: DRDO’s Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research at Nainital has developed capsules out of fungus, which is grown on the insects at high altitude of the Himalayas. These drugs are used for curing several diseases.
Speaking to this newspaper, Dr P.S. Negi, a scientist of the institute, said, “This fungus is grown at 11,000 feet altitude in the Himalayas in Nepal, Tibet and India. Locally called as Yarsh Gamboo or Kira Ghas, it is a parasite on lepidopteron insect larvae. It is used for curing TB, bronchitis, asthama, hepatitis and other ailments. It contains cordycepin, which has aphrodisiac value too.”
Incidentally, Chinese soldiers often used to cross over to India for this fungus, which they call ‘love flower’ as it is known for its performance enhancing properties and as aphrodisiac.
A kilogram of fungus costs around Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. “Our scientists have grown it in the lab and developed the performance enhancing nutraceuticals from cordyceps sinensis and ganoderma lucidum, high medicinal value mushrooms,” said Dr Negi.
The mushroom when eaten strengthens the immune system and promote overall vitality and longevity.
The fungus had caught the attention of the world in 1993, when Chinese women athletes, who have been using it, shattered nine world records in outdoor track field championship in Germany. However, it took several years for DRDO arm to cultivate in the lab.
