It is known in English as Caterpillar Fungus, or by its more prominent foreign names Yarsagumba /Yartsa Gunbu. Yarsagumba is the larva of a Himalayan Ghost Moth that has been transformed by a Fungus. Kira Jari is known in India & Nepal. Yarsagumba with its Latin name Cordyceps Sinesis, literally means “summer plant and winter insect” in Tibetan. Ophiocordyceps Sinensis is a Fungus that parasitizes larvae of Ghost Moths and produces a fruiting body valued as a herbal remedy. The fungus germinates in the living larva, kills and mummifies it, and then the stalk-like fruiting body emerges from the corpse.
Before
the rainy season begins, spores of the Cordyceps settle on the heads of
caterpillars’ that lives underground. The fungus gets so much into the body of
the caterpillars’ that it grows out through its head and drains all the energy
from the insect and ultimately it dies. Yarsagumba, Yarshagumba or
Yarchagumba is a rare and unique herb that grows in the meadows above 3200m to
5000m (10500ft to 16400ft) high in the Himalayan region of India, Nepal,
Chinma, Tibet & Bhutan.
Every
year during May and June, thousands of villagers from remote areas risking
their own lives head for high mountains to collect Yarsagumba. Here, not only
the adults but school goers also take unofficial holidays in search of the gold
rush. To find the Yarsagumba peoples do several days trek from the place where
people normally live. Lands are covered in snow for 6 months of the year.
People build temporary high mountain camps to find the highly valued as an
aphrodisiac and energy booster medicine. Due to its high value it is causing
conflicts in the Himalaya. An open conflict between two villages over access to
a good spot for Caterpillar Fungus collection has led to villagers carried guns.
It has been used for at least 1500 of years in China/ Tibet
and other Asian countries as a tonic for longevity, endurance and vitality.
Many studies have shown that Cordyceps Sinensis modulates immune responses,
inhibits tumor cell proliferation, enhances hepatic function, regulates insulin
sensitivity and modulates steroid production.
Yarsagumba is a rare herb that is very hard to find and
difficult to harvest. Caterpillar Fungus costs more than 40 lac per kg (depending
upon the size & shape) at International market. This fungus is not yet
cultivated commercially. Overharvesting
and over exploitation have led to the classification of Ophiocordyceps Sinensis
as an endangered species in China. 
PC: Dr Lalit Mohan
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