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Abstract
Chongcao
Yenchit Techadamrongsin
Alternative Medical College, Chandrakasem Rajabhat University
Corresponding author: tyenchit@yahoo.com
Chongcao is a parasitic cordyceps fungi, consisting of a caterpillar and fungus. A caterpillar
is from the moth Hepialus armoricanus Oberthür, family Hepialidae and a fungus is from
Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) G. H. Sung, J. M. Sung, Hywel-Jones & Spatafora, family
Ophiocordycipitaceae. It is discovered on the very cold highland and on the mountain covered
with snow, for example in the People’s Republic of China, Nepal and Bhutan. It is also discovered
in the grasslands around the high mountains, 3,000-4,700 meters above the sea-level height.
Chongcao is considered to be the herbal medicine thousand years ago, especially in the People’s
Republic of China, Japan and other Asian countries. According to the records of New Compila-
tion of Materia Medica in Qing Dynasty in 1757, chongcao is neutral in property, sweet taste,
lung and kidney meridians. Its indications are to protect lung, kidney tonic, stop bleeding, expec-
torant and chronic cough. Today chongcao is a top hit herb. It is claimed to be sexual function-
restorative stimulant, and anticancer, therefore it is highly demanded in the market, and hence
very expensive. This review article provides general information about its chemical composition,
pharmacological activities, toxicity, clinical study, and precautionary use of chongcao.
Key words: chongcao, chemical composition, pharmacological activities, toxicity, clinical study