Cordyceps ophioglossoides（Ehrenb.）Link
Aliases：Dà Tuán Náng Cǎo (Large Sac Fungus Grass), Xuè Bēng Cǎo (Metrorrhagia Grass, from Xinhua Bencao Gangyao / New China Materia Medica), Shù Shēng Chóng Cǎo (Tree-growing Cordyceps).
Dà Tuán Náng Chóng Cǎo is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried stroma of the fungus Cordyceps ophioglossoides (Ehrenb.) Link, belonging to the family Clavicipitaceae. This medicinal material is a complex formed by the fungus parasitizing the fruiting body of the underground fungus Elaphomyces granulatus Fr.. Its stroma (the above-ground part) is the medicinal portion.
Efficacy & Actions
Activates blood circulation, stops bleeding, and regulates menstruation.
Indications
Indicated for metrorrhagia (functional uterine bleeding) and irregular menstruation. It may also be used for perimenopausal disorders.
Modern Pharmacology
Antitumor effects: It contains antitumor active components, including polysaccharides and sterols. Cordycepol C from the fermented mycelia of Cordyceps ophioglossoides can induce Caspase-independent apoptosis in liver cancer cells through the mitochondrial pathway. Neuroprotective effects: The extract can inhibit β-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity and repair memory impairment caused by β-amyloid, showing potential in the prevention and treatment of senile dementia. Memory improvement: Can be used to improve damaged nerve cells and memory impairment. Estrogenic activity: Estrogenic compounds have been identified from this fungus. Immunoenhancing effects: The whole fungus can enhance immune function.
Ingredients
Galactosaminoglycan: Mainly composed of 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-galactose (80.5%), with small amounts of glucose, galactose, mannose, protein, and acetate groups. Polysaccharide SN-C. Ophiocoridin. Polysaccharides and sterols.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–9 g; or stew with chicken or duck. In folk practice, 3–6 g may also be cooked with chicken and taken.
Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy—as this product has blood-activating and menstruation-regulating effects. Use with caution in those with heavy menstrual bleeding—its blood-activating effects may worsen bleeding. Should be used under the guidance of a physician; excessive use should be avoided.
Selected Formulas
For metrorrhagia and menstrual irregularities (Liu Bo, Chinese Medicinal Fungi) Take 6g each of Datuannangchongcao (a species of Cordyceps) and Diyu (Sanguisorba officinalis). Decoct in water and drink twice daily. For metrorrhagia (Chinese Medicinal Spore Plants) Take 6g of Datuannangchongcao, 9g of Xianhecao (Agrimonia pilosa), and 15g of Jingtiansanqi (Sedum aizoon). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Stewed with chicken or duck: Take 3–9 g of Dà Tuán Náng Chóng Cǎo, stew it together with chicken or duck, and consume both the soup and the meat. In Yunnan folk medicine, this is commonly used for treating metrorrhagia and irregular menstruation.
Medicinal Parts
Stroma (the above-ground part).
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and mold.
