cordyceps cicadae

Cordyceps cicadae is a medicinal fungus traditionally used in Chinese medicine that is currently being evaluated as a potential therapeutic for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Developed for this indication by The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, the treatment focuses on patients with sporadic ALS who exhibit elevated plasma sphingolipid levels. The fungus contains bioactive compounds, such as myriocin derivatives, which function as potent inhibitors of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in the de novo sphingolipid synthesis pathway. By reducing the production of pro-apoptotic sphingolipids like ceramides, C. cicadae aims to slow neurodegeneration and motor neuron loss.

Other names

Isaria cicadaeChan HuaCicada fungus