Reported by Avik Chakraborty
Dibrugarh: A highly valuable mushroom, Cordyceps, has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district.
The mushroom exploration programme was led by Senpon Ngomle, Assistant Professor at the College of Agriculture (CoA), Central Agricultural University (CAU), Pasighat, along with Yengkhom Disco Singh and P. Chattopadhyay.
Taking to X, Arunachal Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein wrote: “A groundbreaking discovery from Arunachal Pradesh is drawing global scientific attention. Researchers from Central Agricultural University, Pasighat have identified the highly valued Cordyceps mushroom in East Siang, an occurrence that is both rare and scientifically significant due to its presence at a relatively low altitude.”
“Widely known as ‘Himalayan Gold’, Cordyceps is prized for its powerful bioactive compounds like cordycepin and adenosine, with proven potential in boosting immunity, fighting inflammation, supporting metabolic health, and even aiding cancer research.”
“This discovery not only highlights the immense and largely untapped biodiversity of the region but also opens new pathways for advanced research, sustainable cultivation, and livelihood generation. A step forward for science, conservation, and the bioeconomy of the region.”
Extensive pharmacological and biomedical studies have demonstrated its therapeutic potential in cancer management, metabolic disorders, immune dysfunction, chronic inflammatory diseases, oxidative stress, and tissue repair mechanisms.