A mushroom exploration programme in Arunachal Pradesh's East Siang district has led to the discovery of the rare and high-value Cordyceps mushroom, a find researchers say could have major medicinal, scientific and economic implications for the region.
The discovery was made by a team led by Dr Senpon Ngomle, assistant professor at the Pasighat-based Central Agriculture University, along with Dr Yengkhom Disco Singh and P Chattopadhyay. Preliminary laboratory work on culturing and strain identification has begun using facilities at the College of Agriculture and the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Pasighat.
Researchers said the location makes the find unusual. Cordyceps fungi are typically reported from high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems, commonly above 3,000 to 4,000 metres above mean sea level. Its occurrence in East Siang's relatively low-altitude terrain was described as rare and scientifically valuable, pointing to the district's largely unexplored biodiversity.
"This finding is particularly significant as it represents one of the first documented occurrences of such fungal species in East Siang district at a relatively low altitude, indicating the immense and largely untapped bioresource potential of the region," said Dr Ngomle. Cordyceps is among the world's most prized medicinal fungi, often referred to as 'Himalayan gold' in traditional ethnomedicine and pharmaceutical research. Scientists note it produces compounds such as cordycepin, adenosine, ergosterol and bioactive polysaccharides, associated with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor and antidiabetic properties. Studies have also explored its potential in cancer management, metabolic disorders and tissue repair.
Taxonomically, Cordyceps are obligate entomopathogenic fungi that parasitise insect larvae and pupae, with mycelium colonising host tissue internally.
"Arunachal, being a recognised biodiversity hotspot, holds vast opportunities for scientific exploration. The occurrence of Cordyceps in East Siang adds a valuable dimension to the region's biological wealth," said Dr Singh.
Further investigation is underway to determine whether the specimen matches a documented species or represents a new taxon. The team also plans to develop cultivation protocols, which researchers say could support sustainable use and create livelihood opportunities for local communities.
