title: Caterpillar Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycetes): A Potential Bioresource for Commercialization in Sikkim Himalaya, India.
abstract: Ophiocordyceps sinensis has a long history of use in Tibetan traditional medicine and traditional Chinese medicine as a powerful tonic and aphrodisiac. The species is inextricably linked to the trade of medicinal and aromatic plants in East Asia. Its demand has increased substantially in the international market, and its collection and trade have significantly improved the socioeconomic status of the people in some regions. Nonetheless, in Sikkim this resource is still untapped formally, but it is traded illegally. Formal legalization and the community's involvement will ensure the conservation and sustainability of the species, as well as proper management of harvesting areas and monitoring of pressure on Yartsa Gunbu to exploit it.
authors.affiliation: Sikkim Biodiversity Board, Forests, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, Government of Sikkim, Forest Secretariat, Deorali, Sikkim, India.
authors.forename: Bharat Kumar
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Pradhan
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005843:Geography; D006999:Hypocreales / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D038861:Medicine, Tibetan Traditional; D012819:Sikkim