The longevity of Chinese medicine as a natural cure
“The Last Of Us” Series Sparks Discussion on Medicinal Properties of Zombie-Causing Mushroom
The recently released series of “The Last Of Us”, based on the popular game, has sparked discussions on the medicinal properties of the cordyceps militaris mushroom, which is known to cause the transformation of a mushroom species into a zombie by taking over people’s brains. It has been recently discovered that this mushroom has been used as a source of healing for thousands of years in China and a variation of it has been found in Istanbul.
According to mycologist Selime Semra Erol, who has been conducting academic research on medicinal mushrooms, cordyceps has played an important role in Chinese traditional medicine for centuries due to its pharmacological properties. Erol explained that the fungus grows in high places in the Himalayas and Tibet and is consumed as food in India and China for its cordyceps ingredient.
Erol also revealed that a 2010 study demonstrated that cordyceps can inhibit the proliferation and migration of human bladder cancer cells, and that active substances and compounds contained in the medicinal mushroom are used in treatments for kidney and liver diseases.
The medicinal properties of cordyceps militaris are still relatively unknown and need more research to explore its potential for treating various diseases. However, the inclusion of this mushroom in popular culture, as seen in “The Last Of Us” series, has certainly sparked interest in its potential medicinal properties.
