East Siang, May 5:
A rare species of Cordyceps mushroom, globally prized for its medicinal and commercial value, has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district by a research team from the College of Horticulture and Forestry under the Central Agricultural University, led by Dr. Senpon Ngomle.
The discovery is being viewed as scientifically significant because Cordyceps species are typically found in high-altitude Himalayan regions above 3,000 metres. The occurrence of the fungus in a comparatively low-altitude area of East Siang has surprised researchers and opened new possibilities for ecological and biological studies in the region.
Cordyceps, often referred to as “Himalayan Gold,” is among the world’s most expensive medicinal fungi due to its high demand in traditional medicine and pharmaceutical industries. Internationally, premium wild Cordyceps collected from Himalayan regions such as Tibet and Nepal can fetch between ₹17 lakh and ₹34 lakh per kilogram in global markets, while exceptionally rare top-grade varieties have reportedly crossed ₹1 crore per kilogram in East Asian medicinal trade.
The fungus is valued for producing bioactive compounds such as cordycepin and adenosine, which are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer properties. For centuries, Cordyceps has been used in traditional Himalayan and Tibetan medicine to improve immunity, energy and overall health, and today it is widely used in health supplements and modern pharmaceutical products.
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According to the research team, the discovery highlights the immense yet largely unexplored fungal biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh. Scientists have already initiated laboratory studies to determine whether the specimen belongs to an already known species or represents a completely new species unknown to science.
Future research will focus on molecular analysis, genetic identification, cultivation methods and evaluation of its medicinal potential. Researchers also aim to explore sustainable harvesting and conservation practices to ensure long-term ecological protection while creating possible economic opportunities for local communities.
Experts believe the breakthrough could pave the way for advanced scientific research, biodiversity conservation and livelihood generation in Arunachal Pradesh through sustainable cultivation and value-added medicinal products. The finding further reinforces the state’s growing importance as a hotspot of rare biological resources and scientific exploration.
