Dibrugarh: A rare and highly valued species of mushroom, Cordyceps, has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district, drawing significant scientific attention.
The discovery was made during a mushroom exploration programme led by Dr Senpon Ngomle, Assistant Professor at the College of Agriculture, Pasighat under Central Agricultural University, along with Dr Yengkhom Disco Singh and P. Chattopadhyay.
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted the significance of the finding in a post on X, describing it as a “groundbreaking discovery” attracting global scientific interest.
He noted that the presence of Cordyceps in East Siang is particularly significant as it has been found at a relatively low altitude—an occurrence considered rare for the species.
Popularly known as “Himalayan Gold”, Cordyceps is prized for its bioactive compounds such as cordycepin and adenosine. These compounds are associated with potential health benefits including boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, supporting metabolic functions, and contributing to cancer research.
The discovery highlights the rich and largely untapped biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh and opens up new avenues for scientific research, sustainable cultivation, and livelihood generation in the region.
Researchers note that extensive pharmacological and biomedical studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Cordyceps in areas such as cancer management, metabolic disorders, immune dysfunction, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue repair.
Also Read | Policeman shot in Cachar during anti-drug operation, airlifted to Guwahati