Effect of changes in the growth conditions on a content of biologically active substances with antioxidant activity in fungi of the genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link.

Species of the genus Cordyceps (Fr.) Link are fungi that live on larvae and insect images, respectively on the fruiting bodies of truffles of the genus Elaphomyces. The best known representative of this genus is the species Cordyceps sinensis, known not only from traditional Chinese medicine, but also from the latest research in the discovery of the healing properties of these fungi. The medicinal properties and the significant proportion of rare biologically active substances in this species of fungus are often mentioned. Modern pharmacological studies show that Cordyceps has a pozitive effect on several biological systems. There is also a positive effect in antitumor therapy, treatment of AIDS, asthma, renal dysfunction, arrhythmia, liver diseases, it also has a positive effect on women's fertility, increases potency, reduces hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. The project is focused on the research of substrate properties and conditions for the cultivation of Cordyceps fungi, in order to influence the amount of biologically active substances with antioxidant capacity and to explain the causes of these changes. The research is focused on the identification of the quantity and quality of the studied chemical compounds present in the fungus, followed by the presumed biological screening.