- Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that infects insects, alters their behavior, and eventually kills the host—fueling its “zombie fungus” nickname.
- The fungus has been reported in Indonesia’s tropical forests, including Kalimantan, and is also being cultivated for research and herbal products.
- While Cordyceps is linked to potential immune, anti-inflammatory, and energy-related benefits, most evidence remains preclinical and human trials are still needed.
Cordyceps fungi, scientifically known as Ophiocordyceps sp., are parasitic fungi that infect various groups of insects and other arthropods.
They infect their hosts while the insects are still alive, alter their behavior, and can produce fruiting bodies that continue growing until the host eventually dies.
That is why Cordyceps is often described as having “zombie virus”–like abilities, echoing a popular science-fiction trope. The fungus even inspired the Hollywood series The Last of Us, which imagines a global zombie outbreak triggered by Cordyceps.
The way this “zombie” fungus infects its host begins with the release of spores that search for a suitable target—most commonly ants and other small insects. Once attached, the spores penetrate the insect’s body using cuticle-softening tools, including the chitinase enzyme, then multiply inside.
After entry, the fungal cells do not immediately attack the central nervous system (the brain). Instead, they spread through the hemolymph (an insect’s body fluid) and muscle tissue. To date, there is no scientific evidence showing direct brain manipulation in the way many people assume.
As the fungus intensifies metabolite production inside the insect, it disrupts biological rhythms and triggers behavioral manipulation. The insect is effectively “driven” to move toward conditions that best support the parasite’s growth and reproduction.
This is the stage when colonization becomes extreme and ultimately causes the insect’s death. Overall, the infection process takes time; Professor Charissa de Bekker of the University of Central Florida has described the symptoms as resembling a chronic cold that never fully goes away.
Many Cordyceps Species Worldwide and in Indonesia
Although often discussed as if it were a single organism, Cordyceps actually refers to a highly diverse group. Scientifically, the genus includes hundreds of parasitic species, each adapted to specific hosts and habitats. Most Cordyceps species thrive in humid environments with high insect diversity, such as tropical and subtropical forests.
Two of the best-known types globally are Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. Ophiocordyceps sinensis is naturally found in the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, where it grows by infecting moth larvae in highland soils. Cordyceps militaris, meanwhile, is easier to cultivate and is now widely used in health supplements.
Notably, Cordyceps is not limited to extreme high-altitude ecosystems and can also be found in tropical regions.
In Indonesia, Cordyceps-group fungi have been reported growing naturally in Borneo’s tropical forests, particularly in intact ecosystems rich in insect hosts.
Beyond wild habitats, Cordyceps has also been cultivated commercially in Indonesia for research and the herbal industry.
The Health Benefits of the ‘Zombie’ Fungus
Behind its unsettling reputation, Cordyceps has long been used in traditional Asian medicine and is now increasingly studied in modern biomedical research. It contains bioactive compounds such as cordycepin and adenosine, which are believed to have pharmacological potential.
A number of studies suggest Cordyceps may help support immune function, reduce inflammation, and act as an antioxidant.
It is also frequently linked to improved energy and stamina, which is why it is often marketed as a supplement to support physical performance.
In addition, early studies indicate Cordyceps may help support heart health, assist blood sugar regulation, and contribute to metabolic function. However, much of this evidence still comes from laboratory research and animal studies.
For that reason, researchers emphasize that Cordyceps’ benefits in humans still require further clinical trials.
As with any supplement, Cordyceps should be used responsibly and should not replace medical treatment that is already supported by strong clinical evidence.
Cordyceps Between Scientific Fact and Pop Culture
Cordyceps’ ability to alter insect behavior has made it a fixture in popular culture as a “zombie fungus.” It also served as inspiration for The Last of Us, which portrays a mutated Cordyceps triggering a worldwide catastrophe.
In reality, Cordyceps does not infect humans and does not control the brain in the way fiction suggests. Its mechanism is largely limited to insects and is thought to work through physiological disruption of muscles and metabolism, rather than direct takeover of the central nervous system.
By understanding Cordyceps through science, the fungus appears less like a threat and more like a remarkable natural phenomenon—one that offers insights into biology and may provide compounds with potential health value.
Indonesianpost.com | GNFI