中文摘要：

蛹虫草[Cordyceps militaris（L）Link],又名北虫草,是一种菌虫复合体,是虫草属真菌的模式种。蛹虫草在其菌丝和子实体阶段能合成类胡萝卜素,其合成的类胡萝卜素大部分是稀有的水溶性类胡萝卜素和北虫草黄素。北虫草黄素作为一种天然色素,具有抗炎、抗癌、抗氧化等多种功效,可溶于水,着色效果好,在食品上有更广泛的应用空间,是亟待开发的一类具有活性功能的新型色素。本文就蛹虫草类胡萝卜素的产生、种类与性质、分离纯化和基因工程等研究状况进行了概括和归纳,希望能对后续的研究提供一些理论指导。

英文摘要：

Cordyceps militaris（L）Link,known as the North Chinese caterpillar fungus,is a complex worm-fungus which is considered as a model organism for the study of Cordyceps species in culture.C.militaris can synthesize carotenoids at their mycelium and fruiting stage.The dominant component of C.militaris carotenoids is the rare watersoluble carotenoid,Cordyxanthin.It is a natural pigment with several medicinal effects including anti-inflammatory,anti-cancer,antioxidant activities and so on.Cordyxanthin can be dissolved in water and has good coloring effect.It does not only be applied in food industry,but also is a new functional pigment.As a result,this novel pigment has great potential to develop.In this article,we introduce and summarize the current research situation of C.militaris carotenoids,such as its production,property,separation and purification,genetic engineering and so on.Therefore,this review would provide theoretical guidance for future researches.