虫草素是冬虫夏草中发现的一种核苷分子，可以通过化学合成和生物转化获得。虫草素已被广泛研究并被证明具有抗肿瘤活性。该活性包括对自噬过程的影响以及对 MAPK/ERK 和 Hedgehog 通路的抑制。最终，虫草素对肿瘤细胞的抑制作用是由于这些作用的相互作用。虫草素被证明可以增强放射疗法的治疗效果。越来越多的证据表明虫草素在多种癌症的治疗中发挥着抗癌作用。本综述旨在提供对虫草素抗肿瘤机制的清晰了解，并讨论其目前在肿瘤治疗中的应用。该信息可为虫草素作为抗肿瘤药物的进一步开发提供重要的理论依据和临床指导。

Cordycepin is a nucleoside molecule found in Cordyceps sinensis and can be obtained through chemical synthesis and biotransformation. Cordycepin has been extensively studied and has been shown to have antitumour activity. This activity includes effects on the autophagy process and inhibition of the MAPK/ERK and Hedgehog pathways. Ultimately, the inhibitory effect of cordycepin on tumour cells is due to the interplay of these effects. Cordycepin was shown to enhance the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy. There is increasing evidence indicating that cordycepin plays an anticancer role in the treatment of various cancers. The present review aims to provide a clear understanding of the antitumour mechanisms of cordycepin and discuss its present application in the treatment of tumours. This information can be an important theoretical basis and provide clinical guidance for the further development of cordycepin as an antitumour drug.