Cordyceps Benefits and
Side Effects
Side Effects
Cordyceps [Caterpillar fungus, Deer fungus parasite, Chongcao]
Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi and some of its members including Cordyceps mycelium are
commonly used in herbal medicine. The popular species in commercial products are Cordyceps sinensis,
Cordyceps ophioglossoides, Cordyceps capita, and Cordyceps. militaris. Cordyceps militaris is a traditional
herbal ingredient frequently used for tonic and medicinal purposes in eastern Asia, while, Cordyceps sinensis
(dong chong xia cao; 冬蟲夏草) has been suggested to possess anti-tumor, immunostimulant and antioxidant
activities.
The chemical constituents for most species include cordycepin (3'-de-oxyadenosine) and its derivatives,
ergosterol, polysaccharides, a glycoprotein and peptides containing alpha-aminoisobutyric acid. [11] Their
benefits are suggested to include anti-tumour, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-
inflammatory, insecticidal, antimicrobial, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, anti-ageing, neuroprotective and
renoprotective effects. Polysaccharide accounts for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-
metastatic, immunomodulatory, hypoglycaemic, steroidogenic and hypolipidaemic effects. Cordycepin
contributes to the anti-tumour, insecticidal and antibacterial activity. Ergosterol exhibits anti-tumour and
immunomodulatory activity. [11]
More about Cordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps sinensis, a well-known and valued traditional Chinese medicine, is also called DongChongXiaCao
(winter worm summer grass) in Chinese. In herbal medicient, it is commonly used to replenish the kidney and
soothe the lung and it is belived to benefit fatigue, night sweating, hyposexualities, hyperglycemia,
hyperlipidemia, asthemia after severe illness, respiratory disease, renal dysfunction and renal failure,
arrhythmias and other heart disease, and liver disease. As the rarity and upstanding curative effects of natural
Cordyceps, several mycelial strains have been isolated from natural Cordyceps and manufactured in large
quantities by fermentation technology, and they are commonly sold as health food products in Asia. [8]
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CORDYCEPS
Cordyceps may promote liver health.
Researchers from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine proposed the use of Cordyceps sinensis
on liver fibrosis. In a study, they induced liver fibrosis in rats with dimethylnitrosamine and then they treated the
rats with Cordyceps sinensis. They found that the content of metalloproteinases-2 in Cordyceps sinensis-treated
group was significantly higher than that in the untreated group. Thus, cordyceps sinensis promoted collagen
degradation. [1]
Cordyceps may have benefits in diabetes.
Researchers from University of Macau, China, isolated a polysaccharide of molecular weight approximately
210kDa was isolated from cultured Cordyceps mycelia. This isolated polysaccharides, CSP-1, has a strong
antidant activity and a hypoglycemic effect on normal and alloxan-diabetic mice and streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic
rats. When administered at a dose of higher than 200mg/kg body wt. daily for 7 days, CSP-1 produced a
significant drop in blood glucose level in both STZ-induced diabetic rats and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. [3]
Researchers from China Agricultural University, Beijing, also noticed the blood glucose lowering effects of a
polysaccharide extracted from the fruting bodies and mycelia of Cordyceps militaris in a study of rats. The
hypoglycemic effect of this polysaccharide-enriched Cordyceps militaris extract was dose-dependent. [7]
Cordyceps have antioxidant activities. [5, 37-40]
Researchers from Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Taiwan, demonstrated the protective effects of
cultured Cordyceps militaris and natural Cordyceps sinensis against oxidative damage of biomolecules in a vitro
study. They both have free radical scavenging abilities. [5]
Cordyceps may have benefits in cancers.
The aqueous extract of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs), one of the traditional Chinese medicines, has been
demonstrated to benefit a wide range of disorders in either animal or test-tube studies. [9-31] Here are some
most recent animal or in vitro studies suggesting its benefits in cancers.
Korean researchers reported cytotoxic effects of cultivated fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris extracts against
the proliferation of the human premyelocytic leukemia cell HL-60 via the activation of caspase-3. [6]
Researchers from Nanjing University shouls that a polysaccharide extracted from a cultivated Cordyceps
sinensis fungus significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase activity of liver, brain and serum as well as
glutathione peroxidase activity of liver and brain in tumor-bearing mice. It also inhibited H22 tumor growth in the
mice.
Cordyceps sinensis mycelium was found to induce MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cell death. Researchers from
Taiwan found that Cordyceps sinensis induced MA-10 cell apoptosis by activating caspase-8-dependent and
caspase-9-independent pathways and downregulating NF-?B protein expression. [9]
Hong Kong researchers demonstrated that an ethanol extract of cultivated mycelium of a Cordyceps sinensis
fungal mycelium has strong anti-tumor activity on four cancer cell lines MCF-7 breast cancer, B16 mouse
melanoma, HL-60 human premyelocytic leukemia and HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma. In an animal
test, the EtOAc extract showed significant inhibiting effect on B16-induced melanoma in C57BL/6 mice, causing
about 60% decrease of tumor size over 27 days. In contrast, this extract had much lower cytotoxicity against
normal mouse bone marrow cells. Researchers reported that it contained mainly carbohydrates, adenosine,
ergosterol and trace amount of cordycepin. [10]
Cordyceps may help body defense, against infections and inflammation. Cordyceps may modulate immunity. [2,
4, 32, 42-47]
Cordyceps sinensis is believed to be an immunomodulator.Hong Kong researchers demonstrated that a
cultivated strain of Cordyceps sinensis induced the production of interleukin(IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor
necrosis factor alphaalpha from PBMC, augmented surface expression of CD25 on lymphocytes in a vitro study.
[2] While, researchers from Zhejiang University, China, desmonstrated increased ovalbumin-specific IgG, IgG1
and IgG2b serum levels after treating the mice with edible mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. [4]
A rat study has shown that a Cordyceps sinensis mycelium extract protected mice from group A streptococcal
infection. It increased IL-12 and IFN-gamma expression and macrophage phagocytic activities. [32]
Cordyceps show benefit in diabetes in a study of animals.
Korean researchers showed a water-extract of Cordyceps militaris ameliorated insulin resistance by enhancing
glucose utilization in skeletal muscles of rats. [33]
Cordyceps show benefit in memory deficits in a test-tube study.
The extract of Cordyceps ophioglossoides protected the Abeta-induced neuronal cell death and memory loss
through free radical scavenging activity. [34]
Cordyceps alter testosterone levels in mice.
Researchers from Taiwan noticed the stimulating effects of Cordyceps sinensis extracts on the secretion of
testosterone in mice; this effect is in dose- and time-dependent relationships. They are hoping this effect may
offer benefits to those with reproductive problems. [35]
Cordyceps show cholesterol-lowering effects in animal studies. [36,40]
In a study, researchers fed mice with cholesterol-enriched diet. They found that the serum total cholesterol (TC)
of all mice groups administered Cordyceps sinensis extracts with the cholesterol-enriched diet decreased more
than in the control group. [36]
Cordyceps show liver protection in animal studies.
Cordyceps sinensis may be able to adjust the T lymphocyte subsets level and to treat hepatic fibrosis in patients
with chronic hepatitis. In the study, the researchers supplied cordyceps sinensis to 25 patients suffered from
chronic hepatitis for three months. They found CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio increased significantly(P < 0.05), while
HA and PC III decreased significantly(P < 0.05) compared with the control. [L1]
In another study of rats, researchers from Korea demonstrated four weeks of administration of extracellular
biopolymers from mycelial liquid culture of Cordyceps militaris has a beneficial effect in rats with liver fibrosis. [L2]
Cordyceps show cardiobascular protection in animal studies.
Extracts of the fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis has been shown to exert beneficial effects on the
formation of the atherosclerotic lesion induced by oxidative stress with few side effects in a study of mice. In the
study, researchers fed mice with an atherogenic diet and treated with the extracts for 12 weeks. Mice fed the
atherogenic diet showed marked increases in serum lipid and lipid peroxide levels and also aortic cholesterol
levels, particularly cholesteryl ester level, a major lipid constituent in atherosclerotic lesions. According to the
authors, the extracts significantly suppressed the increased serum lipid peroxide level but not other lipid levels in
a dose-dependent manner. WECS also suppressed the increased aortic cholesteryl ester level in a dose-
dependent manner. [C1]
Researchers isolated a macromolecule from Cordyceps sinensis and they found this molecule has blood
pressure lowering and vaso-relaxing effects. The researchers explained that the vasorelaxation was mediated by
the endothelium possibly by stimulating the release of the nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing
factor. [C2]
SIDE EFFECTS OF CORDYCEPS
The side effects of Cordyceps sinensis are limited for recommended dosages. [48]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. STUDY RESULTS DEPEND ON EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS, EXTRACT
QUALITIES AND THE TYPES OF ANIMAL USED. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR
IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2009.
REFERENCE:
[1] Li FH, et al,Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao.
2006 Sep;4(5):514-7.[2] Ka Wai Lee S,et al, Immunomodulatory activities of HERBSnSENSES Cordyceps -- in vitro and in vivo
studies.Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2006;28(2):341-60. [3] Li SP, et al, Hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharide, with
antioxidation, isolated from cultured Cordyceps mycelia.Phytomedicine. 2006 Jun;13(6):428-33. Epub 2005 Sep 19. [4] Wu Y, et
al,Effect of various extracts and a polysaccharide from the edible mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis on cellular and humoral immune
response against ovalbumin in mice. Phytother Res. 2006 Aug;20(8):646-52. [5] Yu HM, et al, Comparison of protective effects
between cultured Cordyceps militaris and natural Cordyceps sinensis against oxidative damage. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Apr 19;
54(8):3132-8. [6] Lee H, et al, Induction of apoptosis by Cordyceps militaris through activation of caspase-3 in leukemia HL-60
cells.Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Apr;29(4):670-4. [7] Zhang G, et al, Hypoglycemic activity of the fungi Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps
sinensis, Tricholoma mongolicum, and Omphalia lapidescens in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Appl Microbiol Biotechnol.
2006 Mar 31. [8] Li SP, et al, Quality control of Cordyceps sinensis, a valued traditional Chinese medicine.J Pharm Biomed Anal.
2006 Aug 28;41(5):1571-84. Epub 2006 Feb 28. [8] Chen J, et al, Morphological and genetic characterization of a cultivated
Cordyceps sinensis fungus and its polysaccharide component possessing antioxidant property in H22 tumor-bearing mice.Life Sci.
2006 May 1;78(23):2742-8. Epub 2006 Feb 21. [9] Yang HY, et al, Cordyceps sinensis mycelium induces MA-10 mouse Leydig
tumor cell apoptosis by activating the caspase-8 pathway and suppressing the NF-kappaB pathway.Arch Androl. 2006 Mar-Apr;52
(2):103-10. [10] Wu JY, Zhang QX, Leung PH.Inhibitory effects of ethyl acetate extract of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium on various
cancer cells in culture and B16 melanoma in C57BL/6 mice.Phytomedicine. 2006 Jan 16. [11] Ng TB, et al, Pharmacological
actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine.J Pharm Pharmacol. 2005 Dec;57(12):1509-19. [12] Yang J, et al, Effects of
exopolysaccharide fraction (EPSF) from a cultivated Cordyceps sinensis fungus on c-Myc, c-Fos, and VEGF expression in B16
melanoma-bearing mice. Pathol Res Pract. 2005;201(11):745-50. Epub 2005 Oct 19. [13] Park C, et al, Growth inhibition of U937
leukemia cells by aqueous extract of Cordyceps militaris through induction of apoptosis.Oncol Rep. 2005 Jun;13(6):1211-6. [14]
Ishurd O et al, Structure analysis and antitumor activity of (1-->3)-beta-d-glucans (cordyglucans) from the mycelia of Cordyceps
sinensis.Planta Med. 2005 Apr;71(4):381-4. [15] Wang BJ, et al, Free radical scavenging and apoptotic effects of Cordyceps
sinensis fractionated by supercritical carbon dioxide.Food Chem Toxicol. 2005 Apr;43(4):543-52.[16] Buenz EJ et al, The
traditional Chinese medicine Cordyceps sinensis and its effects on apoptotic homeostasis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 4;96(1-2):
19-29. [17] Zhang W et al, Immunomodulatory and antitumour effects of an exopolysaccharide fraction from cultivated Cordyceps
sinensis (Chinese caterpillar fungus) on tumour-bearing mice.Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2005 Aug;42(Pt 1):9-15. [18] Zhang Q et
al, Induction of HL-60 apoptosis by ethyl acetate extract of Cordyceps sinensis fungal mycelium.Life Sci. 2004 Oct 29;75(24):2911-
9. [19] Chen YC, et al,Cordyceps sinensis mycelium activates PKA and PKC signal pathways to stimulate steroidogenesis in MA-10
mouse Leydig tumor cells, Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2005 Jan;37(1):214-23. [20] Yoo HS, et al, Effects of Cordyceps militaris
extract on angiogenesis and tumor growth.Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2004 May;25(5):657-65. [21] Nakamura K, et al, Combined effects
of Cordyceps sinensis and methotrexate on hematogenic lung metastasis in mice.Receptors Channels. 2003;9(5):329-34. [22] Kuo
YC, et al,Activation and proliferation signals in primary human T lymphocytes inhibited by ergosterol peroxide isolated from
Cordyceps cicadae. Br J Pharmacol. 2003 Nov;140(5):895-906. Epub 2003 Sep 22. [23] Shin KH, et al,Anti-tumour and immuno-
stimulating activities of the fruiting bodies of Paecilomyces japonica, a new type of Cordyceps spp. Phytother Res. 2003 Aug;17(7):
830-3. [24] Huang BM, et al, Cordyceps sinensis and its fractions stimulate MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cell steroidogenesis.J
Androl. 2001 Sep-Oct;22(5):831-7. [25] Huang BM, et al, Effects of extracted Cordyceps sinensis on steroidogenesis in MA-10
mouse Leydig tumor cells.Biol Pharm Bull. 2000 Dec;23(12):1532-5. [26]Chiu JH, et al, Cordyceps sinensis increases the
expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens on human hepatoma cell line HA22T/VGH cells.Am J Chin Med.
1998;26(2):159-70. [27] Liu J, et al, Anticarcinogenic effect and hormonal effect of Cordyceps militaris Link.Zhongguo Zhong Yao
Za Zhi. 1997 Feb;22(2):111-3. [28] Chen YJ, et al, Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the proliferation and differentiation of human
leukemic U937 cells.Life Sci. 1997;60(25):2349-59. [29] Kuo YC et al, Growth inhibitors against tumor cells in Cordyceps sinensis
other than cordycepin and polysaccharides.Cancer Invest. 1994;12(6):611-5. [30] Xu RH, et al, Effects of cordyceps sinensis on
natural killer activity and colony formation of B16 melanoma.Chin Med J (Engl). 1992 Feb;105(2):97-101. [31] Yoshida J, et al,
Antitumor activity of an extract of Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. against murine tumor cell lines.Jpn J Exp Med. 1989 Aug;59(4):
157-61. [32] Kuo CF, et al, Cordyceps sinensis mycelium protects mice from group A streptococcal infection.J Med Microbiol.
2005 Aug;54(Pt 8):795-802. [33] Choi SB, et al, Improvement of insulin resistance and insulin secretion by water extracts of
Cordyceps militaris, Phellinus linteus, and Paecilomyces tenuipes in 90% pancreatectomized rats.Biosci Biotechnol Biochem.
2004 Nov;68(11):2257-64. [34] Jin DQ, et al, Mycelial extract of Cordyceps ophioglossoides prevents neuronal cell death and
ameliorates beta-amyloid peptide-induced memory deficits in rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 Jul;27(7):1126-9. [35] Hsu CC et, In vivo
and in vitro stimulatory effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells. Life Sci. 2003 Sep 5;73(16):
2127-36. [36] Koh JH, et al, Hypocholesterolemic effect of hot-water extract from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Biol Pharm Bull.
2003 Jan;26(1):84-7. [L1] Gong HY, et al, Effects of cordyceps sinensis on T lymphocyte subsets and hepatofibrosis in patients with
chronic hepatitis B Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2000 Jun 28;25(3):248-50. [L2] Nan JX, et al, Antifibrotic effect of extracellular
biopolymer from submerged mycelial cultures of Cordyceps militaris on liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation and scission in
rats. Arch Pharm Res. 2001 Aug;24(4):327-32. [C1] Yamaguchi Y, et al, Inhibitory effects of water extracts from fruiting bodies of
cultured Cordyceps sinensis on raised serum lipid peroxide levels and aortic cholesterol deposition in atherosclerotic mice.
Phytother Res. 2000 Dec;14(8):650-2. [C2]Chiou WF, et al, protein constituent contributes to the hypotensive and vasorelaxant
activities of Cordyceps sinensis. Life Sci. 2000 Feb 25;66(14):1369-76. [37] Yamaguchi Y, et al, Antioxidant activity of the extracts
from fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis. Phytother Res. 2000 Dec;14(8):647-9. [38] Li SP, et al, Anti-oxidation activity
of different types of natural Cordyceps sinensis and cultured Cordyceps mycelia. Phytomedicine. 2001 May;8(3):207-12. [39] Shin
KH, et al, Antioxidant and immunostimulating activities of the fruiting bodies of Paecilomyces japonica, a new type of Cordyceps
sp. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2001 Apr;928:261-73. [40] Li SP, et la, A polysaccharide isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, a traditional
Chinese medicine, protects PC12 cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced injury. Life Sci. 2003 Sep 26;73(19):2503-13. [41]Kiho
T, et al, Polysaccharides in fungi. XXXVI. Hypoglycemic activity of a polysaccharide (CS-F30) from the cultural mycelium of
Cordyceps sinensis and its effect on glucose metabolism in mouse liver.Biol Pharm Bull. 1996 Feb;19(2):294-6. [42] Kuo YC, et al,
Cordyceps sinensis as an immunomodulatory agent. Am J Chin Med. 1996;24(2):111-25. [43] Yang LY, et al, Efficacy of a pure
compound H1-A extracted from Cordyceps sinensis on autoimmune disease of MRL lpr/lpr mice. J Lab Clin Med. 1999 Nov;134(5):
492-500. [44] Kuo YC, et al, Regulation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids cell function by the immunomodulatory agents from
Cordyceps sinensis. Life Sci. 2001 Jan 19;68(9):1067-82. [45] Koh JH, et al, Activation of macrophages and the intestinal immune
system by an orally administered decoction from cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2002 Feb;66
(2):407-11. [46] Weng SC, et al, Immunomodulatory functions of extracts from the Chinese medicinal fungus Cordyceps cicadae. J
Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Nov;83(1-2):79-85. [47] Kim KM, Methanol extract of Cordyceps pruinosa inhibits in vitro and in vivo
inflammatory mediators by suppressing NF-kappaB activation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2003 Jul 1;190(1):1-8. [48] Lu L. Study on
effect of Cordyceps sinensis and artemisinin in preventing recurrence of lupus nephritis Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2002
Mar;22(3):169-71.
Cordyceps is a genus of ascomycete fungi and some of its members including Cordyceps mycelium are
commonly used in herbal medicine. The popular species in commercial products are Cordyceps sinensis,
Cordyceps ophioglossoides, Cordyceps capita, and Cordyceps. militaris. Cordyceps militaris is a traditional
herbal ingredient frequently used for tonic and medicinal purposes in eastern Asia, while, Cordyceps sinensis
(dong chong xia cao; 冬蟲夏草) has been suggested to possess anti-tumor, immunostimulant and antioxidant
activities.
The chemical constituents for most species include cordycepin (3'-de-oxyadenosine) and its derivatives,
ergosterol, polysaccharides, a glycoprotein and peptides containing alpha-aminoisobutyric acid. [11] Their
benefits are suggested to include anti-tumour, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-
inflammatory, insecticidal, antimicrobial, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, anti-ageing, neuroprotective and
renoprotective effects. Polysaccharide accounts for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-
metastatic, immunomodulatory, hypoglycaemic, steroidogenic and hypolipidaemic effects. Cordycepin
contributes to the anti-tumour, insecticidal and antibacterial activity. Ergosterol exhibits anti-tumour and
immunomodulatory activity. [11]
More about Cordyceps sinensis
Cordyceps sinensis, a well-known and valued traditional Chinese medicine, is also called DongChongXiaCao
(winter worm summer grass) in Chinese. In herbal medicient, it is commonly used to replenish the kidney and
soothe the lung and it is belived to benefit fatigue, night sweating, hyposexualities, hyperglycemia,
hyperlipidemia, asthemia after severe illness, respiratory disease, renal dysfunction and renal failure,
arrhythmias and other heart disease, and liver disease. As the rarity and upstanding curative effects of natural
Cordyceps, several mycelial strains have been isolated from natural Cordyceps and manufactured in large
quantities by fermentation technology, and they are commonly sold as health food products in Asia. [8]
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CORDYCEPS
Cordyceps may promote liver health.
Researchers from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine proposed the use of Cordyceps sinensis
on liver fibrosis. In a study, they induced liver fibrosis in rats with dimethylnitrosamine and then they treated the
rats with Cordyceps sinensis. They found that the content of metalloproteinases-2 in Cordyceps sinensis-treated
group was significantly higher than that in the untreated group. Thus, cordyceps sinensis promoted collagen
degradation. [1]
Cordyceps may have benefits in diabetes.
Researchers from University of Macau, China, isolated a polysaccharide of molecular weight approximately
210kDa was isolated from cultured Cordyceps mycelia. This isolated polysaccharides, CSP-1, has a strong
antidant activity and a hypoglycemic effect on normal and alloxan-diabetic mice and streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic
rats. When administered at a dose of higher than 200mg/kg body wt. daily for 7 days, CSP-1 produced a
significant drop in blood glucose level in both STZ-induced diabetic rats and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. [3]
Researchers from China Agricultural University, Beijing, also noticed the blood glucose lowering effects of a
polysaccharide extracted from the fruting bodies and mycelia of Cordyceps militaris in a study of rats. The
hypoglycemic effect of this polysaccharide-enriched Cordyceps militaris extract was dose-dependent. [7]
Cordyceps have antioxidant activities. [5, 37-40]
Researchers from Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Taiwan, demonstrated the protective effects of
cultured Cordyceps militaris and natural Cordyceps sinensis against oxidative damage of biomolecules in a vitro
study. They both have free radical scavenging abilities. [5]
Cordyceps may have benefits in cancers.
The aqueous extract of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs), one of the traditional Chinese medicines, has been
demonstrated to benefit a wide range of disorders in either animal or test-tube studies. [9-31] Here are some
most recent animal or in vitro studies suggesting its benefits in cancers.
Korean researchers reported cytotoxic effects of cultivated fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris extracts against
the proliferation of the human premyelocytic leukemia cell HL-60 via the activation of caspase-3. [6]
Researchers from Nanjing University shouls that a polysaccharide extracted from a cultivated Cordyceps
sinensis fungus significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase activity of liver, brain and serum as well as
glutathione peroxidase activity of liver and brain in tumor-bearing mice. It also inhibited H22 tumor growth in the
mice.
Cordyceps sinensis mycelium was found to induce MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cell death. Researchers from
Taiwan found that Cordyceps sinensis induced MA-10 cell apoptosis by activating caspase-8-dependent and
caspase-9-independent pathways and downregulating NF-?B protein expression. [9]
Hong Kong researchers demonstrated that an ethanol extract of cultivated mycelium of a Cordyceps sinensis
fungal mycelium has strong anti-tumor activity on four cancer cell lines MCF-7 breast cancer, B16 mouse
melanoma, HL-60 human premyelocytic leukemia and HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma. In an animal
test, the EtOAc extract showed significant inhibiting effect on B16-induced melanoma in C57BL/6 mice, causing
about 60% decrease of tumor size over 27 days. In contrast, this extract had much lower cytotoxicity against
normal mouse bone marrow cells. Researchers reported that it contained mainly carbohydrates, adenosine,
ergosterol and trace amount of cordycepin. [10]
Cordyceps may help body defense, against infections and inflammation. Cordyceps may modulate immunity. [2,
4, 32, 42-47]
Cordyceps sinensis is believed to be an immunomodulator.Hong Kong researchers demonstrated that a
cultivated strain of Cordyceps sinensis induced the production of interleukin(IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and tumor
necrosis factor alphaalpha from PBMC, augmented surface expression of CD25 on lymphocytes in a vitro study.
[2] While, researchers from Zhejiang University, China, desmonstrated increased ovalbumin-specific IgG, IgG1
and IgG2b serum levels after treating the mice with edible mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. [4]
A rat study has shown that a Cordyceps sinensis mycelium extract protected mice from group A streptococcal
infection. It increased IL-12 and IFN-gamma expression and macrophage phagocytic activities. [32]
Cordyceps show benefit in diabetes in a study of animals.
Korean researchers showed a water-extract of Cordyceps militaris ameliorated insulin resistance by enhancing
glucose utilization in skeletal muscles of rats. [33]
Cordyceps show benefit in memory deficits in a test-tube study.
The extract of Cordyceps ophioglossoides protected the Abeta-induced neuronal cell death and memory loss
through free radical scavenging activity. [34]
Cordyceps alter testosterone levels in mice.
Researchers from Taiwan noticed the stimulating effects of Cordyceps sinensis extracts on the secretion of
testosterone in mice; this effect is in dose- and time-dependent relationships. They are hoping this effect may
offer benefits to those with reproductive problems. [35]
Cordyceps show cholesterol-lowering effects in animal studies. [36,40]
In a study, researchers fed mice with cholesterol-enriched diet. They found that the serum total cholesterol (TC)
of all mice groups administered Cordyceps sinensis extracts with the cholesterol-enriched diet decreased more
than in the control group. [36]
Cordyceps show liver protection in animal studies.
Cordyceps sinensis may be able to adjust the T lymphocyte subsets level and to treat hepatic fibrosis in patients
with chronic hepatitis. In the study, the researchers supplied cordyceps sinensis to 25 patients suffered from
chronic hepatitis for three months. They found CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio increased significantly(P < 0.05), while
HA and PC III decreased significantly(P < 0.05) compared with the control. [L1]
In another study of rats, researchers from Korea demonstrated four weeks of administration of extracellular
biopolymers from mycelial liquid culture of Cordyceps militaris has a beneficial effect in rats with liver fibrosis. [L2]
Cordyceps show cardiobascular protection in animal studies.
Extracts of the fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis has been shown to exert beneficial effects on the
formation of the atherosclerotic lesion induced by oxidative stress with few side effects in a study of mice. In the
study, researchers fed mice with an atherogenic diet and treated with the extracts for 12 weeks. Mice fed the
atherogenic diet showed marked increases in serum lipid and lipid peroxide levels and also aortic cholesterol
levels, particularly cholesteryl ester level, a major lipid constituent in atherosclerotic lesions. According to the
authors, the extracts significantly suppressed the increased serum lipid peroxide level but not other lipid levels in
a dose-dependent manner. WECS also suppressed the increased aortic cholesteryl ester level in a dose-
dependent manner. [C1]
Researchers isolated a macromolecule from Cordyceps sinensis and they found this molecule has blood
pressure lowering and vaso-relaxing effects. The researchers explained that the vasorelaxation was mediated by
the endothelium possibly by stimulating the release of the nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing
factor. [C2]
SIDE EFFECTS OF CORDYCEPS
The side effects of Cordyceps sinensis are limited for recommended dosages. [48]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. STUDY RESULTS DEPEND ON EXPERIMENTAL DESIGNS, EXTRACT
QUALITIES AND THE TYPES OF ANIMAL USED. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR
IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2009.
REFERENCE:
[1] Li FH, et al,Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao.
2006 Sep;4(5):514-7.[2] Ka Wai Lee S,et al, Immunomodulatory activities of HERBSnSENSES Cordyceps -- in vitro and in vivo
studies.Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2006;28(2):341-60. [3] Li SP, et al, Hypoglycemic activity of polysaccharide, with
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