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Dewi L, Liao YC, Jean WH, Huang KC, Huang CY, Chen LK, Nicholls A, Lai LF, Kuo CH. Cordyceps sinensis accelerates stem cell recruitment to human skeletal muscle after exercise. Food Funct 2024; 15:4010-4020. [PMID: 38501161 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03770c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Cordyceps sinensis is a parasitic fungus known to induce immune responses. The impact of Cordyceps supplementation on stem cell homing and expansion to human skeletal muscle after exercise remains unexplored. In this study, we examined how pre-exercise Cordyceps supplementation influences cell infiltration, CD34+ cell recruitment, and Pax7+ cell expansion in human skeletal muscle after high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on a cycloergometer. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted with 14 young adults (age: 24 ± 0.8 years). A placebo (1 g cornstarch) and Cordyceps (1 g Cordyceps sinensis) were administered before exercise (at 120% maximal aerobic power). Multiple biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis for muscle tissue analysis before and after HIIE. This exercise regimen doubled the VEGF mRNA in the muscle at 3 h post-exercise (P = 0.006). A significant necrotic cell infiltration (+284%, P = 0.05) was observed 3 h after HIIE and resolved within 24 h. This response was substantially attenuated by Cordyceps supplementation. Moreover, we observed increases in CD34+ cells at 24 h post-exercise, notably accelerated by Cordyceps supplementation to 3 h (+51%, P = 0.002). This earlier response contributed to a four-fold expansion in Pax7+ cell count, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence double staining (CD34+/Pax7+) (P = 0.01). In conclusion, our results provide the first human evidence demonstrating the accelerated resolution of exercise-induced muscle damage by Cordyceps supplementation. This effect is associated with earlier stem cell recruitment into the damaged sites for muscle regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luthfia Dewi
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, University of Taipei, Tianmu Campus, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Nutrition, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Yu-Chieh Liao
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, University of Taipei, Tianmu Campus, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Horng Jean
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Far East Memorial Hospital, No. 21, Sec. 2, Nanya S. Rd, Banciao Dist., New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chin Huang
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 970, Taiwan
- Center of General Education, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 970, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Kung Chen
- Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital (Managed by Taipei Veterans General Hospital), Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Andrew Nicholls
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, University of Taipei, Tianmu Campus, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Fan Lai
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, University of Taipei, Tianmu Campus, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Hua Kuo
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry, University of Taipei, Tianmu Campus, Taipei, Taiwan.
- School of Physical Education and Sports Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg VA, USA
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Lu T, Zhou L, Chu Z, Song Y, Wang Q, Zhao M, Dai C, Chen L, Cheng G, Wang J, Guo Q. Cordyceps sinensis relieves non-small cell lung cancer by inhibiting the MAPK pathway. Chin Med 2024; 19:54. [PMID: 38528546 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00895-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacodynamic mechanism underlying Cordyceps sinensis relief in a murine model of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS We created a murine model of NSCLC and studied the potential molecular mechanism by which C. sinensis relieved NSCLC using a combination of transcriptomics, proteomics, and experimental validation. RESULTS C. sinensis markedly suppressed the fluorescence values in mice with NSCLC, improved the pathologic morphology of lung tissue, ameliorated inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and the oxidative stress indicators superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase). Transcriptomics results showed that the therapeutic effect of C. sinensis was primarily involved in the differentiation and activation of T cells. Based on the proteomic results, C. sinensis likely exerted a protective effect by recruiting immune cells and suppressing tumor cell proliferation via the MAPK pathway. Finally, the experimental validation results indicated that C. sinensis significantly decreased the VEGF and Ki67 expression, downregulated RhoA, Raf-1, and c-fos expression, which are related to cell migration and invasion, increased the serum concentration of hematopoietic factors (EPO and GM-CSF), and improved the percentage of immune cells (natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes), which enhanced immune function. CONCLUSIONS Based on our preclinical study, C. sinensis was shown to exert a protective effect on NSCLC, primarily by inhibiting the MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianming Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Lirun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Zheng Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yang Song
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qixin Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Minghong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Chuanhao Dai
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Lin Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Guangqing Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qiuyan Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
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Monga S, Fares B, Yashaev R, Melamed D, Kahana M, Fares F, Weizman A, Gavish M. The Effect of Natural-Based Formulation (NBF) on the Response of RAW264.7 Macrophages to LPS as an In Vitro Model of Inflammation. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030321. [PMID: 35330323 PMCID: PMC8955716 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are some of the most important immune cells in the organism and are responsible for creating an inflammatory immune response in order to inhibit the passage of microscopic foreign bodies into the blood stream. Sometimes, their activation can be responsible for chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis, hepatitis, sinusitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and viral infections. Prolonged inflammation can damage the organs or may lead to death in serious conditions. In the present study, RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 20 ng/mL) and simultaneously treated with 20 µg/mL of natural-based formulation (NBF), mushroom–cannabidiol extract). Pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory markers were analyzed. The elevations in the presence of interleukin-6 (IL-6), cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2), C-C motif ligand-5 (CCL5), and nitrite response, following exposure to LPS, were completely inhibited by NBF administration. IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) release were inhibited by 3.9-fold and 1.5-fold, respectively. No toxic effect of NBF, as assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, was observed. Treatment of the cells with NBF significantly increased the mRNA levels of TLR2, and TLR4, but not NF-κB. Thus, it appears that the NBF possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects which can attenuate the release of pro-inflammatory markers. NBF may be a candidate for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheelu Monga
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (S.M.); (F.F.)
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; (R.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Basem Fares
- Cannabotech Ltd., 3 Arik Einstein St., Herzliya 4659071, Israel; (B.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Rami Yashaev
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; (R.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Dov Melamed
- Cannabotech Ltd., 3 Arik Einstein St., Herzliya 4659071, Israel; (B.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Meygal Kahana
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; (R.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Fuad Fares
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (S.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Research Unit, Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva 4910002, Israel
| | - Moshe Gavish
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; (R.Y.); (M.K.)
- Correspondence:
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Das G, Shin HS, Leyva-Gómez G, Prado-Audelo MLD, Cortes H, Singh YD, Panda MK, Mishra AP, Nigam M, Saklani S, Chaturi PK, Martorell M, Cruz-Martins N, Sharma V, Garg N, Sharma R, Patra JK. Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:602364. [PMID: 33628175 PMCID: PMC7898063 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.602364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, interest in the Cordyceps genus has amplified due to its immunostimulatory potential. Cordyceps species, its extracts, and bioactive constituents have been related with cytokine production such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, phagocytosis stimulation of immune cells, nitric oxide production by increasing inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, and stimulation of inflammatory response via mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Other pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anti-cancer, antihyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, vasorelaxation, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, and kidney protection, has been reported in pre-clinical studies. These biological activities are correlated with the bioactive compounds present in Cordyceps including nucleosides, sterols, flavonoids, cyclic peptides, phenolic, bioxanthracenes, polyketides, and alkaloids, being the cyclic peptides compounds the most studied. An organized review of the existing literature was executed by surveying several databanks like PubMed, Scopus, etc. using keywords like Cordyceps, cordycepin, immune system, immunostimulation, immunomodulatory, pharmacology, anti-cancer, anti-viral, clinical trials, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, phytochemical analysis, and different species names. This review collects and analyzes state-of-the-art about the properties of Cordyceps species along with ethnopharmacological properties, application in food, chemical compounds, extraction of bioactive compounds, and various pharmacological properties with a special focus on the stimulatory properties of immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitishree Das
- Research Institute of Biotechnology and Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, South Korea
| | - Han-Seung Shin
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, South Korea
| | - Gerardo Leyva-Gómez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - María L. Del Prado-Audelo
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Hernán Cortes
- Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Yengkhom Disco Singh
- Department of Post-Harvest Technology, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat, India
| | - Manasa Kumar Panda
- Environment and Sustainability Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Abhay Prakash Mishra
- Adarsh Vijendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shobhit University, Saharanpur, India
| | - Manisha Nigam
- Department of Biochemistry, H. N. B. Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, India
| | - Sarla Saklani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, H. N. B. Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, India
| | | | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, Alameda Prof. Hernani Monteiro, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Vineet Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Neha Garg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Jayanta Kumar Patra
- Research Institute of Biotechnology and Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, South Korea
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Kour H, Kour S, Sharma Y, Singh S, Sharma I, Kour D, Yadav AN. Bioprospecting of Industrially Important Mushrooms. Fungal Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85603-8_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Hama M, Elshamy AI, Yoneyama T, Kasai Y, Yamamoto H, Tanigawa K, Oshiro A, Noji M, Ban S, Imagawa H, Umeyama A. New alkaloidal metabolites from cultures of entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps takaomontana NBRC 101754. Fitoterapia 2019; 139:104364. [PMID: 31629870 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2019.104364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Two new alkaloidal metabolites, cordytakaoamides A (1) and B (2), as well as, 2-[(2-hydroxyethyl) amino] benzoic acid (3) and 2E-decenamide (4), and three known compounds (5-7) were isolated from ethyl acetate and n-butanol soluble portions of the entomopathogenic fungus, Cordyceps takaomontana NBRC 101754. Compounds 3 and 4 were isolated here for first time from natural resources. The chemical structures were established depending upon spectroscopic techniques such as 1D, 2D NMR, and HRMS. The absolute configuration of 1 and 2 was elucidated via the total synthesis of 1 as well as the experimental circular dichroism. Compound 3 was confirmed by a signal crystal X-ray analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maichi Hama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Abdelsamed I Elshamy
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan; Chemistry of Natural Compounds Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622 Giza, Egypt.
| | - Tatsuro Yoneyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kasai
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Hirohumi Yamamoto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Kana Tanigawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Ayari Oshiro
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Masaaki Noji
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Sayaka Ban
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Imagawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Akemi Umeyama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
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Wen Z, Du X, Meng N, Li Y, Mi R, Li X, Sun Y, Ma S, Li S. Tussah silkmoth pupae improve anti-tumor properties of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link by increasing the levels of major metabolite cordycepin. RSC Adv 2019; 9:5480-5491. [PMID: 35515955 PMCID: PMC9060897 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra09491h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Silkworms have been reported to promote the growth and production of the stromata of C. militaris (L.) Link as a parasite insect medium and may improve its metabolites. The effects of Tussah silkmoth pupae (TG group) and rice (RG group) on the metabolic profile of C. militaris (L.) Link were compared by metabolomics. Meanwhile, the profile of natural C. sinensis (NG group) was also analyzed. The functions of these metabolites from different groups and cordycepin were tested using breast cancer cells and an animal model. 292 metabolites were detected, including 51, 31 and 23 unique metabolites from the TG, RG and NG groups, respectively. The level of 3-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin with anti-tumor activity) was highest in the TG group. Tussah silkmoth pupae induced the biosynthesis of cordycepin and unsaturated fatty acids, which may be beneficial in the prevention of breast cancer. The TG group and cordycepin had significant inhibitory activities on breast cancer cells and in animal models when compared with the two other groups. Tussah silkmoth pupae improved the metabolic profile of C. militaris (L.) Link, which has more pharmaceutical metabolites than C. sinensis. Tussah silkmoth pupae improved the metabolic profile of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link by upregulating 3-deoxyadenosine (with anti-tumor activity) and insulin secretion.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Wen
- Dalian Biotechnology Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shida Street No. 2 Dalian 116024 China +8641184790092 +8641184790092
| | - Xingfan Du
- Dalian Biotechnology Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shida Street No. 2 Dalian 116024 China +8641184790092 +8641184790092
| | - Nan Meng
- Dalian Biotechnology Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shida Street No. 2 Dalian 116024 China +8641184790092 +8641184790092
| | - Yajie Li
- Dalian Biotechnology Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shida Street No. 2 Dalian 116024 China +8641184790092 +8641184790092
| | - Rui Mi
- Dalian Biotechnology Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shida Street No. 2 Dalian 116024 China +8641184790092 +8641184790092
| | - Xuejun Li
- Dalian Biotechnology Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shida Street No. 2 Dalian 116024 China +8641184790092 +8641184790092
| | - Yongxin Sun
- Dalian Biotechnology Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shida Street No. 2 Dalian 116024 China +8641184790092 +8641184790092
| | - Shuhui Ma
- Dalian Biotechnology Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shida Street No. 2 Dalian 116024 China +8641184790092 +8641184790092
| | - Shuying Li
- Dalian Biotechnology Institute, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences Shida Street No. 2 Dalian 116024 China +8641184790092 +8641184790092
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Zuo TT, Li YL, Jin HY, Gao F, Wang Q, Wang YD, Ma SC. HPLC-ICP-MS speciation analysis and risk assessment of arsenic in Cordyceps sinensis. Chin Med 2018; 13:19. [PMID: 29686726 PMCID: PMC5902960 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-018-0178-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cordyceps sinensis, one of the most valued traditional herbal medicines in China, contains high amount of arsenic. Considering the adverse health effects of arsenic, this is of particular concern. The aim of this study was to determine and analyze arsenic speciation in C. sinensis, and to measure the associated human health risks. METHODS We used microwave extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine and analyze the arsenic content in C. sinensis, and measured the associated human health risks according to the hazard index (HI), lifetime cancer risk (CR), and target hazard quotient (THQ). RESULTS The main arsenic speciation in C. sinensis were not the four organic arsenic compounds, including dimethyl arsenic, monomethyl arsenic, arsenobetaine, and arsenocholine, but comprised inorganic arsenic and other unknown risk arsenic compounds. HI scores indicated that the risk of C. sinensis was acceptable. CR results suggested that the cancer risk was greater than the acceptable lifetime risk of 10-5, even at low exposure levels. THQ results indicated that at the exposure level < 2.0 months/year, the arsenic was not likely to harm human health during a lifetime; however, if the exposure rate was > 3.0 months/year, the systemic effects of the arsenic in C. sinensis was of great concern. CONCLUSION The arsenic in C. sinensis might not be free of risks. The suggested C. sinensis consumption rate of 2.0 months/year provided important insights into the ways by which to minimize potential health risks. Our study not only played the role of "cast a brick to attract jade" by which to analyze arsenic speciation in C. sinensis but also offered a promising strategy of risk assessment for harmful residues in traditional herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Tian Zuo
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2 Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Yao-Lei Li
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2 Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Hong-Yu Jin
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2 Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Fei Gao
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2 Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Qi Wang
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2 Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Ya-Dan Wang
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2 Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Shuang-Cheng Ma
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2 Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050 China
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Qiu W, Wu J, Choi JH, Hirai H, Nishida H, Kawagishi H. Cytotoxic compounds against cancer cells from Bombyx mori inoculated with Cordyceps militaris. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2017; 81:1224-1226. [DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2017.1289075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Two compounds, 3′-deoxyinosine and cordycepin, were isolated from Bombyx mori inoculated with Cordyceps militaris. In the bioassay examining cytotoxicity against cancer cells, both compounds showed toxicity against A549, PANC-1, and MCF-7 cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitao Qiu
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Jing Wu
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Jae-Hoon Choi
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
- College of Agriculture, Academic Institute, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Hirai
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
- College of Agriculture, Academic Institute, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishida
- Faculty of Applied Life Sciences, Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kawagishi
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
- College of Agriculture, Academic Institute, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
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Chiu CP, Hwang TL, Chan Y, El-Shazly M, Wu TY, Lo IW, Hsu YM, Lai KH, Hou MF, Yuan SS, Chang FR, Wu YC. Research and development of Cordyceps in Taiwan. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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11
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The Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Actions of Cordyceps sinensis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:575063. [PMID: 25960753 PMCID: PMC4415478 DOI: 10.1155/2015/575063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cordyceps sinensis, also called DongChongXiaCao (winter worm, summer grass) in Chinese, is becoming increasingly popular and important in the public and scientific communities. This study summarizes the chemical constituents and their corresponding pharmacological actions of Cordyceps sinensis. Many bioactive components of Cordyceps sinensis have been extracted including nucleoside, polysaccharide, sterol, protein, amino acid, and polypeptide. In addition, these constituents' corresponding pharmacological actions were also shown in the study such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antiapoptosis, and immunomodulatory actions. Therefore can use different effects of C. sinensis against different diseases and provide reference for the study of Cordyceps sinensis in the future.
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Lo HC, Hsieh C, Lin FY, Hsu TH. A Systematic Review of the Mysterious Caterpillar Fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis in Dong-ChongXiaCao ( Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo) and Related Bioactive Ingredients. J Tradit Complement Med 2013; 3:16-32. [PMID: 24716152 PMCID: PMC3924981 DOI: 10.4103/2225-4110.106538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn.Cordyceps sinensis), which was originally used in traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine, is called either "yartsa gunbu" or "DongChongXiaCao ( Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo)" ("winter worm-summer grass"), respectively. The extremely high price of DongChongXiaCao, approximately USD $20,000 to 40,000 per kg, has led to it being regarded as "soft gold" in China. The multi-fungi hypothesis has been proposed for DongChongXiaCao; however, Hirsutella sinensis is the anamorph of O. sinensis. In Chinese, the meaning of "DongChongXiaCao" is different for O. sinensis, Cordyceps spp., and Cordyceps sp. Over 30 bioactivities, such as immunomodulatory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, have been reported for wild DongChongXiaCao and for the mycelia and culture supernatants of O. sinensis. These bioactivities derive from over 20 bioactive ingredients, mainly extracellular polysaccharides, intracellular polysaccharides, cordycepin, adenosine, mannitol, and sterols. Other bioactive components have been found as well, including two peptides (cordymin and myriocin), melanin, lovastatin, γ-aminobutyric acid, and cordysinins. Recently, the bioactivities of O. sinensis were described, and they include antiarteriosclerosis, antidepression, and antiosteoporosis activities, photoprotection, prevention and treatment of bowel injury, promotion of endurance capacity, and learning-memory improvement. H. sinensis has the ability to accelerate leukocyte recovery, stimulate lymphocyte proliferation, antidiabetes, and improve kidney injury. Starting January 1(st), 2013, regulation will dictate that one fungus can only have one name, which will end the system of using separate names for anamorphs. The anamorph name "H. sinensis" has changed by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants to O. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chen Lo
- Department of Nutritional Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chienyan Hsieh
- Department of Biotechnology, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Yanchao Township, Kao-Hsiung County, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Yi Lin
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Healthcare and Department of Bioindustry Technology, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Hao Hsu
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Healthcare and Department of Bioindustry Technology, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, Taiwan
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Lo HC, Hsieh C, Lin FY, Hsu TH. A Systematic Review of the Mysterious Caterpillar Fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis in DongChongXiaCao (冬蟲夏草 Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo) and Related Bioactive Ingredients. J Tradit Complement Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s2225-4110(16)30164-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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14
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Yue K, Ye M, Zhou Z, Sun W, Lin X. The genus Cordyceps: a chemical and pharmacological review. J Pharm Pharmacol 2012; 65:474-93. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.2012.01601.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Natural remedies are becoming increasingly popular and important in the public and scientific communities. Historically, natural remedies have been shown to present interesting biological and pharmacological activity and are used as chemotherapeutic agents. For centuries Cordyceps, which is a genus of more than 400 species in the family Clavicipitaceae, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. This study highlights the chemistry and pharmacology of Cordyceps, especially Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. and C. militaris (Fr.) L. Information was obtained from Google Scholar and the journal databases PubMed and Scopus.
Key findings
Many bioactive components of Cordyceps have been extracted, such as cordycepin, cordycepic acid, ergosterol, polysaccharides, nucleosides and peptides. Studies show that Cordyceps and its active principles possess a wide range of pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antihyperglycaemic, antiapoptosis, immunomodulatory, nephroprotective, and hepatoprotective.
Summary
More research is required to discover the full extent of the activity of Cordyceps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yue
- College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Meng Ye
- College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Zuji Zhou
- College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China
| | - Wen Sun
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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15
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Cui HL, Chen Y, Wang SS, Kai GQ, Fang YM. Isolation, partial characterisation and immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharide from Morchella esculenta. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2011; 91:2180-2185. [PMID: 21567413 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.4436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2010] [Revised: 03/19/2011] [Accepted: 03/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polysaccharides extracted from fungi or algae have shown a variety of medical activities, and the exploitation of polysaccharides for application in pharmacy has been very promising. In this study, the immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharides from Morchella esculenta were investigated to identify immunostimulatory activity and potentially contribute to the therapeutic potential of Morchella esculenta. RESULTS A water-soluble polysaccharide, MEP, was obtained from the fermentation broth of Morchella esculenta. Two fractions of this polysaccharide (MEP-I and MEP-II) were extracted and purified. High-performance gel permeation chromatography analysis showed the average molecular weights of two polysaccharides. Structural properties and compositions of these two fractions were examined by Fourier transform infrared and a high-performance liquid chromatography with an evaporative light scattering detector. Active experiments suggested that the MEP had typical immunostimulatory activity. CONCLUSION These bioactivity tests showed that the polysaccharides from Morchella esculenta presented significant immune modulating activity, and this finding may offer the basis for the popular use of polysaccharides in functional foods or medicine.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/chemistry
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/isolation & purification
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology
- Animals
- Animals, Outbred Strains
- Ascomycota/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Culture Media, Conditioned/chemistry
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Discovery
- Fermentation
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Lymphocytes/drug effects
- Lymphocytes/immunology
- Macrophage Activation/drug effects
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/drug effects
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/immunology
- Macrophages, Peritoneal/metabolism
- Mice
- Molecular Weight
- Monosaccharides/analysis
- Nitric Oxide/metabolism
- Polysaccharides/administration & dosage
- Polysaccharides/chemistry
- Polysaccharides/isolation & purification
- Polysaccharides/pharmacology
- Random Allocation
- Solubility
- Spleen/cytology
- Spleen/drug effects
- Spleen/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Li Cui
- School of Life Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, Anhui, China
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Shi B, Wang Z, Jin H, Chen YW, Wang Q, Qian Y. Immunoregulatory Cordyceps sinensis increases regulatory T cells to Th17 cell ratio and delays diabetes in NOD mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2010; 9:582-6. [PMID: 19557879 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2009.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a parasitic fungus, and it has been used widely in traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) for centuries. Many studies have shown that CS has immunoregulatory activity in many disease models, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. We studied whether CS could suppress the onset of diabetes by altering T lymphocyte subsets in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. We found that the onset of type 1 diabetes in NOD mice was associated with an imbalance of CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells and IL-17 producing Th17 cells. Oral administration of CS resulted in reduction in the overall incidence of diabetes, and this was due to an increase in the ratio of Treg cells to Th17 in the spleen and pancreatic lymph nodes (PLNs). Taken together, these data imply that CS is able to modulate Treg to Th17 cell ratio in vivo, thus contributing to the inhibition of diabetes.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CD4 Antigens
- Cell Movement
- Cordyceps
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/pathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/physiopathology
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
- Female
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/immunology
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Interleukin-17/genetics
- Interleukin-17/immunology
- Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/pathology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyi Shi
- The Organ Transplant Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Cheung JKH, Li J, Cheung AWH, Zhu Y, Zheng KYZ, Bi CWC, Duan R, Choi RCY, Lau DTW, Dong TTX, Lau BWC, Tsim KWK. Cordysinocan, a polysaccharide isolated from cultured Cordyceps, activates immune responses in cultured T-lymphocytes and macrophages: signaling cascade and induction of cytokines. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2009; 124:61-8. [PMID: 19446414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 04/06/2009] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cordyceps sinensis, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, possesses activities in anti-tumor, anti-oxidation and stimulating the immune response; however, the identity of active component(s) is not determined. A strain of Cordyceps sinensis, namely UST 2000, has been isolated. By using activity-guided purification, a novel polysaccharide of molecular weight approximately 82 kDa was isolated from the conditioned medium of cultured Cordyceps. The isolated exo-polysaccharide, namely cordysinocan, contains glucose, mannose, galactose in a ratio of 2.4:2:1. In cultured T-lymphocytes, application of cordysinocan induced the cell proliferation and the secretion of interleukin-2, interleukin-6 and interleukin-8. In addition, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) was induced transiently by the treatment of cordysinocan. Moreover, application of cordysinocan in cultured macrophages increased the phagocytosis activity and the enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase. These results therefore verify the important role of Cordyceps polysaccharide in triggering such immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry K H Cheung
- Department of Biology and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China
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Akaki J, Matsui Y, Kojima H, Nakajima S, Kamei K, Tamesada M. Structural analysis of monocyte activation constituents in cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis. Fitoterapia 2009; 80:182-7. [PMID: 19535024 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2009.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2008] [Revised: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 01/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
It has been reported that mycelia of the Cordyceps sinensis (CS) can function as an immunostimulant. However, the active constituents of the mycelia are not well known. In this study, we investigated which components of the mycelia of CS induce monocyte activation and then structurally analyzed the active components. Assay of the effect of crude-(CS-P), soluble-(CS-Ps) and insoluble-(CS-Pp), polysaccharides extracted from the mycelia of CS, on macrophage production of TNF-alpha, indicated that CS-Pp enhanced TNF-alpha production to the highest extent. Furthermore, Structural analyses demonstrated that CS-Pp is a 1,3-beta-D-glucan contained some 1,6-branched chains and the mean particle diameter is 1.5 mum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Akaki
- Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., R&D Company, 1-30-3 Toyokawa, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0057, Japan
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Paterson RRM. Cordyceps: a traditional Chinese medicine and another fungal therapeutic biofactory? PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2008; 69:1469-95. [PMID: 18343466 PMCID: PMC7111646 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2008.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2007] [Revised: 01/17/2008] [Accepted: 01/18/2008] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) are growing in popularity. However, are they effective? Cordyceps is not studied as systematically for bioactivity as another TCM, Ganoderma. Cordyceps is fascinating per se, especially because of the pathogenic lifestyle on Lepidopteron insects. The combination of the fungus and dead insect has been used as a TCM for centuries. However, the natural fungus has been harvested to the extent that it is an endangered species. The effectiveness has been attributed to the Chinese philosophical concept of Yin and Yang and can this be compatible with scientific philosophy? A vast literature exists, some of which is scientific, although others are popular myth, and even hype. Cordyceps sinensis is the most explored species followed by Cordyceps militaris. However, taxonomic concepts were confused until a recent revision, with undefined material being used that cannot be verified. Holomorphism is relevant and contamination might account for some of the activity. The role of the insect has been ignored. Some of the analytical methodologies are poor. Data on the "old" compound cordycepin are still being published: ergosterol and related compounds are reported despite being universal to fungi. There is too much work on crude extracts rather than pure compounds with water and methanol solvents being over-represented in this respect (although methanol is an effective solvent). Excessive speculation exists as to the curative properties. However, there are some excellent pharmacological data and relating to apoptosis. For example, some preparations are active against cancers or diabetes which should be fully investigated. Polysaccharides and secondary metabolites are of particular interest. The use of genuine anamorphic forms in bioreactors is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Russell M Paterson
- Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (IBB), Centre of Biological Engineering, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
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