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Ontawong A, Pengnet S, Thim-Uam A, Munkong N, Narkprasom N, Narkprasom K, Kuntakhut K, Kamkeaw N, Amornlerdpison D. A randomized controlled clinical trial examining the effects of Cordyceps militaris beverage on the immune response in healthy adults. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7994. [PMID: 38580687 PMCID: PMC10997757 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58742-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link (C. militaris) contains various beneficial substances, including polysaccharides (galactomannan), nucleotides (adenosine and cordycepin), cordycepic acid, amino acids, and sterols (ergosterol and beta-sitosterol). It also contains other essential nutrients, such as protein, vitamins (E, K, B1, B2, and B12), and minerals (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium). Due to the numerous health benefits of supplements and products containing C. militaris extract, their popularity has increased. However, the immunostimulant effect of C. militaris remains unclear. Therefore, this study developed a functional beverage from the submerged fermentation of C. militaris (FCM) and aimed to investigate the potential of FCM in healthy male and female volunteers in Phayao Province, Thailand. This study provides essential information for the development of healthy drink products. Healthy men and women were provided either FCM containing 2.85 mg of cordycepin or placebo for 8 weeks (n = 10 for each gender). The immune cell markers, immunoglobulins, and safety parameters were assessed initially at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks. The NK cell activity markedly increased in the male FCM group from baseline (p = 0.049) to 4 weeks after receiving FCM. Compared with those in the placebo group, the NK activity in women who received FCM for 8 weeks significantly increased (p = 0.023) from baseline. Within-group analysis revealed that the IL-1β levels were markedly reduced in the male FCM group (p = 0.049). Furthermore, the IL-6 levels decreased from baseline in the female FCM group (p = 0.047). The blood sugar, lipid, and safety indices were not different between the experimental groups. FCM can potentially be developed as an immune-boosting supplement without liver, kidney, or blood component toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atcharaporn Ontawong
- Division of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - Sirinat Pengnet
- Division of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - Arthid Thim-Uam
- Division of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - Narongsuk Munkong
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - Nukrob Narkprasom
- Division of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Agro-Industry, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand
| | - Kanjana Narkprasom
- Division of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Agro-Industry, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand
| | - Kullanat Kuntakhut
- Center of Excellence in Agricultural Innovation for Graduate Entrepreneur, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand
| | - Natakorn Kamkeaw
- Division of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - Doungporn Amornlerdpison
- Center of Excellence in Agricultural Innovation for Graduate Entrepreneur, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand.
- Faculty of Fisheries Technology and Aquatic Resources, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand.
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Pan M, Pan X, Zhou J, Wang J, Qi Q, Wang L. Update on hormone therapy for the management of postmenopausal women. Biosci Trends 2022; 16:46-57. [PMID: 35013031 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2021.01418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Hormone therapy (HT) has been used in postmenopausal women for decades in clinical practice. With further analysis and newer studies, the benefits and risks of HT have been repeatedly verified and discussed. HT is recommended for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms (VMS), genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and the prevention of osteoporosis. However, the precise association between HT and the risks of cardiovascular diseases, venous thromboembolism, neurodegenerative diseases, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer remains controversial. Therefore, determining how to take advantage of and control the risks of HT by adjusting the initiation time, regimen, and duration is crucial. Recent studies have indicated that HT is not related to the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, or breast cancer mortality although it might increase the incidence of some chronic diseases. For symptomatic postmenopausal women under the age of 60 without contraindications, early initiation of HT is safe and probably has a mortality benefit over the long term. Initiating HT close to menopause at the lowest effective dose is more likely to have maximal benefits and the lowest risks. Transdermal and vaginal HT may have a lower risk, but recent evidence suggests additional clinical benefits of oral HT formulations in relieving VMS and preventing osteoporosis. The pooled cohort risk equation for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and the free app named Menopro can be used to perform individual risk assessments. In addition, Chinese herbal medicines have benefits in alleviating hot flashes, depression, and menopausal symptoms, although further data are needed to strongly support their efficacy. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture have definite efficacy in the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms with few adverse effects, so they are a reasonable option as an alternative therapy for high-risk women. This review discusses the history of, guidelines on, and strategies for HT in order to make suggestions based on the most up-to-date evidence for the management of postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijun Pan
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyao Pan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Qi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Li X, Chen H, Yang H, Liu J, Li Y, Dang Y, Wang J, Wang L, Li J, Nie G. Study on the Potential Mechanism of Tonifying Kidney and Removing Dampness Formula in the Treatment of Postmenopausal Dyslipidemia Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Experimental Evidence. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:918469. [PMID: 35872979 PMCID: PMC9302042 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.918469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of menopausal dyslipidemia is the main measure to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. Tonifying Kidney and Removing Dampness Formula (TKRDF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula that ameliorates dyslipidemia in postmenopausal women. This study applied network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro and in vitro experiments to investigate the underlying mechanism of TKRDF against postmenopausal dyslipidemia. METHODS Network pharmacology research was first conducted, and the active compounds and targets of TKRDF, as well as the targets of postmenopausal dyslipidemia, were extracted from public databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were used to identify the potential targets and signaling pathways of TKRDF in postmenopausal dyslipidemia. Molecular docking was then performed to evaluate the combination of active compounds with principal targets. Finally, an ovariectomized rat model was used for the in vivo experiment and alpha mouse liver 12 (AML12) cells treated with palmitic acid were used for the in vitro experiments to provide further evidence for the research. RESULTS Based on network pharmacology analysis, we obtained 78 active compounds from TKRDF that acted on 222 targets of postmenopausal dyslipidemia. The analysis results indicated that IL6, TNF, VEGFA, AKT1, MAPK3, MAPK1, PPARG and PIK3CA, etc., were the potentially key targets, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was the possibly crucial pathway for TKRDF to treat postmenopausal dyslipidemia. Molecular docking suggested that the active compounds have good binding activity with the core targets. The in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that TKRDF ameliorates postmenopausal dyslipidemia by regulating hormone levels, inhibiting inflammation, promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting lipid synthesis, which appear to be related to TKRDF's regulation of the ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. CONCLUSION This study clarified the active ingredients, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of TKRDF for treating postmenopausal dyslipidemia. It also provided a feasible method to uncover the scientific basis and therapeutic mechanism for prescribing TCM in the treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Chen
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Dang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiajing Wang
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guangning Nie, ; Jun Li,
| | - Guangning Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guangning Nie, ; Jun Li,
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