Effect of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on sperm production, sperm motility and hormones in Sprague-Dawley rats

Genotoxicity, acute and sub-acute toxicity profiles of methanolic Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr. extract in Swiss Albino Mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cordyceps militaris, a traditional medicinal fungus, parasitizes the intestines of lepidopteron pupae or larvae, predominantly during the winter, and undergoes fruiting in the summer or autumn. Compounds extracted from C. militaris have demonstrated a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-metastatic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-diabetic, and various others.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Herein, our study aimed at elucidating the acute, sub-acute toxicity, and genotoxicity profiles of C. militaris methanolic extract following oral administration in Swiss albino mice, representing the inaugural comprehensive exploration of the toxicological and safety profiles of C. militaris.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prior studies have predominantly focused on its biological activities rather than its toxicity. Acute oral toxicity study was conducted at 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/Kg B.W. doses of C. militaris over a 14-day period. For sub-acute toxicity study, three groups of mice were administered 100, 300, and 600 mg/Kg B.W. of C. militaris extract for 28 consecutive days; one group served as a control. Mice were monitored for their body weight and behavioural changes once daily. Hematological, serum biochemical, histopathological, histomorphometric, seminal parameters, and mutagenic investigations were performed post-treatment period.

RESULTS

Acute oral toxicity study at 2000 mg/Kg revealed no signs of toxicity, with an LD50 value surpassing 2000 mg/Kg. No occurrences of mortality observed, and no significant changes were noted in body weight, organ weight, or behaviour. Hematological analysis illustrated a marked upsurge in RBC, Hb, HCT, PLT, MPV, and PCT, alongside minor variations in differential leucocyte count post 28-day treatment. Liver enzyme tests indicated slight elevation in ALP, while renal enzyme tests showed alterations in CRE and BUN levels. Genotoxicity profile and histopathological assessments of the liver, spleen, testis, and ovary manifested no remarkable irregularities, except for mild renal toxicity. Seminal parameters including sperm concentration, motility and testosterone levels demonstrated a noteworthy increase.

CONCLUSIONS

The study sheds light on the potential risks and safety considerations associated with C. militaris-based medicinal products. These findings establish a foundation for further investigations and the refinement of dosage optimization in the application of C. militaris, with the aim of mitigating any potential adverse effects.

Effects of Acremonium terricola Culture on Lactation Performance, Immune Function, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Flora of Sows

This study aimed to determine the effects of different doses of Acremonium terricola culture (ATC) on lactation performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora of sows. Forty-five Landrace sows (3-6 parity) were randomly assigned to the following three treatments from 85 days of gestation to 21 days after farrowing: a control diet (CON, basal diet), a low-dose Acremonium terricola culture diet (0.2% ATC, basal diet + 0.2% ATC), and a high-dose Acremonium terricola culture diet (0.4% ATC, basal diet + 0.4% ATC). Compared with the CON group, the supplementation of 0.2% ATC increased the average daily milk yield of sows by 4.98%, increased milk fat, total solids, and freezing point depression on day 1 postpartum (p < 0.05), increased serum concentration of Triiodothyronine, Thyroxin, and Estradiol on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the supplementation of 0.4% ATC increased the average daily milk yield of sows by 9.38% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the supplementation of 0.2% ATC increased serum concentration of IgG, IgM, and IFN-γ, CD4 on day 1 postpartum (p < 0.05) and increased serum concentration of immunoglobulin A ( IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M ( IgM), complement 3 (C3), cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4), cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05), while the supplementation of 0.4% ATC reduced serum concentration of IL-2 on day 21 postpartum (p < 0.05). Moreover, the supplementation of 0.4% ATC significantly increased serum concentration of catalase (CAT) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the supplementation of ATC affected the relative abundance of the intestinal flora at different taxonomic levels in sows and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as in the norank_f__Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes group, Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes group, and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014 group of sows, while reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Phascolarctobacterium and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. These data revealed that the supplementation of ATC during late gestation and lactation can improve lactation performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and the gut microbiota. Compared with supplementation of 0.4% ATC, 0.2% ATC enhances the levels of thyroid-related hormones, specific antibodies, and cytokines in serum, promotes the diversity of beneficial gut microbiota, beneficial bacteria in the intestine, reduces the population of harmful bacteria, and thereby bolsters the immunity of sows. Hence, 0.2% ATC is deemed a more optimal concentration.

Unique Bioactives from Zombie Fungus (Cordyceps) as Promising Multitargeted Neuroprotective Agents

Cordyceps, also known as "zombie fungus", is a non-poisonous mushroom that parasitizes insects for growth and development by manipulating the host system in a way that makes the victim behave like a "zombie". These species produce promising bioactive metabolites, like adenosine, β-glucans, cordycepin, and ergosterol. Cordyceps has been used in traditional medicine due to its immense health benefits, as it boosts stamina, appetite, immunity, longevity, libido, memory, and sleep. Neuronal loss is the typical feature of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) (Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)) and neurotrauma. Both these conditions share common pathophysiological features, like oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Cordyceps bioactives (adenosine, N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine, ergosta-7, 9 (11), 22-trien-3β-ol, active peptides, and polysaccharides) exert potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities and display beneficial effects in the management and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders in vitro and in vivo. Although a considerable list of compounds is available from Cordyceps, only a few have been evaluated for their neuroprotective potential and still lack information for clinical trials. In this review, the neuroprotective mechanisms and safety profile of Cordyceps extracts/bioactives have been discussed, which might be helpful in the identification of novel potential therapeutic entities in the future.

Effects of Cordyceps militaris fermentation products on reproductive development in juvenile male mice

Cordyceps militaris (CM) is a popular medicinal fungus; however, few studies have focused on its impact on the male reproductive system. We evaluated the effects of CM fermentation products on the reproductive development of juvenile male (JM) mice. Mice were divided into four experimental groups, each fed 5% CM products (weight per weight (w/w) in normal diet): extracellular polysaccharides (EPS), fermentation broth (FB), mycelia (MY), and whole fermentation products (FB plus MY, FBMY) for 28 days, while mice in the control group (CT) were fed a normal diet. Basic body parameters, testicular structure, sperm parameters, and sex hormones concentrations were analyzed. Compared to the CT group, mice in the EPS, MY, and FBMY groups showed a significantly increased mean seminiferous tubule area (p < 0.05), mice in the FB and MY groups had significantly higher sperm concentrations (p < 0.05), and mice in the EPS, FB, and FBMY groups showed significantly increased ratios of motile sperm (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, EPS significantly promoted the ability of JM mice to synthesize testosterone (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all CM products significantly increased the food intake of JM mice (p < 0.05) but did not significantly change their water intake and body weight gain (p > 0.05). In conclusion, CM products, especially EPS, exhibit strong androgen-like activities that can promote male reproductive development.

System-level investigation of anti-obesity effects and the potential pathways of Cordyceps militaris in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND

Cordyceps species have been used as tonics to enhance energy, stamina, and libido in traditional Asian medicine for more than 1600 years, indicating their potential for improving reproductive hormone disorders and energy metabolic diseases. Among Cordyceps, Cordyceps militaris has been reported to prevent metabolic syndromes including obesity and benefit the reproductive hormone system, suggesting that Cordyceps militaris can also regulate obesity induced by the menopause. We investigated the effectiveness of Cordyceps militaris extraction (CME) on menopausal obesity and its mechanisms.

METHODS

We applied an approach combining in vivo, in vitro, and in silico methods. Ovariectomized rats were administrated CME, and their body weight, area of adipocytes, liver and uterus weight, and lipid levels were measured. Next, after the exposure of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells to CME, cell proliferation and the phosphorylation of estrogen receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) were measured. Finally, network pharmacological methods were applied to predict the anti-obesity mechanisms of CME.

RESULTS

CME prevented overweight, fat accumulation, liver hypertrophy, and lowered triglyceride levels, some of which were improved in a dose-dependent manner. In MCF-7 cell lines, CME showed not only estrogen receptor agonistic activity through an increase in cell proliferation and the phosphorylation of estrogen receptors, but also phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and p38. In the network pharmacological analysis, bioactive compounds of CME such as cordycepin, adenine, and guanosine were predicted to interact with non-overlapping genes. The targeted genes were related to the insulin signaling pathway, insulin resistance, the MARK signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and the estrogen signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that CME has anti-obesity effects in menopause and estrogenic agonistic activity. Compounds in CME have the potential to regulate obesity-related and menopause-related pathways. This study will contribute to developing the understanding of anti-obesity effects and mechanisms of Cordyceps militaris.

Cordycepin from Medicinal Fungi Cordyceps militaris Mitigates Inflammaging-Associated Testicular Damage via Regulating NF-κB/MAPKs Signaling in Naturally Aged Rats

Inflammaging in male reproductive organs covers a wide variety of problems, including sexual dysfunction and infertility. In this study, the beneficial effects of cordycepin (COR), isolated from potential medicinal fungi Cordyceps militaris, in aging-associated testicular inflammation and serum biochemical changes in naturally aged rats were investigated. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into young control (YC), aged control (AC), and COR (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) treated aged rat groups. Aging-associated serum biochemical changes and inflammatory parameters were analyzed by biochemical assay kits, Western blotting, and real-time RT-PCR. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) alteration in the total blood cell count, lipid metabolism, and liver functional parameters in AC group when compared with YC group. However, COR-treated aged rats ameliorated the altered biochemical parameters significantly (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, respectively). Furthermore, the increase in the expression of inflammatory mediators (COX-2, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tissue necrosis factor-alpha) in aged rat testis was significant (p < 0.05) when compared with YC group. Treatment with COR at 20 mg/kg to aged rats attenuated the increased expression of inflammatory mediators significantly (p < 0.05). Mechanistic studies revealed that the potential attenuating effects exhibited by COR in aged rats was mediated by regulation of NF-κB activation and MAPKs (c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and p38) signaling. In conclusion, COR restored the altered serum biochemical parameters in aged rats and ameliorated the aging-associated testicular inflammation proving the therapeutic benefits of COR targeting inflammaging-associated male sexual dysfunctions.

A review of methods for preserving male fertility

Male infertility is responsible for 50% of men's health problems and has always been a concern for personal and social issues. A survey of global statistics suggests an increase in infertility rate as one of the critical issues documented in studies. There are different ways of maintaining fertility in men, depending on their age. In this paper, we review the preservation methods used for fertility treatment in Iran and other countries. Available data were reviewed from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IranMedex, MEDLIB, IranDoc and Scientific Information Database and searched for articles published up to 2018, using the medical subject heading (MeSH) terms for cryopreservation, sperm, testicular, spermatogonia stem cell, male infertility and/or Iranian and in the world, to provide evidence from evaluation of fertility preservation the methods. Based the search strategy, 274 manuscripts were found. After reviewing the titles, abstracts and manuscripts in their entirety, 119 articles were obtained and selected according to the eligibility criteria. The 85 studies mentioned above were divided into three categories (sperm, testis, and spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs)), and methods of fertility preservation were investigated. Ways to maintain male fertility were different depending on age, and included sperm, testicular, and SSC freezing. The number of studies on testicular tissue and SSCs was low for human samples, and more studies are still needed. Sperm freezing at infertility centres is the top for male fertility preservation.

Deciphering the Therapeutic Mechanisms of Wuzi Ershen Decoction in Treating Oligoasthenozoospermia through the Network Pharmacology Approach

Background

Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples around the world, and male factors are accounted for 40–50%. Oligoasthenozoospermia is the most common reason for male infertility. Unfortunately, effective drug therapy is still lacking except for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Previous researchers found that Wuzi Ershen decoction (WZESD) can increase sperm count, enhance sperm vitality, and improve semen quality. However, the pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we screened compounds and predicted the targets of WZESD based on the TCMSP and BATMAN-TCM database combined with literature searching in the PubMed database. We obtained proteins related to oligoasthenozoospermia through GeneCards and submitted them to STRING to obtain the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Potential targets of WZESD were mapped to the network, and the hub targets were screened by topology. We used online platform Metascape and Enrichr for GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. AutoDock Vina was utilized for further verification of the binding mode between compounds and targets.

Results

Totally, 276 bioactive compounds were obtained and targeted 681 proteins. 446 oligoasthenozoospermia disease-specific proteins were acquired, and further bioinformatics analysis found that they were mainly involved in the formation of gametes, meiosis, and sperm differentiation. Protein interaction network analysis revealed that target proteins of WZESD were associated with oligoasthenozoospermia disease-specific proteins. The 79 targets of disease-specific proteins, which were anchored by WZESD, mainly participate in the cellular response to the organic cyclic compound, regulation of the apoptotic process, nitricoxide biosynthetic and metabolic process, oxidative stress, and protein phosphorylation regulation, which are the causes for oligoasthenozoospermia. Molecular docking simulation further validated that bioactive compounds originated from WZESD with targeted proteins showed high binding efficiency.

Conclusions

This study uncovers the therapeutic mechanisms of WZESD for oligoasthenozoospermia treatment from the perspective of network pharmacology and may provide a valuable reference for further experimental research studies and clinical applications.

A study of the aphrodisiac properties of Cordyceps militaris in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats

Background and Aim:

Cordyceps militaris (CM) is a fungus that has been used to enhance aphrodisiac activity in men, but to date, no studies have focused on its antidiabetic properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CM on reproductive performance of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats.

Materials and Methods:

Six-week-old Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control Group 1 consisting of healthy rats; Group 2, healthy rats treated with CM (100 mg/kg); Group 3, diabetic untreated rats; and Group 4, diabetic rats treated with CM (100 mg/kg). Rats were orally administered with vehicle or CM for 21 days. The body weight, blood glucose level, food intake, epididymal sperm parameter, sexual behavior, serum testosterone level, and antioxidant parameters were determined.

Results:

The results indicated that CM treatment in STZ-induced diabetic rats significantly improved the epididymal sperm parameter and serum testosterone level and, in turn, their copulatory behavior. CM treatment in diabetic rats significantly ameliorated malondialdehyde level and significantly improved the glutathione and catalase levels.

Conclusion:

These results provide new information on the pharmacological properties of CM in ameliorating testicular damage due to oxidative stress and improving sexual performance in diabetic male rats.

In silico and in vitro design of cordycepin encapsulation in liposomes for colon cancer treatment

Cordycepin or 3'-deoxyadenosine is an interesting anti-cancer drug candidate that is found in abundance in the fungus Cordyceps militaris. It inhibits cellular growth of many cancers including lung carcinoma, melanoma, bladder cancer, and colon cancer by inducing apoptosis, anti-proliferation, anti-metastasis and by arresting the cell cycle. Cordycepin has, however, poor stability and low solubility in water, resulting in loss of its bioactivity. Liposomes can be used to overcome these obstacles. Our aim is to improve cordycepin's anti-colon cancer activity by liposome encapsulation. Cordycepin-encapsulated liposomes were designed and fabricated based on a combination of theoretical and experimental studies. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy calculations suggest that phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipid environment is favorable for cordycepin adsorption. Cordycepin passively permeates into PC lipid bilayers without membrane damage and strongly binds to the lipids' polar groups by flipping its deoxyribose sugar toward the bilayer center. Our fabricated liposomes containing 10 : 1 molar ratio of egg yolk PC : cholesterol showed encapsulation efficiency (%EE) of 99% using microfluidic hydrodynamic focusing (MHF) methods. In our in vitro study using the HT-29 colon cancer cell line, cordycepin was able to inhibit growth by induction of apoptosis. Cell viability was significantly decreased below 50% at 125 μg mL-1 dosage after 48 h treatment with non-encapsulated and encapsulated cordycepin. Importantly, encapsulation provided (1) a 2-fold improvement in the inhibition of cancer cell growth at 125 μg mL-1 dosage and (2) 4-fold increase in release time. These in silico and in vitro studies indicate that cordycepin-encapsulated liposomes could be a potent drug candidate for colon cancer therapy.

Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials

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.

Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract Decreases Testosterone Catabolism and Testosterone-Stimulated Prostate Hypertrophy

The androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are essential for a variety of systemic functions in mature males. Alteration of these hormones results in late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The fruit bodies of fungi of the genus Cordyceps have been regarded as folk medicine or health food with tonic and antifatigue effects. The extract from the fruit body of Cordyceps militaris parasitizing Samia cynthia ricini (CM) was evaluated as a novel-candidate natural product for ameliorating male andropause symptoms. To explore the effects of CM on LOH and BPH, CM was applied to rat models and cultured testicular cells and prostate cells. The concentrations of androgens in the serum and culture media were determined by ELISA. Expression of steroidogenic enzymes and androgen-related genes was evaluated by qPCR, and prostatic cell proliferation was assessed with the cell-viability assay. CM maintained the serum levels of testosterone and DHT, but inhibited testosterone-induced prostate hypertrophy. CM also increased the secretion of testosterone and DHT by primary testicular cells, with no changes in the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes, but decreased the growth of prostatic cell lines. Our data suggest that CM could improve both LOH and BPH in males.

Effects of Cultured Cordycep militaris on Sexual Performance and Erectile Function in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats

Cordyceps militaris (CM), a valuable edible and medicinal fungus, has been used as traditional medicine to treat health conditions, as well as hyposexuality in Asian societies for over a century. Due to the high demand, several artificial cultivation methods have been developed for their biological activities. In this study, CM was cultured on medium that contained white rice and silkworm pupae, and the levels of cordycepin and adenosine, as well as its aphrodisiac effects in diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction (DIED), were evaluated. Diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection and administered orally with CM (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg BW/day) for 3 weeks. Diabetic rats in negative and positive control groups received vehicle and sildenafil citrate (5 mg/kg), respectively. Results showed the changes in mating behaviour in which mount latency and intromission latency were significantly increased in diabetic rats, compared with the normal control group. Diabetic rats also showed a significant reduction in intracavernosal pressure (ICP) response to cavernous nerve stimulation, sperm count, testosterone level, penile nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, when compared to the normal control group. Administration of CM (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 g/kg BW/day) reversed the effects of diabetes on the mating behaviour, and the ICP responses to electrical stimulation. Moreover, the levels of penile NOS, testicular SOD activities, testosterone, and sperm count were significantly increased, and testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased in these treated diabetic rats. Diabetic rats treated with sildenafil showed a significant induction in intromission frequency and NOS and SOD activities, as well as a marked increase in ICP responses. These results suggest that CCM exerts its aphrodisiac effect, possibly through activating testosterone production and suppressing oxidative stress to enhance erectile function in diabetic rats.

Protective Effects of Nucleosides-Rich Extract from Cordyceps cicadae against Cisplatin Induced Testicular Damage

Cisplatin (CISP) is an efficacious anticancer agent used in chemotherapy, however, the constraint to its clinical utility is the stray organ toxicity including testicular damage linked to oxidative and inflammatory cascades. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of nucleosides-rich extract from Cordyceps cicadae (NRCE) against CISP-induced testicular damage in rats. Rats were subjected to prophylactic oral administration of NRCE (50, 100 and 400 mg/kg body weight/day) for 7 days prior to testicular toxicity induced by CISP (10 mg/kg, ip) and were sacrificed after 72 h post-CISP injection. Cisplatin caused significant deficits in sperm count, viability and motility, testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) compared to normal control. It depressed testicular activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant content (TAC), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) increased remarkably. CISP considerably increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-one beta (IL-1β) with alterations in testis histology compared to normal control. Interestingly, NRCE pretreatment inhibited the CISP-induced alterations in reproductive indices, restored the antioxidant activities in testes as well as inflammatory mediators and histology comparable to control. Our findings demonstrate that NRCE could prevent CISP testicular damage via inhibition of oxidative stress and pro-inflammation in rats.

Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Cordyceps Medicinal Fungus and Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential

Cordyceps is a rare naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus usually found at high altitudes on the Himalayan plateau and a well-known medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine. Cordyceps contains various bioactive components, out of which, cordycepin is considered most vital, due to its utmost therapeutic as well as nutraceutical potential. Moreover, the structure similarity of cordycepin with adenosine makes it an important bioactive component, with difference of only hydroxyl group, lacking in the 3′ position of its ribose moiety. Cordycepin is known for various nutraceutical and therapeutic potential, such as anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, anticancer, antiviral, hepato-protective, hypo-sexuality, cardiovascular diseases, antimalarial, anti-osteoporotic, anti-arthritic, cosmeceutical etc. which makes it a most valuable medicinal mushroom for helping in maintaining good health. In this review, effort has been made to bring altogether the possible wide range of cordycepin’s nutraceutical potential along with its pharmacological actions and possible mechanism. Additionally, it also summarizes the details of cordycepin based nutraceuticals predominantly available in the market with expected global value. Moreover, this review will attract the attention of food scientists, nutritionists, pharmaceutical and food industries to improve the use of bioactive molecule cordycepin for nutraceutical purposes with commercialization to aid and promote healthy lifestyle, wellness and wellbeing.

Fermented Cordyceps militaris Extract Prevents Hepatosteatosis and Adipocyte Hypertrophy in High Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) is characterized by accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. The objective of this study was to evaluate protective effects of fermented Cordyceps militaris extract by Pediococcus pentosaceus ON188 (ONE) against hepatosteatosis and obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed HFD mixed with ONE for four weeks and its effects on hepatosteatosis and obesity were examined. Although ONE did not change food intake, it reduced body weights of mice at administration dose of 200 mg/kg/day. Activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) as plasma parameters were reduced by ONE in a dose-dependent manner. Hepatic lipid droplets and triglyceride (TG) levels were also reduced by ONE due to upregulation of fatty acid oxidizing genes such as carnithine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1) and peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor α(PPARα) mediated by induction of sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2). In epididymal fat tissue, sizes of adipocytes were significantly reduced by ONE in a dose-dependent manner. This is mainly due to suppression of lipogenesis and upregulation of adipocyte browning genes. Collectively, these results suggest that fermented ONE can activate fatty acid oxidation via SPHK2 in the liver. It can also suppress lipogenesis and activate browning in adipose tissue. Thus, ONE might have potential to be used for the development of functional foods against liver dysfunction and obesity.

Cordycepin, an Active Constituent of Nutrient Powerhouse and Potential Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps militaris Linn., Ameliorates Age-Related Testicular Dysfunction in Rats

Age-related male sexual dysfunction covers a wide variety of issues, together with spermatogenic and testicular impairment. In the present work, the effects of cordycepin (COR), an active constituent of a nutrient powerhouse Cordyceps militaris Linn, on senile testicular dysfunction in rats was investigated. The sperm kinematics, antioxidant enzymes, spermatogenic factors, sex hormone receptors, histone deacetylating sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and autophagy-related mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) expression in aged rat testes were evaluated. Sprague Dawley rats were divided into young control (2-month-old; YC), aged control (12-month-old; AC), and aged plus COR-treated groups (5 (COR-5), 10 (COR-10), and 20 (COR-20) mg/kg). The AC group showed reduced sperm kinematics and altered testicular histomorphology compared with the YC group (p < 0.05). However, compared with the AC group, the COR-treated group exhibited improved sperm motility, progressiveness, and average path/straight line velocity (p < 0.05–0.01). Alterations in spermatogenesis-related protein and mRNA expression were significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) in the COR-20 group compared with the AC group. The altered histone deacetylating SIRT1 and autophagy-related mTORC1 molecular expression in aged rats were restored in the COR-20 group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results suggest that COR holds immense nutritional potential and therapeutic value in ameliorating age-related male sexual dysfunctions.

Fermented Cordyceps militaris Extract Ameliorates Hepatosteatosis via Activation of Fatty Acid Oxidation

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a progressive disease involving the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. In this study, we investigated the anti-hepatosteatosis effects of fermented Cordyceps militaris extract (CME) in AML-12 hepatocytes. Although the levels of adenosine and cordycepin were reduced in the extracts of CM grown on germinated soybean (GSCE) and fermented CM grown on germinated soybean (GSC) by Pediococcus pentosaceus ON188 (ON188E), the expression of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) genes were upregulated only by GSC-ON188E treatment in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, a lipogenic gene, stearoyl Coenzyme A desaturase 1, was downregulated by ON188E. Formation of intracellular lipid droplets by the addition of oleic acid was reduced by ON188E to levels observed in WY14643-treated cells. When cells were treated with ON188E, sphingosine kinase 2 mainly responsible for hepatic sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) synthesis was upregulated and S1P was elevated. Collectively, the fermented GSC extract activates FAO through elevation of S1P synthesis and has potential as a therapeutic for hepatosteatosis.

The Therapeutic Effects of a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill for the Treatment of Oligoasthenozoospermia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Oligoasthenozoospermia is a crucial factor in male infertility. Wuzi Yanzong (WZYZ) pill is a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula which has been used for male infertility treatment for years. However, its effects on semen quality remain controversial. We conducted a preregistered meta-analysis to assess the effect of WZYZ pill for the therapeutic effects on oligoasthenozoospermia. Five randomized controlled trials including 960 participants were selected from databases of domains in North-East Asian regions, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. WZYZ pill group yielded a greater mean increment on sperm concentration (5 trials: MD 5.99, 95% CI 2.12–9.85, P = 0.002), sperm motility (5 trials: MD 4.57, 95% CI 0.47–8.68, P = 0.03), sperm morphology (2 trials: MD −1.93, 95% CI −4.87–1.01, P = 0.20), activity of acrosomal enzyme (2 trials: MD 28.27, 95% CI 12.41–44.14, P < 0.01), volume of semen (2 trials: MD 0.56, 95% CI 0.21–0.91, P = 0.002), and a decrement of sperm DNA fragmentation index (2 trials: MD −3.82, 95% CI −6.45–−1.19, P = 0.004). However, qualities of selected studies were generally unsatisfactory, and there was inherent heterogeneity among some of the outcomes. Despite these limitations, the WZYZ pill improved sperm quality by improving several semen parameters and decreasing DNA damage in oligoasthenozoospermia patients.

Estrogenic Potentials of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Estrogen, a steroid hormone, is associated with several human activities, including environmental, industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical and medical fields. In this review paper, estrogenic activity associated with traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) is discussed first by focusing on the assays needed to detect estrogenic activity (animal test, cell assay, ligand-binding assay, protein assay, reporter-gene assay, transcription assay and yeast two-hybrid assay), and then, their sources, the nature of activities (estrogenic or anti-estrogenic, or other types), and pathways/functions, along with the assay used to detect the activity, which is followed by a summary of effective chemicals found in or associated with TCM. Applications of estrogens in TCM are then discussed by a comprehensive search of the literature, which include basic study/pathway analysis, cell functions, diseases/symptoms and medicine/supplements. Discrepancies and conflicting cases about estrogenicity of TCM among assays or between TCM and their effective chemicals, are focused on to enlarge estrogenic potentials of TCM by referring to omic knowledge such as transcriptome, proteome, glycome, chemome, cellome, ligandome, interactome and effectome.

Functional study of Cordyceps sinensis and cordycepin in male reproduction: A review

Cordyceps sinensis has various biological and pharmacological functions, and it has been claimed as a tonic supplement for sexual and reproductive dysfunctions for a long time in oriental society. In this article, the in vitro and in vivo effects of C. sinensis and cordycepin on mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis are briefly described, the stimulatory mechanisms are summarized, and the recent findings related to the alternative substances regulating male reproductive functions are also discussed.

Review of Naturopathy of Medical Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, in Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunctions including desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain disorders are increasing worldwide due to etiological factors and aging. Several types of treatment are claimed in modern medicine, but they have serious side effects and higher costs. In fact, alternative approaches, such as the intake of plants, fungi, and insects, or their extracts, have also been practiced to enhance sexuality and ameliorate illness with notable successes. However, the scientific evidence related to the mechanisms and efficacy of these alternative medicines is both scarce and all too often unconvincing. Ophiocordyceps sinensis is an Ascomycetes fungus parasitic to Lepidoptera larvae, and has long been used as medicine to treat many illnesses and promote longevity in Chinese society. Previous investigations have shown that O. sinensis has many pharmacological activities. This review has focused on illustrating that O. sinensis can enhance libido and sexual performance, and can restore impaired reproductive functions, such as impotency or infertility, in both sexes.

Effect of the salts of deep ocean water on the production of cordycepin and adenosine of Cordyceps militaris-fermented product

Cordyceps militaris is a type of entomogenous fungi and has been widely used as a medicinal fungus in Asia. Cordycepin produced by C. militaris has also been found to protect the liver. Moreover, deep ocean water (DOW) was proven to increase the functional compounds of functional fungi-fermented products. However, the regulation of the metals in DOW is still unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of DOW and certain major ions on the production of cordycepin and adenosine of C. militaris. The results indicated that, compared with using ultra-pure water (UPW), using DOW to cultivate C. militaris in a submerged culture increases the production of biomass and adenosine (p < 0.05). In the results of solid culture, the concentration of DOW exhibits a dose effect on cordycepin production. DOW contains ions that can improve the effectiveness of cordycepin, such as Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Fe²⁺, and NO₃⁻, whereas the ion Cl⁻ features an inhibitory effect. Moreover, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Fe²⁺, and SO₄²⁻can increase the production of adenosine, whereas Cl⁻ cannot. However, the synthetic water made from various types of sodium salts (MgCl₂, NaCl, KCl, CaCl₂, FeCl₂) had nearly the same effect on cordycepin production as that of DOW.

Cordycepin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by inducing DNA damage and up-regulation of p53 in Leukemia cells

Cordycepin, an adenosine analog derived from Cordyceps militaris has been shown to exert anti-tumor activity in many ways. However, the mechanisms by which cordycepin contributes to the anti-tumor still obscure. Here our present work showed that cordycepin inhibits cell growth in NB-4 and U937 cells by inducing apoptosis. Further study showed that cordycepin increases the expression of p53 which promotes the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytosol. The released cytochrome c can then activate caspase-9 and trigger intrinsic apoptosis. Cordycepin also blocks MAPK pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and thus sensitizes the apoptosis. In addition, our results showed that cordycepin inhibits the expression of cyclin A2, cyclin E, and CDK2, which leads to the accumulation of cells in S-phase. Moreover, our study showed that cordycepin induces DNA damage and causes degradation of Cdc25A, suggesting that cordycepin-induced S-phase arrest involves activation of Chk2-Cdc25A pathway. In conclusion, cordycepin-induced DNA damage initiates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis which leads to the growth inhibition of NB-4 and U937 cells.

Prevention of disuse osteoporosis in rats by Cordyceps sinensis extract

Cordyceps sinensis has been known as a traditional medicine in China, and C. sinensis plus strontium could prevent osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. The present study shows that daily oral administration of C. sinensis at higher doses in adult hind limb suspension rats can prevent disuse-induced bone loss and deterioration of trabecular microarchitecture.

INTRODUCTION

Cordyceps sinensis induces estradiol production and prevents osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. This study was to examine whether C. sinensis can prevent disuse-induced osteoporosis.

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into six groups, and five groups were treated with hind limb suspension (HLS). One HLS group received alendronate (2.0 mg/kg/day) orally, and to the three other HLS groups to each group, a different amount of C. sinensis (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg/day) was orally administered for 8 weeks before and after HLS. The remaining HLS group was set as a control without treatment. Each group consisted of 10 males and females. The body weights, biochemical parameters in serum and urine, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), mechanical testing, and bone microarchitecture were examined.

RESULTS

Treatments with higher C. sinensis dosage (300 and 500 mg/kg/day) or alendronate had a positive effect on body weights, mechanical strength, BMD, and BMC compared to the other HLS groups. C. sinensis decreased markers of bone turnover dose dependently and increased the osteocalcin levels in HLS rats. The result of micro-CT analysis from the L4 vertebra showed that C. sinensis (500 mg/kg) significantly prevented the reduction of the bone volume fraction, connectivity density, trabeculae number, and thickness as well as improved the trabeculae separation and structure model index in HLS rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that administration of C. sinensis at higher doses over an 8-week period can prevent the disuse osteoporosis in rats. It implies that C. sinensis might be an alternative therapy for prevention of disuse-induced osteoporosis also in humans.

Improvement on Lipid Metabolic Disorder by 3′-Deoxyadenosine in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Fatty Mice

This study explores the effects of 3′-deoxyadenosine, a compound from Cordyceps militaris, on lipid metabolic disorder induced by a high-fat-diet in C57BL/6 mice. These mice had an obese body, lipid metabolic disorder and insulin resistance and were treated orally with 100 mg/kg/day 3′-deoxyadenosine (DA), 15 mg/kg/day rosiglitazone and 150 mg/kg/day fenofibrate, respectively. Compared to the model mice, the body weight gain in DA-treated mice were decreased by 66.5%, serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were decreased by 20.7% and 16.7%, respectively, and the triglyceride content in the skeletal muscle was reduced by 41.2%. This treatment also had a significant effect on insulin resistance. In DA-treated mice, the serum insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment of the insulin resistance index were decreased by 30% and 46%, respectively, and the areas under the glucose-time curve were depressed by 18% in the insulin tolerance test and by 21.5% in the oral glucose tolerance test. Finally, the value of glucose infusion rates and insulin induced-glucose uptake into the skeletal muscle in the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp test were increased by 18% and 41%, respectively, compared to those in the model mice. This data suggests that the effects of DA on lipid metabolic disorder induced by a high-fat-diet may be linked to its improvement on insulin resistance, especially concerning the increase of insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscle.