Cordyceps Sinensis And Its Implications In Anti Aging Research
By Zaky J on 08/11/2023
Cordyceps Sinensis, an exotic mushroom species endemic to the Himalayan region, is known for its potent medicinal properties. Revered in Traditional Chinese Med...
Slow Aging
Cordyceps Sinensis, an exotic mushroom species endemic to the Himalayan region, is known for its potent medicinal properties. Revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this parasitic fungus is frequently used for its varied therapeutic effects. The most intriguing aspect of its use is related to anti-aging, an area of interest that has sparked intensive research globally.
Biology of Cordyceps Sinensis
The parasitic Cordyceps sinensis is unique among fungi due to its growth on insect larvae, particularly caterpillars, eventually replacing the host's tissue. This feature contributes to its alternate name, "caterpillar fungus." The harvested part contains both the fungal mycelium and the residual insect body, each contributing differently to its pharmacological profile.
Cordyceps Sinensis and Aging
The pharmacological properties of Cordyceps sinensis that contribute to its anti-aging effects are primarily derived from its potent bioactive compounds. Some of the key compounds are polysaccharides, nucleosides (like cordycepin), sterols, and a vast range of antioxidants.
Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides, one of the major active constituents in Cordyceps sinensis, have been found to exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help to counter oxidative stress, one of the major causes of cellular aging, thereby potentially slowing down the aging process.
Cordycepin
Cordycepin, a nucleoside derivative unique to Cordyceps, has shown potential anti-aging properties. This compound's effects include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory actions, all of which have significant implications for cellular health and longevity.
Sterols
Sterols, another class of compounds found in Cordyceps sinensis, have demonstrated immune-enhancing properties. By bolstering the immune system, which often weakens with age, these compounds can help improve overall health and potentially slow down age-related physiological decline.
Antioxidants
Lastly, the antioxidants in Cordyceps sinensis help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, minimizing oxidative stress. By protecting cells from this oxidative damage, these antioxidants play a key role in maintaining cellular health, which is fundamental to anti-aging.
In this way, the bioactive compounds in Cordyceps sinensis work together, providing a multi-pronged approach to combating the aging process. However, more extensive research is needed to fully understand and validate these effects and their underlying mechanisms.
Cordyceps Sinensis: A Lifespan Extender for Fruit Flies
In one fascinating experiment, researchers observed a distinct increase in the lifespan of fruit flies when they were given Cordyceps Sinensis oral liquid (CSOL), a product derived from this potent fungus. To put it in simpler terms, Cordyceps Sinensis helped the fruit flies live longer. But how? Well, it all ties back to oxidative stress, which is essentially an imbalance between the production of harmful molecules, known as free radicals, and our body's ability to counteract their harmful effects. As it turns out, Cordyceps Sinensis boosts the activity of two key enzymes in the body - superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and catalase (CAT) - that combat these harmful free radicals. Plus, it reduces the accumulation of lipofuscin, a type of waste product that can damage cells and is often associated with aging. This combination of promoting our body's defenses and reducing harm to our cells could be the secret behind Cordyceps Sinensis' observed anti-aging effects in the fruit flies, suggesting exciting possibilities for its use in human aging.
The Way Forward
While early research into the anti-aging potential of Cordyceps sinensis is promising, more extensive studies are required to validate these findings and uncover the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, standardization of Cordyceps sinensis products and ensuring sustainable harvesting methods are crucial challenges to address.
Conclusion
In summary, Cordyceps sinensis, with its rich array of bioactive compounds, presents promising anti-aging potential. Continued research may pave the way for the development of effective, nature-based interventions to slow the aging process and enhance human health span.
While Cordyceps sinensis presents significant potential in the anti-aging domain, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating it into your routine, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
References
Exploratory studies of the antidepressant effect of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide and its potential mechanism
A review on polysaccharide biosynthesis in Cordyceps militaris
Protective effect of Cordyceps sinensis against diabetic kidney disease through promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis of renal proximal tubular cells
Apoptotic effect of cordycepin on A549 human lung cancer cell line
Selective extraction of cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris – optimisation, kinetics and equilibrium studies
Structure and hypoglycemic activity of a novel exopolysaccharide of Cordyceps militaris
Biomass and Cordycepin Production by the Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps militaris—A Review of Various Aspects and Recent Trends towards the Exploitation of a Valuable Fungus
Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link Fruiting Body Reduces the Growth of a Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Line by Increasing Cellular Levels of p53 and p21
Cordycepin: a bioactive metabolite with therapeutic potential
Impact of different fermentation characteristics on the production of mycelial biomass, extra-cellular polysaccharides, intra-cellular polysaccharides, and on the antioxidant activities of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr. (strains AG-1, PSJ-1)
Cordyceps sinensis, a traditionally prized medicinal fungus, contains polysaccharides as one of its main bioactive constituents, known for their significant immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we systematically investigated the composition and structure of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide, followed by an evaluation of its therapeutic effect on depression using a chronic restraint stress-induced depression model. The polysaccharide CSWP-2, extracted via hot water, precipitated with ethanol, and purified using DEAE-cellulose column chromatography from Cordyceps sinensis, is primarily composed of glucose, mannose, and galactose, with α-1,4-D-glucan as its major structural component. Behavioral tests, immunological profiling, metabolomics, and gut microbiota analyses indicated a notable ameliorative effect of CSWP-2 on depressive-like symptoms in mice.
2024
Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is an edible parasitic fungus with medicinal properties. Its bioactive polysaccharides are structurally diverse and exhibit various metabolic and biological activities, including antitumor, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, and anti-atherosclerotic effects. These properties make C. militaris-derived polysaccharides a promising candidate for future development. Recent advancements in microbial fermentation technology have enabled successful laboratory cultivation and extraction of these polysaccharides. These polysaccharides are structurally diverse and exhibit various biological activities, such as immunostimulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, hypolipidemic, and anti-atherosclerotic effects.
2024
This study demonstrates the nephroprotective effects of Cordyceps sinensis, which functions via promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis of renal proximal tubular cells, likely targeting VEGFA and PTEN. Furthermore, the AKT and ERK signaling pathway may be critical.
2023
Cordycepin, an active ingredient in the insect fungus Cordyceps militaris, is in a category of compounds that exhibit significant therapeutic activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cordycepin on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle in A549 human lung cancer cells. MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of cordycepin on A549 cell growth. Apoptotic effect was observed using cell morphology, DAPI staining, and DNA fragmentation studies.
2022
Cordycepin was separated successfully from Cordyceps militaris using extraction with a mixture of ethanol and water. Optimum temperature, composition of ethanol in water, solvent/solid ratio and pH of solvent were determined by a central composite design (CCD) with respect to extraction yield. The highest yield for cordycepin (96%) was predicted by the regression model and validated by comparison with the experimental results, showing good agreement.
2022
A novel neutral exopolysaccharide (EPS-III) was isolated from culture broth of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris). The EPS-III was a homogeneous polysaccharide with Mw of 1.56 x 10(3) kDa. The yield of EPS-III from culture broth was 123.2 +/- 3.1 mg/L and the sugar content was 93.32 +/- 0.87%. The backbone of EPS-III was mainly consisted of –>4)-alpha-D-Galp-(1–>, while –>3, 6)-alpha-D-Manp-(1–>, –>4)-alpha-D-Manp-(1–>, –>3)-beta-D-Galp-(1–> and –>3)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1–> were distributed in the backbone or in the branch chains. The EPS-III had helix structure when dissolved in weak alkaline solution. It also had branched and intertwined form on the surface. The inhibition of alpha-glucosidase significantly increased as the increase of purity of exopolysaccharides.
2021
This review presents the main factors that influence the generation of biomass and metabolites by C. militaris. It outlines physiological and genetic factors that increase or reduce the manifestation of strain degeneration in C. militaris.
2021
The fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link, a well-known traditional medicinal mushroom, has been used in Korea for a long time to maintain health and longevity. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effects of the fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris on the growth of the non-small cell lung cancer cell line, NCI-H460
2021
Cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine) is a derivative of the nucleoside adenosine, differing from the latter by the absence of oxygen in the 3′ position of its ribose part. It was initially extracted from the rare parasitic fungus Cordyceps militaris and has now been synthesized.
2021
The mycelial biomass, antioxidant activity and production of extra- and intra-cellular polysaccharides production [EPS, IPS] of Cordyceps militaris strains AG-1, PSJ-1 were evaluated under different submerged liquid culture (SLC) conditions. At 24 0 C mycelial biomass and polysaccharide production of AG-1, PSJ-1 was optimal using PVC media and static culture conditions.
2020
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