Cordyceps

Cordyceps Sinensis

Common Names: Caterpillar Fungus, Yartsa Gunbu

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Medicinal

About

Cordyceps sinensis, also known as the "caterpillar fungus," is a unique species of parasitic fungi that grows naturally in the mountainous regions of Tibet, Nepal, and China. It is renowned for its distinctive appearance and diverse array of bioactive compounds, which have earned it a revered status in traditional Chinese medicine and beyond. Numerous studies have highlighted the potential health benefits of Cordyceps sinensis, ranging from immune support and energy enhancement to anti-aging properties and respiratory health. Its adaptogenic qualities make it particularly valuable in promoting overall well-being and resilience in the face of stressors. Cordyceps sinensis is prized for its versatility and can be consumed in various forms, including capsules, extracts, teas, and tinctures. It is commonly used to support athletic performance, boost vitality, and address various health concerns, making it a popular choice among wellness enthusiasts worldwide.

Physical Characteristics

Caps:

Small, elongated, orange-brown

Gills:

None

Cognitive Effects

Energy

Cordyceps is believed to enhance energy levels by improving cellular energy production and increasing oxygen utilization. It may help combat fatigue and improve stamina, making it popular among athletes and individuals seeking a natural energy boost.

Calm

Studies have shown that Cordyceps may have positive effects on mood and emotional well-being. It is believed to support a healthy stress response and may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Psychoactive Effects

Euphoric

Induces feelings of happiness or excitement

Perceptual

Changes in time perception, spatial perception, and perception of one's own body

Aroused

Cordyceps affects the body's production of the hormone testosterone according to some studies, which might explain its reputation for increasing sexual desire and physical endurance.

Helps With

Fatigue

Helps to boost energy and reduce fatigue.

Immune System

Supports immune system function.

Libido

May help to improve libido.

Oxidative Stress

May help to reduce oxidative stress.

Injury Recovery

May help to improve injury recovery.

Diabetes

May help to improve blood sugar control.

Arthritis

May help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of arthritis.

Fertility

Used for centuries to improve fertility in both men and women. It has been associated with increasing levels of progesterone in women

Look Alike Species

Cordyceps Ophioglossoides

Specie:

Cordyceps ophioglossoides

Edibility:

inedible

Differences:Cordyceps ophioglossoides has a more elongated, slender fruiting body compared to the stout, club-like shape of Cordyceps militaris.

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References


  • Exploratory studies of the antidepressant effect of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide and its potential mechanism

  • 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

  • A review on polysaccharide biosynthesis in Cordyceps militaris

  • 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

  • Protective effect of Cordyceps sinensis against diabetic kidney disease through promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis of renal proximal tubular cells

  • 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

  • Apoptotic effect of cordycepin on A549 human lung cancer cell line

  • 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

  • Selective extraction of cordycepin from Cordyceps militaris – optimisation, kinetics and equilibrium studies

  • 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

  • Structure and hypoglycemic activity of a novel exopolysaccharide of Cordyceps militaris

  • 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

  • Isolation and Assessment of a Highly-Active Anti-Inflammatory Exopolysaccharide from Mycelial Fermentation of a Medicinal Fungus Cs-HK1

  • The purpose of this work was to fractionate the complex exopolysaccharide (EPS) from a medicinal fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis Cs-HK1 based on the molecular weight (MW) range and to assess the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of different EPS fractions in THP-1 cell culture. The lower MW fraction (EPS-LM-1) showed a much higher anti-inflammatory activity. EPS-LM-1 was identified as a heteropolysaccharide consisting of mannose, glucose, and galactose residues with an average MW of 360 kDa. EPS-LM-1 significantly inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses with the effective concentrations for 50% inhibition below 5 microg/mL on a few major proinflammatory markers.

    2021

  • 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)

  • 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

  • Immunological Investigation of Polysaccharides from Fermented Cordyceps Cs-4 in Healthy and Immunosuppressed Mice

  • Using fermented cordyceps powder Cs-4 as a substitute for natural cordyceps was benefit for life sciences. Therefore, it is of significance to investigate its main pharmacologically-active ingredients. In this work, fermented cordyceps polysaccharides with different molecular weights were isolated and purified. Various factors (i.e. extraction time, extraction power, and pH value) were investigated to obtain the response surface methodology values to most efficiently extract fermented cordyceps polysaccharides (FCP).

    2019

  • Enrichment of cordycepin for cosmeceutical applications: culture systems and strategies

  • Cordyceps spp. is the herbal medication initially used in China and has been reported as the unique resource of cordycepin. Cordycepin exhibits many health benefits, including anti-photoaging and anti-pigmentation; therefore, it potentially is a bioactive ingredient of cosmetic products. In order to enrich cordycepin content in Cordyceps, two artificial cultivation procedures, which are solid-state fermentation and liquid culture, were developed and optimized. The aim of this review is to illustrate cordycepin biosynthesis pathway in Cordyceps, and its bioactivity for cosmeceutical applications, as well as comparing the two different cultivation procedures.

    2019