1) Cordyceps sinensis and Immune Response
Mice were given various polysaccharides extracted from
Cordyceps sinensis fungus. These compounds increased the
phagocytic (consuming) activity of macrophages (a type of
white blood cell which engulfs various potentially harmful
invaders and foreign debris in the body).
The chemical structures and molecular weights of these
polysaccharides were examined and the larger weight molecules
had more immune stimulating activity.
Molecular structure and immunoactivity of the polysaccharides
from Cordyceps sinensis. Gong, Zhu, Wang, Wang, Ma, and Zhang.
Shengwu Huaxue Zazhi, 1990, 6(6); 486-92
2) Cordyceps sinensis and Blood Sugar
Both normal and diabetic mice were given various extracts of
cultured Cordyceps sinensis mycelium. These functioned to lower
the serum glucose (blood sugar) of the mice to various degrees.
This lowered blood sugar is due to the conservation of hepatic glycogen
(the sugar storage of the body). This conservation of chemical energy
may be a reason for Cordyceps sinensis' reputation in Chinese medicine
of enhancing endurance.
Polysaccharides in fungi. XXXII. Hypogycemic activity and chemical
properties of a polysaccharide from the cultured mycelium of Cordyceps
sinensis.
Kiho, Hui, Yamane and Ukai. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 1993, 16(12); 1291-3
Cordyceps sinensis and Liver Metabolism
Mice were given the extract of cultured Cordyceps sinensis mushroom
(200 mg/kg daily, p.o.) for 3 weeks. In vivo phosphorus-31 nuclear
magnetic resonance spectra of the liver were acquired at weekly
intervals using a surface coil.
From 1 to 3 weeks, a consistent increase in the ATP/inorganic
phosphate ratio, which represents the high energy state, was
observed in the Cordyceps sinensis extract-treated mice.
The intracellular pH of the Cordyceps sinensis extract-treated mice
was not significantly different from that of the control mice. No
steatosis, necrosis, inflammation or fibrosis were observed in the
liver specimens from Cordyceps sinensis extract-treated mice.
Effects of the mycelial extract of cultured Cordyceps sinensis on in
vivo hepatic energy metabolism in the mouse. Manabe N, Sugimoto M,
Azuma Y, Taketomo N, Yamashita A, Tsuboi H, Tsunoo A, Kinjo N, Nian-
Lai H, Miyamoto H. Jpn. J. Pharmacol. Jan., 1996, 70(1); 85-88
4) Cordyceps sinensis and Hepatitis B
33 cases of chronic hepatitis B patients treated with cultured
Cordyceps sinensis mycelia have shown that Cordyceps
sinensis improves the liver function, promotes negative transfer
HBsAg, markedly helps to raise plasma albumin, helps to resist high
gamma globulin and to adjust body immunocompetence.
It is therefore suggested that cultured Cordyceps sinensis mycelia
may be used as a medicine for chronic hepatitis B patients in adjusting
protein metabolism and correcting inversion of albumin and globulin.
Short-term curative effect of cultured Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc.
mycelia in chronic hepatitis B. Zhou L, Yang W, Xu Y, Zhu Q, Ma Z, Zhu
T, Ge X, Gao J. Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih. Jan., 1990, 15(1); 53-55
5) Cordyceps sinensis and Sexual Function
A study was performed on 155 cases of sexual hypofunction.
While 31.57% showed improvement with a placebo, more than twice that
many (64.15%) had improvement from using 1/3 gm. of cultivated Cordyceps
sinensis each time, three times a day for 40 days. More than one quarter
of the participants in the study (46) were able to continue with a
normal sex life after the study. When tested, an increase in the
hormones 17-ketosteroid and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid was found in these
patients.
Treatment of sexual hypofunction with Cordyceps sinensis.
Yang et al. Jiangxi Zhongyiyao, 1985, 546-47
6) Cordyceps sinensis, Tumors and Radiation
A study was conducted at a medical institute in Sichuan, China which
found that in addition to several immunological responses, Cordyceps
sinensis also gave protection against radiation damage and was
anti-tumor against Sarcoma 180.
Pharmacological action of the polysaccharide from cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis).
Zang et al., Zhongcaoyao, 1985, 16(7), 306-11
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