Cordyceps militaris as a Bio Functional Food Source: Pharmacological Potential, Anti-Inflammatory Actions and Related Molecular Mechanisms

Abstract

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is a medicinal mushroom possessing a variety of biofunctionalities. It has several biologically important components such as polysaccharides and others. The diverse pharmacological potential of C. militaris has generated interest in reviewing the current scientific literature, with a particular focus on prevention and associated molecular mechanisms in inflammatory diseases. Due to rising global demand, research on C. militaris has continued to increase in recent years. C. militaris has shown the potential for inhibiting inflammation-related events, both in in vivo and in vitro experiments. Inflammation is a multifaceted biological process that contributes to the development and severity of diseases, including cancer, colitis, and allergies. These functions make C. militaris a suitable functional food for inhibiting inflammatory responses such as the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, on the basis of existing information, the current study provides insights towards the understanding of anti-inflammatory activity-related mechanisms. This article presents a foundation for clinical use, and analyzes the roadmap for future studies concerning the medical use of C. militaris and its constituents in the next generation of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Structural Elucidation and Activities of Cordyceps militaris-Derived Polysaccharides: A Review

“…The polysaccharides obtained from C. militaris have been demonstrated to have various biological activities, including antioxidant, immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities ( 7 , 12 ). In the following sections, we discuss the potential structure-activity relationship of these polysaccharides.…”

“…They can increase TNF-α secretion in macrophages and enhance NK cell activity. The immune enhancement activity of C. militaris -derived polysaccharides has been recently reviewed by different groups ( 3 , 7 ), and Phull et al have reviewed the influence of monosaccharide composition and Mw on the immunomodulatory effect ( 12 ). Here, we consider the related signaling pathways as shown in Figure 8 and discuss the potential structure-activity relationship by focusing on glycosidic linkage.…”

“…The recent review by Phull et al largely reviewed the immune enhancement activity of C. militaris -derived polysaccharides rather than the anti-inflammatory effects ( 12 ). Here, we review the anti-inflammatory activity of these polysaccharides based on an analysis of the literature.…”

“…Recently, the research involving C. militaris -derived polysaccharides has increased rapidly, particularly in their structural characterization and pharmaceutical activities. The pharmaceutical effects of these polysaccharides including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor activities have been widely reviewed ( 7 , 12 ). However, the structural characteristics of polysaccharides and the related methods used for elucidating these polysaccharides have not been reviewed in the recent literature.…”

“…The primary metabolite, polysaccharide, is one of the major water-soluble bioactive components of C. militaris ( 3 , 6 ). Compared to the secondary metabolites, C. militaris -derived polysaccharides have not been well characterized ( 1 , 2 , 4 , 10 – 12 ). Four years’ ago, Zhang et al reviewed the extraction, isolation, purification, structural characteristics, and bioactivities of C. militaris -derived polysaccharides ( 3 ).…”