Immunological alterations in lupus-prone autoimmune (NZB/NZW) F1 mice by mycelia Chinese medicinal fungus Cordyceps sinensis-induced redistributions of peripheral mononuclear T lymphocytes

Abstract

Mycelia products from wild-form Cordyceps sinensis could be constantly produced in a large scale and would be a better source of this herbal medicine. Our purpose was to investigate the immunological effects of an orally administered hot-water extract cultured mycelium of C. sinensis in lupus-prone (NZB/NZW) F1 hybrids. Forty female mice were divided into four groups and were given 2.4 mg/g/day oral doses of C. sinensis starting at three (group A), six (group B), or eight (group C) months of age, whereas the remaining group (group D) served as a control. Survival, proteinuria, and titers of anti-double-stranded DNA autoantibodies were evaluated. Treatment with C. sinensis resulted in increased survival, decreased proteinuria, and reduced titers of anti-double-stranded DNA antibody in groups A and B. Moreover, the mice in groups A and B showed significantly reduced percentages of CD4(+) T cells (*P < 0.05) and increased percentages of CD8(+) T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) after C. sinensis administration. At 6 months of age, the proliferation rate of BrdU-incorporated spleen cells was significantly decreased after 48 and 72 h of C. sinensis treatment (**P < 0.01) in group A of mice. In conclusions, early medication with C. sinensis induced the redistribution of PBMC and attenuated the disease severity of lupus in (NZB/NZW) F1 mice.

Hirsutella sinensis mycelium suppresses interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 secretion by inhibiting both canonical and non-canonical inflammasomes

“…The H. sinensis strain originally selected and characterized at Chang Gung Biotechnology (Taipei, Taiwan) was validated by comparison of its internal transcribed spacer DNA with that of natural C. sinensis 23. The ethanol extract was prepared by adding 400 g of H. sinensis mycelium powder to 10 liters of 95% ethanol (v/v) into a Buchi R220 vacuum concentrator (Zurich, Switzerland), followed by stirring at a speed of 120 rpm for 60 min at 80°C.…”

“…For instance, these activities include reduction of drug-induced leucopenia following kidney transplantation, amelioration of radiation-induced toxicity, and stimulation of immune cells in vivo2122. Earlier, we demonstrated that HSM prolongs survival and decreases symptom severity in a murine model of the systemic autoimmune disease, lupus erythematosus23. However, the mechanism underlying the immunosuppressive effects of HSM is still unclear.…”

How useful is traditional herbal medicine for pulmonary fibrosis?

“…Cordyceps sinensis possesses a variety of biological functions, including immunomodulatory and anti‐oxidant properties and inhibition of tumour growth 20,21 . Wang et al .…”

Efficacy of Yan-Shen capsule on advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients: An open, randomized, prospective, comparative study

“…Rhubarb can increase toxin excretion from the gastrointestinal tract, improve metabolism, and suppress cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis (Zheng et al, 2008). In addition, some studies show that C. sinensis and ginseng can help to alleviate proteinuria and hematuria, reduce immunocomplex in circulation, and alleviate glomerular injury mediated by immunity (Chen et al, 2009). The abovementioned characteristics of the compound herbs in the Yan-Shen capsule may be responsible for its protective effect on kidney function.…”