Myths and Realities Surrounding the Mysterious Caterpillar Fungus

Martel, Jan; Ko, Yun‐Fei; Liau, Jian-Ching; Lee, Chien-Sheng; Ojcius, David M.; Lai, Hsin‐Chih; Young, John Ding‐E

doi:10.1016/j.tibtech.2017.06.011

Cited by 20 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…O. sinensis has been utilized in China ( Figure 2 A) and surrounding countries for more than 2000 years as a rare functional food to promote health and to treat diverse chronic diseases. In 1993, O. sinensis became famous worldwide because Chinese female athletes broke several world records in running events at the National Games and the meritorious performances were later attributed (at least in part) to the consumption of this fungus [ 3 ]. Subsequently, modern pharmaceutical research has shown that its predominant functions are anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, anti-apoptosis, immunoregulatory, and hepatoprotective [ 4 , 5 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determination of Arsenic Species in Ophiocordyceps sinensis from Major Habitats in China by HPLC-ICP-MS and the Edible Hazard Assessment

et al. 2018

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This study sought to determine the concentration and distribution of arsenic (As) species in Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis), and to assess its edible hazard for long term consumption. The total arsenic concentrations, measured through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), ranged from 4.00 mg/kg to 5.25 mg/kg. As determined by HPLC-ICP-MS, the most concerning arsenic species—AsB, MMAV, DMAV, AsV, and AsШ—were either not detected (MMAV and DMAV) or were detected as minor As species (AsB: 1.4–2.9%; AsV: 1.3–3.2%, and AsШ: 4.1–6.0%). The major components were a cluster of unknown organic As (uAs) compounds with AsШ, which accounted for 91.7–94.0% of the As content. Based on the H2O2 test and the chromatography behavior, it can be inferred that, the uAs might not be toxic organic As. Estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and cancer risk (CR) caused by the total As content; the sum of inorganic As (iAs) and uAs, namely i+uAs; and iAs exposure from long term O. sinensis consumption were calculated and evaluated through equations from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the uncertainties were analyzed by Monte-Carlo Simulation (MCS). EDItotal As and EDIi+uAs are approximately ten times more than EDIiAs; HQtotal As and HQi+uAs > 1 while HQiAs < 1; and CRtotal As and CRi+uAs > 1 × 10−4 while CRiAs < 1 × 10−4. Thus, if the uAs is non-toxic, there is no particular risk to local consumers and the carcinogenic risk is acceptable for consumption of O. sinensis because the concentration of toxic iAs is very low.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determination of Arsenic Species in Ophiocordyceps sinensis from Major Habitats in China by HPLC-ICP-MS and the Edible Hazard Assessment

et al. 2018

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“…The use of natural substances is rarely accompanied by any guarantee of purity and efficacy, and usually no description of optimal dosage or possible side effects are provided. Producers of dietary supplements should perform testing to determine the mechanism of action and confirm the safety, optimal dosage, and efficacy of natural health products . This testing is probably the first step that needs to be taken before any of the antiaging properties of natural health products can be considered seriously by a broader community of health care practitioners.…”

Section: Remaining Challengesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Americans spend on average $US 40 billion on dietary supplements each year . Common nutraceuticals include resveratrol [ 6 ], curcumin [ 7 ], ginseng, and medicinal mushrooms, which produce different biological effects, including antidiabetic, antiobesogenic, and immunomodulatory effects . Notably, many nutraceuticals and phytochemicals extend lifespan and improve the healthspan of model organisms by modulating the same molecular pathways affected by CR, as described below.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…30 Common nutraceuticals include resveratrol [6], curcumin [7], ginseng, and medicinal mushrooms, which produce different biological effects, including antidiabetic, antiobesogenic, and immunomodulatory effects. [31][32][33] Notably, many nutraceuticals and phytochemicals extend lifespan and improve the healthspan of model organisms by modulating the same molecular pathways affected by CR, as described below. We review here the molecular mechanisms of these plant and fungal molecules and examine the possibility of developing novel antiaging treatments from natural sources.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Plant extracts can stimulate stem cell growth and represent potential candidates for antiaging formulations. 315 Plant-derived compounds in this category include resveratrol, genistein, quercetin, and naringin [33]. Notably, the NAD + precursor NR increases lifespan in mice at least in part by rejuvenating muscle stem cells and preventing senescence in neural and melanocyte stem cells.…”

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Antiaging effects of bioactive molecules isolated from plants and fungi

Martel

Ojcius

et al. 2019

Medicinal Research Reviews

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Aging is influenced by many lifestyle choices that are under human control, including nutrition and exercise. The most effective known antiaging intervention consists of calorie restriction (CR), which increases lifespan in yeasts, worms, fruit flies, mice, and nonhuman primates. CR also improves healthspan by preventing the development of various aging‐related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. Many compounds isolated from plants and fungi prolong lifespan and prevent age‐related diseases in model organisms. These plant and fungal compounds modulate the same cellular and physiological pathways as CR, including those involving insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐1, mammalian target of rapamycin, and sirtuins. Modulation of these aging‐related pathways results in the activation of various cellular processes such as autophagy, DNA repair, and neutralization of reactive oxygen species. Together, these cellular processes are believed to delay aging and prevent chronic diseases by improving bodily functions and stress resistance. We review here the mechanisms of action of plant and fungal molecules possessing antiaging properties and discuss the possibilities and challenges associated with the development of antiaging compounds isolated from natural products.

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Emerging use of senolytics and senomorphics against aging and chronic diseases

Martel

Ojcius

et al. 2020

Medicinal Research Reviews

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Senescence is a state of cell cycle arrest that plays an important role in embryogenesis, wound healing and protection against cancer. Senescent cells also accumulate during aging and contribute to the development of age-related disorders and chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and liver disease. Molecules that induce apoptosis of senescent cells, such as dasatinib, quercetin, and fisetin, produce health benefits and extend lifespan in animal models. We describe here the mechanism of action of senolytics and senomorphics, many of which are derived from plants and fungi. We also discuss the possibility of using such compounds to delay aging and treat chronic diseases in humans.

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Myths and Realities Surrounding the Mysterious Caterpillar Fungus

Cited by 20 publications

References 15 publications

Determination of Arsenic Species in Ophiocordyceps sinensis from Major Habitats in China by HPLC-ICP-MS and the Edible Hazard Assessment

Determination of Arsenic Species in Ophiocordyceps sinensis from Major Habitats in China by HPLC-ICP-MS and the Edible Hazard Assessment

Antiaging effects of bioactive molecules isolated from plants and fungi

Emerging use of senolytics and senomorphics against aging and chronic diseases

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