Scientific Validation of the Chinese Caterpillar Medicinal Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycetes) from India: Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Activity

Abstract

In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the antioxidant property and anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of the Indian species of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (AECS), which demonstrates medicinal activity against numerous diseases. The chemical composition of AECS was quantified using a colorimeteric technique to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Antioxidant activity was determined by assays for 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)diammonium salt (ABTS); 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH); and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Adenosine nucleoside and nitrogenous bases (adenine and uracil) were also quantified by high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Furthermore, the aqueous extract was also analyzed for anti-inflammatory activity in vitro using THP1 cells. THP1 cells were treated with and without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and AECS (at 25 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL, respectively) for 24 h. After 24 h, supernatants were harvested and kept at -80°C until the cytokine assays were performed. Furthermore, nitric oxide (NO) content was also estimated in treated and untreated murine peritoneal macrophages using Griess reagent. AECS significantly suppressed LPS-induced release of TNF-α and IL-1β in THP1 cells and significantly suppressed NO release in macrophage cells without exerting any toxic effect. These results indicate the anti-inflammatory activity of AECS. Additionally, this extract also has an antioxidant property, as high contents of phenols and flavonoids are present in the extract with considerable reducing power. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the potent antioxidant property and anti-inflammatory activity of AECS. Therefore, consumption of AECS may be clinically useful to protect against inflammatory diseases.

Use ofOphiocordyceps sinensis(syn.Cordyceps sinensis) combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) versus ACEI/ARB alone in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease: a meta-analysis

“…92,93 The aqueous extract of the Indian species of Ophiocordyceps sinensis has spectacular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. 94 In addition, the melanin derived from O. sinensis also exhibited chelating ability and antioxidant activity. 95 Superoxide dismutase (SOD) can eliminate superoxide anion and inhibit lipid peroxidation.…”

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“…lucidum is one of the most beautiful mushrooms known in traditional Chinese medicines with nucleosides with bioactive ingredients 29,36 . Nucleosides (adenosine, adenine and uracil) have been identified and quantified by HPTLC in both aqueous and hydro alcoholic extracts.…”

“…Nucleosides are involved in the regulation and modulation of various physiological processes in the body, which produce function through purinergic and/or pyrimidine receptors. In addition to being precursors in nucleic acid synthesis, nucleotides were reported to enhance immune response 29 , influence metabolism of fatty acids contributes to iron absorption in gut and improve gastrointestinal tract repair after damage. Furthermore, nucleosides and nucleobases in G. lucidum were reported to be capable of inhibiting platelet aggregation and lowering the elevated serum aldolase level of experimental model mice 30 .…”

Yarsagumba is a Promising Therapeutic Option for Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension due to the Potent Anti-Proliferative and Vasorelaxant Properties

“…Following the previous line, this nucleoside derivative has been also indicated as a potentially anti-asthmatic compound, which reduced experimental asthma by interfering with altered inflammation [22]. Strong anti-inflammatory properties of Yarsagumba or cordycepin have been demonstrated in various scientific publications in recent years [23,24]. Furthermore, this natural medicinal entomogenous fungus and its components, such as already mentioned cordycepin, have been investigated for their potent activities against oxidative stress [24][25][26].…”