The Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Actions ofCordyceps sinensis

Abstract

Cordyceps sinensis, also called DongChongXiaCao (winter worm, summer grass) in Chinese, is becoming increasingly popular and important in the public and scientific communities. This study summarizes the chemical constituents and their corresponding pharmacological actions of Cordyceps sinensis. Many bioactive components of Cordyceps sinensis have been extracted including nucleoside, polysaccharide, sterol, protein, amino acid, and polypeptide. In addition, these constituents' corresponding pharmacological actions were also shown in the study such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antiapoptosis, and immunomodulatory actions. Therefore can use different effects of C. sinensis against different diseases and provide reference for the study of Cordyceps sinensis in the future.

The Effect of the Hot Water Extracts of the <i>Paecilomyces hepiali </i>and <i>Cordyceps militaris</i> Mycelia on the Growth of Gastrointestinal Bacteria

“…It was confirmed as a marker for C. militaris within the content profiles of nucleosides in Cordyceps product [32]. Cordycepin could be an attractive therapeutic candidate with oral activity against I/R-associated heart diseases such as myocardial infarction [1] and also it is a potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic medicine [33]. Cordycepin can intensively regulate the functions of human immune cells in vitro [34].…”

“…Adenosine is a major nucleoside in Cordyceps and plays an important role in biochemical process in the organism [1]. The content of adenosine is much higher in cultured C. sinensis than in the natural one.…”

“…Those are an abundant resource in nature with various biological activities and have been used extensively as a tonic and health supplement [1]. Chioza et al reported that Paecilomyces hepiali and Hirsutella sinensis do coexist in O. sinensis.…”

“…Many of them are biological response modifiers which activate our immune systems for a multitude of defensive functions. The immunomodulating effects are associated with its antitumor activity [1] and lower fasting plasma levels of glucose and insulin improve oral glucose tolerance, and increase glucose-insulin index [3]. Extract of O. sinensis has inhibited hepatic fibrogenesis [4] in rats with CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis and reduced the weight loss, polydipsia, and hyperglycemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats [5].…”

“…Meanwhile, various pharmacological actions of these chemical constituents have been reported, including antitumor effect, antioxidant, nephroprotective, antiapoptotic, antibacterial properties and inflammatory effects [1] which are the most proverbial effect of O. sinensis and C. militaris. The effect of O. sinensis and C. militaris may be caused by a single active ingredient or by the combined action of many active agents that existed in the extractions.…”