Anti‐oxidation activities of CordyMax in an oxidative stress model: A mechanism of its anti‐aging property

Abstract

Cordyceps sinensis (Cs) is traditionally believed as an anti‐aging herb. CordyMax (CM), a mycelia fermentation product of Cs, has shown the benefits of lifespan extension, anti‐fatigue and improving glucose‐lipid‐energy metabolisms. We further tested the antioxidant function of CM in mice, the mechanism of its anti‐aging effect. Mice were randomized into 5 groups, receiving vehicle or CM at a dose of 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 g/kg for 60 days by gavage. They were given a single dose of 11 Gry 60Co γ‐radiation on Day 60 and sacrificed on Day 64. Compared to non‐radiation controls, γ‐radiation reduced plasma glutathione (GSH) & the thiol groups, liver catalase (CAT) & SOD, GSH‐peroxidase (GSH‐Px), GSH‐reductase (GSH‐Rd), and increased liver protein carbonyl groups. Compared to radiation controls, 60 days of oral CM increased plasma thiol groups by 21–25% in the 3 dose groups, and liver CAT by 15–16% (all p<0.01). Oral CM at a dose of 0.5 or 1.0g/kg increased GSH‐Px by 15% (p=0.01). CM therapy (1.0 or 1.5g/kg) reduced liver protein carbonyl groups by 9–14% (p=0.04, <0.01) and 8‐OHdG by 26–34% (p<0.01); and increased plasma GSH by 26–27% (p=0.02, 0.03), liver GSH‐Rd by 10–11% (p=0.02) and liver SOD by 6–9% (p<0.05). In conclusion, oral CM improves antioxidant capacity in mice with radiation‐induced oxidative injure, supporting in general the anti‐aging activity of CM.