Abstract
Cordyceps mycelium extract (Cs-4), Chicken Essence (CE), and their combination were investigated for antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities in mouse models. Long-term treatment with Cs-4 or CE at equivalent human doses improved antioxidant status in various tissues, as evidenced by the enhancement of mitochondrial glutathione redox status in the brain, liver, heart, and kidney of mice. Cs-4 or CE treatment also produced an immunomodulatory action, as indicated by the potentiation of Concanavalin A-/lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation of mouse splenocytes ex vivo. While doubling of the equivalent human doses of Cs-4 and CE did not further enhance their antioxidant or immunopotentiating effects, the combined treatment with Cs-4 and CE at their respective equivalent human doses produced an additive effect, with the extents of stimulation being larger than those produced by Cs-4 or CE alone. The results have demonstrated for the first time that the combined use of Cs-4 and CE can produce an additive effect on both antioxidation and immunopotentiation that cannot otherwise be achieved by increasing the equivalent human doses of Cs-4 or CE alone.
Highlights
Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc (C. sinensis) is a fungal parasite on a larva of Lepidoptera
The combined treatment with Cs-4 and Chicken Essence (CE) at human equivalent doses further enhanced the mitochondrial glutathione redox status in various tissues of mice, as evidenced by increases GSH/GSSG ratio in an additive manner, with values well above those produced by doubling of the human equivalent dose of Cs-4 or CE alone (Figure 1)
It has recently been demonstrated that Cs-4 treatment can produce anti-inflammatory effects in allergic rhinitis and asthma in rodent models [15]
Summary
Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc (C. sinensis) is a fungal parasite on a larva of Lepidoptera. It is known as Dongchongxiacao (winter-worm summer-grass) in Chinese. Cs-4 is a fermentation product derived from Cordyceps mycelium cul-. According to the State Pharmacopoeia Commission of People Republic of China 2005, C. sinensis can be used for the invigoration of body functions, health preservation, and reduction of fatigue. Pharmacological studies have indicated that Cordyceps can produce antioxidant, antitumor and immunomodulating effects in various experimental models [1] [2]
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