Cordyceps sinensis Cs‐4 restores aging‐associated changes in gene expression and extends lifespan in normal aged mice

Abstract

Cordyceps sinensis is believed to be an anti-aging traditional Chinese herb. We previously reported that C. sinensis Cs-4 (a mycelia fermentation product of C. sinensis) improves glucose, lipid and energy metabolism and has antioxidant, anti-fatigue and endurance effects. In this study we examined gene expression (GE) profiles of neocortex and gastrocnemius from young (5 months of age), old (25 mo) and old Cs-4 treated (0.3 g/kg) C57Bl/6 mice. Age-related changes in GE were clustered. Cs-4 opposed GE of many changes that occurred with age (p<0.05). This anti-aging effect was examined in a lifespan study in male & female ICR mice fed either control or Cs-4 (0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 g/kg; n=48/group) beginning at 1 year of age. Calorie intake was adjusted twice a week to match the controls. No differences in body weight were noted among the groups. All control mice died before 3 years of age. The lifespan was extended 10–66 days at 50% survival with Cs-4 and 45–153 days at 10% survival. The age of the oldest surviving mice was extended 152 days (1.5 g/kg) and >210 days (both 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed the best extended lifespan and reduced the risk of death in mice receiving Cs-4 0.5 g/kg (p=0.03). In conclusion, C. sinensis Cs-4 reverses age-related changes in GE and extends the lifespan of mice, supporting the traditional belief that C. sinensis Cs-4 conveys anti-aging benefits to humans.