Cordyceps sinensis Cs‐5 enhances sexual functions in normal and impotent models

Abstract

Cordyceps sinensis (Cs) has been widely used for anti‐fatigue and anti‐aging. Cordyceps sinensis Cs‐5, a mycelia fermentation product of Cs, has shown its benefits in anti‐fatigue and immune modulation. In this study we examined the Cs‐5 effects on improving sexual functions in rat and mouse models. (1) Male SD rats (2 mo) underwent bilateral orchiectomy (OE). After 2‐wk recovery, they were randomized into 4 groups (n=14 each), receiving vehicle or Cs‐5 (0.5 or 1.5g/kg) by gavage, or testosterone (2mg/kg) via s.c. injection for 3 days. Erection latency (EL) was measured on Day 3. Cs‐5 shortened EL in OE rats compared to OE controls (p=0.03 & <0.01). (2) Normal ICR male mice (8 mo) were randomized into 3 groups (n=16 each) based on the baseline capture latency (CL), and received vehicle or Cs‐5 at 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg for 22 days. Two hours after treatment on Days 3 and 22, mice were mated with 3 females for 1 male in a single cage, and their sexual behaviors were monitored through infrared track system and recorded for 20 min. Cs‐5 (0.5g/kg) significantly shortened CL of mice on both Days 3 and 22, compared to controls (p<0.01); and increased the percentage shortening of CL at 0.5 and 1.0g/kg on Day 3 (p<0.01) and the copulation/capture ratio at 1.0 g/kg on Day 22 (p=0.02). In conclusion, Cs‐5 enhances sexual function by shortening EL in OE rats, and by shortening CL and increasing copulation/capture ratio in normal mice.