Ophiocordyceps sinensis: Decoding its Journey - From Snowy Legends to Modern Science

Cordyceps sinensis is a rare and endangered medicinal herb in China and a typical medicinal and food plant. Most of the research related to Cordyceps sinensis focuses on its pharmacological effects, artificial cultivation and clinical applications. However, there are few comprehensive evaluations on the quality of Cordyceps sinensis under different drying methods. In this study, the effects of vacuum freeze-drying (DG), oven-drying (HG) and air-drying (YG) on the morphological characteristics, microstructure, antioxidant activity and metabolites of Cordyceps sinensis were investigated using wild Cordyceps sinensis as the research object. The results showed that in their appearance and morphology, the YG- and HG-method Cordyceps sinensis samples were darker in color and wilted, while the DG- method Cordyceps sinensis samples were golden yellow in color and had better fullness. In terms of microstructure, the stomata of the YG and HG method Cordyceps sinensis samples were relatively small and irregularly shaped, whereas those of the DG method Cordyceps sinensis samples were larger and neat. In terms of antioxidant capacity, the HG-method samples were the lowest, followed by the YG group, and the DG group had the highest total antioxidant capacity. A correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between antioxidant capacity and lipids, lipid molecules, nucleosides, nucleotides, and analogs. A metabolomics analysis identified 1937 metabolites from 18 superclasses, with lipids, lipid-like molecules, organic acids and derivatives, organoheterocyclic compounds, and organic oxygen compounds being the predominant metabolites in Cordyceps sinensis. Differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in DG samples showed higher levels of lipids and lipid molecules, organic oxygen compounds, organic acids and derivatives, and organoheterocyclic compounds compared to the other drying methods, suggesting DG as the optimal preservation method for Cordyceps sinensis. These findings offer insights for selecting appropriate drying methods and maintaining the post-drying quality of Cordyceps sinensis.

We have reported that cordycepin, an adenosine derivative from the fungus Cordyceps, increased interleukin (IL)-10 expression, decreased IL-2 expression and suppressed T lymphocyte activity. In the present study, we further characterized the regulatory effects of cordycepin on human immune cells. Moreover, a traditional Chinese drug, Cordyceps sinensis (CS) that contains cordycepin, was also investigated. Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) was used to determine the concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma in culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The results showed that both cordycepin and CS up-regulated IL-10, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha; at the same time, they suppressed phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IFN-gamma and IL-12. As compared to cordycepin, CS displayed its regulatory effects on IL-2 and IL-10 in a similar dose-dependent manner even with higher efficiency. The binding activity of transcription factors in a human monocytic cell line THP-1 was tested by the trans-AM method, and a higher binding activity of SP1 and SP3 was observed in cordycepin or CS treated cells compared to the control. These results led to the opinion that cordycepin and CS pleiotropically affected the actions of immune cells and cytokine network in a similar fashion. Cordycepin could be an important immunoregulatory active ingredient in Cordyceps sinensis. In addition, CS may contain substances which possess synergism with cordycepin, as CS showed a higher efficiency in the production of IL-10 and IL-2 than cordycepin. However, merits of these effects in pharmacology and clinical medicine have yet to be proven and the precise mechanism of these immune regulatory actions should be researched.

Cordyceps sinensis is an endoparasitic fungus widely used as a tonic and medicinal food in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In historical usage, Cordyceps specifically is referring to the species of C. sinensis. However, a number of closely related species are named themselves as Cordyceps, and they are sold commonly as C. sinensis. The substitutes and adulterants of C. sinensis are often introduced either intentionally or accidentally in the herbal market, which seriously affects the therapeutic effects or even leads to life-threatening poisoning. Here, we aim to identify Cordyceps by DNA sequencing technology. Two different DNA-based approaches were compared. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) were developed here to authenticate different species of Cordyceps. Both approaches generally enabled discrimination of C. sinensis from others. The application of the two methods, supporting each other, increases the security of identification. For better reproducibility and faster analysis, the SCAR markers derived from the RAPD results provide a new method for quick authentication of Cordyceps.

Therapeutic use of traditional Chinese herbal medications for chronic kidney diseases

Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis) is an exotic fungus that parasitizes on caterpillar larvae. It is called “Winter Worm and Summer Grass” due to its characteristic life cycle [1]. It is grown at heights 15,000 feet and above. C. sinensis is being used for the prevention and cure of various ailments in human beings due to its well established therapeutic importance such as anti-ageing, anticancer, anti-diabetic, antihypoxia, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor activities. It is also known to possess many bioactive compounds like cordycepin, cordycepic acid, ergosterol, fatty acids, nucleobases, polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, etc [2]. In the present study, aqueous extract of C.sinensis (CSaq) was prepared using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) technique from raw C. sinensis whole body. Five different fractions (F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5) from the same extract were separated and collected using semi preparative HPLC system. These fractions were further purified and characterized by HPTLC, H1-NMR & ESI-MS. All the fractions clearly showed the presence of flavonoids and nitrogen bases.The antioxidant activity of each fraction was also evaluated in terms of superoxide radical scavenging activity and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Besides, HPTLC data sets were further processed for hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) of all the C. sinensis fractions. The results of this study clearly indicated the scope for further bio efficacy evaluation of the above mentioned fractions as therapeutic agents.

Given the adverse effects of current water shortages, low utilization and imbalance between the supply and demand, and other status quo problems relating to social economic development, the construction industry and agriculture, a cloud model was applied to a water resource system using five sustainable water resource utilization schemes for Kiamusze, Heilongjiang Province, as an example. This research changes the qualitative description of the concept language into a quantitative analysis of an evaluation indicator. A cloud model-based analytical method for regional sustainable water resource utilization schemes was proposed, and the sustainable grades of the water resources were calculated. The research results showed that, in addition to the natural continuation of such schemes, the development trends of four new schemes achieved the sustainable utilization of water resources, and thus, the sustainable water resource utilization was optimized. However, when the open-source, throttle, comprehensive and coordination schemes were subjected to the optimum applicability analysis, based on the limiting factors in different periods, resource availability and long-term development, decision-making regarding the best solution in different periods better ensures sustainable development in Kiamusze. The research results provide a significant theoretical basis for the formulation of scientific and reasonable sustainable water resource utilization strategies in Kiamusze. Keywords: cloud model, regional water resources, sustainable utilization, normal cloud, scheme analysis DOI: 10.3965/j.ijabe.20160905.2529 Citation: Fu Q, Meng F X, Li T X, Liu D, Gong F L, Osman A, et al. Cloud model-based analysis of regional sustainable water resource utilization schemes. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2016; 9(5): 67－75.

The idea of mind-body integration existed in practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at the very beginning, and psychosomatic medicine as a special term was from western world.Discussion about psychosomatic medicine was basically limited within philosophy and psychiatrics before 1980s.It did not find extensive application in practice of non-psychiatric medicine to manage psycho-social factors in medical setting until 1980s.Brife history and worldwide development of psychosomatic medicine, the diversification of its definition, its incorporation into clinical practice and the development and expection of its incorporation into clinical gastroenterology will be discussion in the article. Key words: Psychosomatic medicine; Definition; Development; Clinical application; Gastroenterology

Cordyceps, a caterpillar fungus is found to be used as high medicinal value by the people around the world.It is known as Yartsa Gunbu in Tibeto-Bhutanese, words originating from Tibetan language, meaning Yartsa: grass in summer and Gunbu: worm in winter, it is called "Dong chong Xia cao" in China and "Tockukaso" in Japan, words meaning the same.It grows on high Himalayan plateau, altitude between 3500 to 5000 meters.Well known species of genus cordyceps is cordyceps sinensis (CS) which is being widely used for clinical treatments and researches.Cordyceps sinensis is a dead remain of Himalayan Ghost moth belonging to a species Hepialis aromoricanus, also called as bat moth.It is considered to have high medicinal value and used to treat diseases like cancer, diabetes, pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular disorder, sexual dysfunction, renal disease and many other diseases for centuries in Chinese Traditional Medicine and Bhutanese Indigenous Medicine.Advanced Biotechnology has revealed that CS has wide range of bioactive constituents and minerals.There are numbers of researches conducted and have seen good impact of this CS on animals, cell cultures and on some cases of human patients, many researches demonstrated its ability in suppressing the tumor cells of various types of cancer.However, few hypotheses contradicted that CS suppresses the immunity.Due to lack of proper trials and studies on human, there is no authenticated or standard protocol that has been formulated for its prescription and clinical use in modern medicine.

Disease of modern civilization (DMC) such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease is caused by the pressure and tension, as well as nutritional imbalance, coupled with a lack of exercise, long-term cumulative a class of diseases.Medicinal mushrooms have diverse morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics that support their diverse lifestyles.These specific interspecies interactions depend on the production of a wide range of bioactive substances.Medicinal mushrooms are well recognized for their medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for millennia.Cordyceps sinensis is an abundant resource in nature with various biological activities.Within the genus Cordyceps, over 400 species have been described so far, of which Cordyceps sinensis, also called "Winter Worm, Summer Grass, " is recognized as the most famous tonic herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries.Many studies have shown that Cordyceps sinensis modulates immune responses, decreases plasma cholesterol levels, enhances hepatic function, regulates insulin sensitivity, and improves hypotensive and vasorelaxant activity.C. Han et al. review the chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Cordyceps sinensis.Many bioactive components of Cordyceps sinensis have been extracted including nucleoside, polysaccharide, sterol, protein, amino acid, polypeptide, and others.In addition, these constituents' corresponding pharmacological actions were also shown in the study, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antiapoptosis, and immunomodulatory.So we can use different effects of C. sinensis against

The system physiology approaches that emerge in western countries in recent years echo the holistic view of ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices that deal with the root, rather than only the symptoms of diseases. Particularly, TCM practices, including acupuncture, emphasize the mobilization of self-healing mechanisms to bring back body homeostasis. Acupuncture has been practiced for over two thousand years to modulate body physiology via stimulation at specific body regions (acupoints). With the development of various research on acupuncture therapy, its regulatory effect on the immune system has been gradually recognized, especially on immunological diseases, including infectious and allergic diseases. In this study, we reviewed the immunomodulatory mechanism of acupuncture and systematically integrates existing research to respectively elucidate the modulatory mechanisms of acupuncture on the innate immune system, adaptive immune system, and well-known neuroanatomical mechanisms, including intact somatosensory-autonomic reflex pathway. With the advances made in recent systems physiology studies, we now have a great opportunity to gain insight into how acupuncture modulates immunity, and subsequently improves its efficacy.

Objective: The so-called granules for prescription have been developed about 20 years ago as a new form of modernizing and simplification of the classical decoction common in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice. Due to actual problems in Germany/Europe, which are caused by the lack of quality monographs and judicial classification of granules for prescription, the aim of the study was a comparison of the chemical composition of commercial granules versus decoctions. Taking an example, decoctions, commercial granules, and organic extracts of two well-established TCM herbal drugs, Scrophulariae Radix and Xanthii Fructus, were examined in their specific composition. Methods: Using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) for fingerprint analysis of different batches of herbal drugs and samples from various suppliers of Xanthii Fructus and Scrophulariae Radix were critically examined. The decoctions were prepared according to traditional rules, while the granules were dissolved in water in accordance with actual regulations. Furthermore, organic extracts of the plant material were examined and compared with aqueous extracts. Results: It could be demonstrated, that in some cases, there are remarkable differences in the specific composition between granules from different suppliers, the classical aqueous decoction and the organic extract used for the HPTLC fingerprinting. On the other hand, few examples exist for good comparability of decoctions and commercial granules. Conclusion: After critical evaluation of the above results, it can be questioned, if there is a so-called phytoequivalence between decoctions and commercial granules for prescription used in TCM practice.

The safe use of Chinese materia medica (CMM) and products in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice conventionally relies on correct pharmacognostic identification, good agricultural and manufacturing practices based on pharmacopoeia standards and rational/correct CMM combinations with TCM-guided clinical prescribing. These experience-based principles may not absolutely ensure safety without careful toxicological investigations when compared with development of new pharmaceutical drugs. Clinically observed toxicity reports remain as guidance for gathering toxicological evidence, though essential as pharmacovigilance, but are considered as late events for ensuring safety. The overview focuses on the following factors: global development of TCM that has affected conventional healthcare; examples of key toxic substances in CMM; reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) consequential to taking CMM and TCM products; and proposals on rational approaches to integrate the knowledge of biomedical science and the principles of TCM practice for detecting early ADRs if both TCM products and orthodox drugs are involved. It is envisaged that good control of the quality and standards of CMM and proprietary Chinese medicines can certainly reduce the incidence of ADRs in TCM practice when these medications are used.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practice has been thriving for centuries throughout the world, but its educational system has not been standardized in many countries outside of China. The aim of this article is To share experiences in planning and executing TCM education adapted to Indonesian culture and conditions. TCM practice has thrived since centuries ago in Indonesia due to TCM's empirically proven effectiveness for maintaining health and wellness. However, formal bachelor's-degree education in TCM has just begun about a decade ago. The learning outcomes of TCM bachelor's-degree education in Indonesia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at large differs from those of China mainly because of the nearly total integration of Western medicine modalities in China. The learning strategy of TCM education in Indonesia with a pragmatic acculturation approach has been effective for improving TCM acceptance, and has been beneficial in upgrading the social and academic status of Indonesian traditional health care based on ASEAN TCM standards.

A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, and quality control of Bletilla striata.

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) resources refer to the total reserves of plants, animals, and minerals that can be used as raw materials of TCM(including Chinese medicial materials, TCM decoction pieces, TCM dispensing granules, traditional Chinese patent medicine, and TCM hospital preparation) and folk herbal medicine, which served as the material basis of inheritance, innovation, and development of TCM. In recent years, the sustainable utilization of TCM resources has received high attention and acquired a series of significant achievements in resource survey, quality evaluation, resource protection, innovative technology, and development and utilization, which effectively promoted the sustainable utilization of TCM resources and high-quality development of the TCM industry. The most urgent issue currently is to shift the focus of the research on the sustainable utilization of TCM resources from a sustainable utilization technology system to a sustainable utilization evaluation indicator system. Therefore, in order to objectively evaluate the ability, level, and trend of the sustainable utilization of TCM resources, an evaluation indicator system for sustainable utilization of TCM resources(EIS-TCMRSU) and methods for measuring and determining various standards and indicators were innovatively constructed. With the support of economic policies and scientific regulation of TCM policies, emerging technologies and new tools and methods could be applied to achieve the strategic goals of sustainable utilization and sustainable development of TCM resources. Based on the driving force-pressure-state-impact-response(DPSIR) model, key indicators including resource driving force, environmental pressure, resource state, socio-economic impact, and management response were determined by analyzing the industry chain bottleneck problems and development factors related to the sustainable utilization of TCM resources. According to the scientific, systematic, comparable, dynamic, and operable principles, the EIS-TCMRSU theoretical system was constructed to accurately reflect the ability and development trend of the sustainable utilization of TCM resources and promote the EIS-TCMRSU research from theoretical exploration to practical application. It ensured objective evaluation of the level and ability of sustainable utilization of TCM resources and provided a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the sustainable utilization and sustainable development of TCM resources. In addition, it is of great significance for promoting high-level safety supervision of TCM and high-quality development of the TCM industry.