The Efficacy and Safety of Cordyceps militaris in Korean Adults Who Have Mild Liver Dysfunction

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of Cordyceps militaris in Korean adults with mild liver dysfunction. C. militaris is a mushroom traditionally used for several clinical purposes in East Asian territory, including China, and has been found to be effective in improving liver function through animal studies. Methods: The C. militaris group was administered 1.5 g/day of C. militaris (2 capsules per dose, twice per day) and the placebo group was administered the same volume of placebo. Laboratory test (white blood cell, hemoglobin, platelet, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyltranspeptidase, lactic dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine), liver computed tomography (CT) were performed, and visual analogue scale score for subjective symptoms and fatigue severity scale were measured. Results: In analysis of the liver CT scan at 8 weeks after administration compared to baseline, the mean ratio of change of Hounsfield unit of 8 segments of liver increased by an average of 21.43%±45.11% in the C. militaris group and 9.64%±11.41% in the placebo group. Others showed no statistically significant inter-group difference. Conclusion: C. militaris extract was used safely as a functional food in patients with mild liver dysfunction, and is expected to protect against progression of fatty liver or cirrhosis caused by suppression of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes.