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Polysaccharides from Spores of Cordyceps cicadae Protect against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression and Oxidative Stress in Mice

Summary

Researchers extracted and studied special compounds called polysaccharides from the spores of Cordyceps cicadae, a medicinal fungus used in traditional Chinese medicine. When tested in mice treated with a cancer drug that suppresses immunity, one of these purified compounds (CCSP-2) successfully restored immune function and reduced harmful oxidative stress. The compound works by boosting the activity of immune cells and protecting the body’s natural antioxidant defense systems, suggesting it could potentially help cancer patients manage chemotherapy side effects.

Background

Cordyceps cicadae is a traditional Chinese medicine with extensive pharmacological effects including antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. Polysaccharides are the main bioactive components, though few studies have focused on polysaccharides from C. cicadae spores (CCSP) due to collection difficulties.

Objective

This study aimed to purify and characterize polysaccharides from C. cicadae spores and investigate their immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice.

Results

Three purified polysaccharide fractions (CCSP-1, CCSP-2, CCSP-3) were obtained with molecular weights of 1.79×10⁶, 5.74×10⁴, and 7.93×10³ Da respectively. CCSP-2, composed of mannose and glucose, significantly improved immune organ indices, enhanced macrophage phagocytosis, promoted lymphocyte proliferation, enhanced NK cytotoxicity, and modulated antioxidant enzyme systems in CTX-treated mice in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

CCSP-2 demonstrated significant protective effects against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression and oxidative stress through immunomodulatory and antioxidant mechanisms. These findings suggest CCSP-2 could be developed as a promising natural immunomodulator for mitigating chemotherapy-induced toxicity.
  • Published in:Foods,
  • Study Type:In vivo Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 35205991
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