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Bioactive Principles from Cordyceps sinensis: A Potent Food Supplement – A Review

Summary

This research reviews the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps sinensis, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The fungus contains numerous beneficial compounds that can help improve health in multiple ways. Here’s how this research impacts everyday life: • Provides natural alternatives for improving immune system function and fighting fatigue • Offers potential natural treatments for diabetes and kidney problems • Could lead to new anti-cancer treatments derived from natural compounds • Helps validate traditional medicine practices with modern scientific evidence • May result in new dietary supplements and functional foods for better health

Background

Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a well-known entamophagus fungus naturally distributed in the Tibetan Plateau of Asia and Himalayas. It has been widely used as a tonic and medicinal food in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries due to its numerous health benefits. The fungus parasitizes Lepidopteran larvae, grows through the insect and eventually mummifies it, forming a fruiting body connected to the dead larva.

Objective

This review aims to explore the therapeutic bio-factory of Cordyceps sinensis, examining its extraction methods, techniques used for identification of active principles, and possible links to their potential health benefits. The study provides a panoramic view of potential health benefits of various classes of bio-active fractions along with addressing the need for sustainable management of CS for human wellness.

Results

The review identified several key bioactive compounds in CS including nucleosides (adenosine and cordycepin), polysaccharides, sterols, proteins, peptides, and polyamines. These compounds demonstrated multiple pharmacological activities including immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, kidney protective, and anti-diabetic effects. The research showed that both water and alcoholic extracts contained the richest sources of nucleosides and polysaccharides with wide-ranging pharmacological activities.

Conclusion

Cordyceps sinensis contains numerous bioactive compounds with diverse therapeutic potential. While its traditional use and modern research demonstrate significant health benefits, there remains a need for more thorough scientific research on compositional analysis, in vivo validation, and identification of new biomolecules. The development of efficient artificial cultivation methods and sustainable production technologies is crucial to meet increasing demand while preserving natural resources.
  • Published in:Journal of Functional Foods,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.jff.2013.04.018
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