The potential application of Cordyceps in metabolic‐related disorders

NAD-Driven Sirtuin Activation by Cordyceps sinensis Extract: Exploring the Adaptogenic Potential to Promote Skin Longevity

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in utilizing Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and natural bioactive compounds to combat age-related ailments and enhance longevity. A Cordyceps sinensis mycelium hydroethanolic extract (CsEx), which was standardized in cordycepin and adenosine using UHPLC-DAD, was investigated for its adaptogenic properties using in vitro assays and a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 40 subjects. The CsEx demonstrated activity at a concentration of 0.0006%, significantly increasing sirtuin expression (SirT1: +33%, SirT3: +10%, SirT6: +72%, vs. CTR, p < 0.05) and NAD+ synthesis in HaCat cells (+20% vs. CTR, p < 0.001). Moreover, the CsEx boosted ATP production by 68% in skin cells, correlating with higher skin energy values (+52.0% at D28, p < 0.01) in the clinical trial. Additionally, CsEx notably reduced cytosolic reactive oxygen species (ROS) by 30% in HaCaT cells (p < 0.05) and enhanced collagen production both in vitro (+69% vs. CTR, p < 0.01) and in vivo (+10% vs. D0, p < 0.01), confirmed by ultrasound examination. Furthermore, CsEx's stimulation of fibroblasts, coupled with its antioxidant and energizing properties, led to a significant reduction in wrinkles by 28.0% (D28, p < 0.001). This study underscores Cordyceps sinensis hydroethanolic extract's potential in regulating skin cell energy metabolism and positively influencing the mechanisms associated with skin longevity control.

Natural compounds as obesity pharmacotherapies

Obesity has become a serious global public health problem, affecting over 988 million people worldwide. Nevertheless, current pharmacotherapies have proven inadequate. Natural compounds have garnered significant attention due to their potential antiobesity effects. Over the past three decades, ca. 50 natural compounds have been evaluated for the preventive and/or therapeutic effects on obesity in animals and humans. However, variations in the antiobesity efficacies among these natural compounds have been substantial, owing to differences in experimental designs, including variations in animal models, dosages, treatment durations, and administration methods. The feasibility of employing these natural compounds as pharmacotherapies for obesity remained uncertain. In this review, we systematically summarized the antiobesity efficacy and mechanisms of action of each natural compound in animal models. This comprehensive review furnishes valuable insights for the development of antiobesity medications based on natural compounds.

Dose-dependent action of cordycepin on the microbiome-gut-brain-adipose axis in mice exposed to stress

The high risk for anxiety and depression among individuals with stress has become a growing concern globally. Stress-related mental disorders are often accompanied by symptoms of metabolic dysfunction. Cordycepin is a Chinese herbal medicine commonly used for its metabolism-enhancing effects. We aimed to investigate the dose-dependent effects of cordycepin on psycho-metabolic disorders induced by stress. Our behavioral tests revealed that 12.5 mg/kg cordycepin by oral gavage significantly attenuated the anxiety- and depression-like behaviors induced by stress in mice. At 25 mg/kg, cordycepin restored the reduced weight and cell size of adipose tissues caused by stress. Besides ameliorating the metabolic dysbiosis of gut microbiota due to stress, cordycepin significantly reduced the elevated contents of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the serum and prefrontal cortex at 12.5 mg/kg and reversed the decrease in adipose induced by stress at 25 mg/kg. Correlation analyses further revealed that 12.5 mg/kg cordycepin reversed stress-induced changes in the intestinal microbiome of NK4A214_group and decreased serum Myristic acid and PC(15:0/18:1(11Z)) and cytokines, such as IFN-γ and IL-1β. 25 mg/kg cordycepin reversed stress-induced changes in the abundances of Prevoteaceae_UCG-001 and Desulfovibrio, increased serum L-alanine level, and decreased serum Inosine-5'-monophosphate level. Cordycepin thereby ameliorated the anxiety- and depression-like behaviors as well as disturbances in the adipose metabolism of mice exposed to stress. Overall, these findings offer evidence indicating that the prominent effects of cordycepin in the brain and adipose tissues are dose dependent, thus highlight the importance of evaluating the precise therapeutic effects of different cordycepin doses on psycho-metabolic diseases.

Comparative metabolic profiling of mycelia, fermentation broth, spore powder and fruiting bodies of Ophiocordyceps gracilis by LC-MS/MS

INTRODUCTION

Ophiocordyceps gracilis, a type of edible and medicinal fungus, exhibits multiple health-promoting effects. Due to the scarcity of natural O. gracilis, artificial cultures have been developed as its substitutes. However, lacking comprehension of the metabolite composition of cultures limits its utilisation.

OBJECTIVE

This research aimed to evaluate the nutritional and medicinal value of four cultures of O. gracilis by analysing their metabolite composition. In addition, metabolic pathways in mycelia and fruiting bodies were analysed to explore fruiting body formation mechanism at metabolic level.

METHOD

The mycelia, fermentation broth, spore powder and fruiting bodies of O. gracilis were cultivated in this study. Their metabolite composition was compared using an untargeted metabolomics approach based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) showed that the four cultures have noticeable differences in metabolite composition. A total of 612 metabolites were identified, among which 159 metabolites showed significant differences, and these differential metabolites were classified into 13 categories. The metabolites in the fruiting bodies were the most abundant compared with other cultures. However, each culture had its own advantages and significantly accumulates some active metabolites respectively. Pearson's correlation analysed the mutual relationship among metabolites. In addition, seven metabolic pathways were closely related to fruiting body formation, such as "Biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites", "amino acids metabolism", "tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle".

CONCLUSION

This study offered a reference to mycelia, fermentation broth, spore powder and fruiting bodies of O. gracilis as health-promoting functional foods and medicine.

Functional genomics and systems biology of Cordyceps species for biotechnological applications

The use of Cordyceps species for the manufacture of natural products has been established; however, the tremendous advances observed in recent years in genetic engineering and molecular biology have revolutionized the optimization of Cordyceps as cell factories and drastically expanded the biotechnological potential of these fungi. Here, we present a review of systems and synthetic biology studies of Cordyceps and their implications for fungal biology and industrial applications. We summarize the current status of synthetic biology for enhancing targeted metabolites in Cordyceps species, such as cordycepin, adenosine, polysaccharide, and pentostatin. Progress in the systems and synthetic biology of Cordyceps provides a strategy for comprehensively comprehensive controlling efficient cell factories of natural bioproducts and novel synthetic biology toolbox for targeted engineering.

Polysaccharides from natural Cordyceps sinensis attenuated dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice

As potential candidates for treating ulcerative colitis (UC), polysaccharides have been attracting extensive interest in recent years. Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis) is a kind of traditional Chinese edible food, and its polysaccharide fractions have been found to be effective in regulating immunity and protecting the kidneys. To determine the potential function of polysaccharides from natural C. sinensis on UC, their effects in terms of histological, serological, biochemical, and immunological aspects on dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice model were investigated. Results showed that the polysaccharides significantly alleviated colitis by increasing the colon length, alleviating colon tissue damage, and inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB pathway. In addition, polysaccharides reduced the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the serum, increased the number of goblet cells, and improved the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (Occludin and Claudin-1). They also evidently enhanced the formation of IgA-secretory cells and sIgA contents. Furthermore, the polysaccharides modulated the gut microbiota by decreasing the relative abundance of Bilophila and increasing the relative abundance of Dehalobacterium, Coprococcus, Oscillospira, and Desulfovibrio, which is accompanied by an increase in the short chain fatty acids' (SCFAs) concentrations in cecal contents. These results suggested that C. sinensis polysaccharides possessed promising intervening effects on experimental acute UC in mice.

Mechanism study of Cordyceps sinensis alleviates renal ischemia–reperfusion injury

Cordyceps sinensis (C. sinensis) is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine commonly used to protect renal function and relieve kidney injury. This study aimed to reveal the renal protective mechanism of C. sinensis in renal ischemia–reperfusion injury (RIRI). First, we obtained 8 active components and 99 common targets of C. sinensis against RIRI from public databases. Second, we have retrieved 38 core targets through STRING database analysis. Third, Gene Ontology analysis of 38 core targets is indicated that C. sinensis treatment RIRI may related hormone regulation, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and immune regulation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of 38 core targets is indicated that C. sinensis treatment RIRI may involve in PI3K–Akt, HIF-1, and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as advanced glycation end product (AGE)–receptor for AGE (RAGE) signaling pathway in diabetic complications. Lastly, molecular docking was used to detect the binding activity and properties of active components and core target using molecular docking. And the results showed that eight active components of C. sinensis had low affinity with core targets. In conclusion, C. sinensis may improve RIRI by regulating oxidative stress and immunity through PI3K–Akt, HIF-1, and MAPK pathways.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis Explores the Mechanisms of Cordyceps sinensis in the Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus

Objective

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is the most common potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of Cordyceps sinensis in the treatment of OLP and provides a theoretical support for improving current treatment regimens for OLP.

Methods

The active components and therapeutic targets of Cordyceps sinensis were predicted and screened using the TCMSP, SymMap, PubMed, HIT 2.0, and PharmMapper databases, while the relevant OLP targets were predicted and screened using the DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. Protein-protein interactions (PPI) were examined using the String database, and Cytoscape was used to combine and illustrate the findings. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were carried out using RStudio, and AutoDock Vina and Pymol were used for molecular docking and visualization, respectively.

Results

A total of 404 potential target genes were discovered after evaluating 21 active compounds from Cordyceps sinensis. Potential therapeutic targets included 67 targets that matched and overlapped with OLP, including TNF, IL-6, CD4, EGFR, and IL1B. Key targets were predominantly engaged in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and the MAPK signaling pathway, according to the GO and KEGG analyses. These targets have a connection to biological processes including apoptosis signaling pathway regulation, T cell activation, and oxidative stress response. The molecular docking results showed that TNF, IL-6, CD4, EGFR, and IL1B could bind to their corresponding active components.

Conclusions

Cordyceps sinensis contains multiple components and acts on multiple targets and multiple pathways. Particularly, Cordyceps sinensis targets TNF, IL-6, CD4, EGFR, and IL1B, regulates PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as takes part in biological processes including apoptosis, T cell activation, and oxidative stress. Cordyceps sinensis could be a crucial choice in the therapy of OLP.

Structural Elucidation and Activities of Cordyceps militaris-Derived Polysaccharides: A Review

Cordyceps militaris is a parasitic edible fungus and has been used as tonics for centuries. Polysaccharides are a major water-soluble component of C. militaris. Recently, C. militaris-derived polysaccharides have been given much attention due to their various actions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic, and immunomodulatory effects. These bioactivities are determined by the various structural characteristics of polysaccharides including monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, and glycosidic linkage. The widespread use of advanced analytical analysis tools has greatly improved the elucidation of the structural characteristics of C. militaris-derived polysaccharides. However, the methods for polysaccharide structural characterization and the latest findings related to C. militaris-derived polysaccharides, especially the potential structure-activity relationship, have not been well-summarized in recent reviews of the literature. This review will discuss the methods used in the elucidation of the structure of polysaccharides and structural characteristics as well as the signaling pathways modulated by C. militaris-derived polysaccharides. This article provides information useful for the development of C. militaris-derived polysaccharides as well as for investigating other medicinal polysaccharides.

Mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis and its Extracts in the Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Review

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the major reason of chronic kidney disease (CKD)-caused end-stage renal failure (ESRF), and leads to high mortality worldwide. At present, the treatment of DKD is mainly focused on controlling the hyperglycemia, proteinuria, and hypertension, but is insufficient on the effective delay of DKD progression. Cordyceps sinensis is a kind of wild-used precious Chinese herb. Its extracts have effects of nephroprotection, hepatoprotection, neuroprotection, and protection against ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps sinensis can tonify the lung and the kidney. Several Chinese patent medicines produced from Cordyceps sinensis are often used to treat DKD and achieved considerable efficacy. This review summarized the clinical usage of Cordyceps sinensis, as well as its mainly biological activities including anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fibrotic activities and regulation of apoptosis.

Protective Effect of a Water-Soluble Carotenoid-Rich Extract of Cordyceps militaris against Light-Evoked Functional Vision Deterioration in Mice

Light-evoked retinal photodamage is considered an important factor contributing to functional vision deterioration and can even lead to light maculopathy or dry age-related macular degeneration. Loss of visual acuity (VA) and visual contrast sensitivity function (VCSF) are the major symptoms of retinal degenerative diseases. Cordyceps militaris is a carotenoid-rich Chinese medicinal fungus with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory functions. C. militaris extract is a natural substance, and its bioactive constituents have been shown to confer health benefits, but their application in retinal tissue and functional vision protection in vivo remain incompletely understood. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of water-soluble, carotenoid-rich C. militaris extracts on the visual performance of light-damaged mouse retinas in vivo, using adult female CD-1^® (ICR) albino mice. We showed that oral administration of this C. militaris extract (10 mg/kg, twice daily) protected the neural retina tissue against light-evoked photoreceptor cell death, reduced Müller cell hypertrophic gliosis, and elevated GSH levels and promoted the recovery of VA- and VCSF-thresholds, especially for high spatial frequency-characterized vision. These results suggest that, probably because of its water-soluble carotenoids, C. militaris extract has the potential to prevent or treat light-induced visual dysfunction.

The Role of Autophagy in Anti-Cancer and Health Promoting Effects of Cordycepin

Cordycepin is an adenosine derivative isolated from Cordyceps sinensis, which has been used as an herbal complementary and alternative medicine with various biological activities. The general anti-cancer mechanisms of cordycepin are regulated by the adenosine A3 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, leading to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Notably, cordycepin also induces autophagy to trigger cell death, inhibits tumor metastasis, and modulates the immune system. Since the dysregulation of autophagy is associated with cancers and neuron, immune, and kidney diseases, cordycepin is considered an alternative treatment because of the involvement of cordycepin in autophagic signaling. However, the profound mechanism of autophagy induction by cordycepin has never been reviewed in detail. Therefore, in this article, we reviewed the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin in the neurons, kidneys, and the immune system through diverse mechanisms, including autophagy induction. We also suggest that formulation changes for cordycepin could enhance its bioactivity and bioavailability and lower its toxicity for future applications. A comprehensive understanding of the autophagy mechanism would provide novel mechanistic insight into the anti-cancer and health-promoting effects of cordycepin.

Therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts on diabetes

With the improvement of people's living standards and changes in the environment, the incidence of diabetes has increased rapidly. It has gradually become one of the main diseases threatening the health and life of modern people, bringing a great burden to the society. Although the existing treatment methods can effectively control the symptoms of diabetes and delay its progression, they have not brought satisfactory improvement in the quality of life and treatment of patients. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines and their extracts combine thousands of years of experience and the scientific basis provided by modern experimental research, which is expected to bring a qualitative leap in the clinical management of diabetes. Therefore, this article systematically reviews studies on the effects of Chinese herbal medicine and its extracts on diabetes and its complications, and aims to bring new ideas and options for the clinical treatment of diabetes.

Dynamic content changes of cordycepin and adenosine and transcriptome in Cordyceps kyushuensis Kob at different fermentation stages

20% (w/w) Astragali radix was added to the rice medium to cultivate C. kyushuensis Kob. The fermentation product was collected at mycelium stage, coloring stage, stromata-forming initial stage and fruiting body stage of C. kyushuensis Kob. The dynamic content changes of cordycepin and adenosine were detected at different fermentation stages. In the rice medium with Astragalus radix, both cordycepin and adenosine reached the highest content value on the 30th day of fermentation, 17.31 mg/g and 0.94 mg/g, respectively, which were 8.6 times and 2.0 times of that in rice medium at the same stage. At the same time, transcriptomics technology was used to analyze C. kyushuensis Kob during these four periods.

Three Novel Entomopathogenic Fungi From China and Thailand

Entomopathogenic fungi are ubiquitous in tropical rainforests and feature a high level of diversity. This group of fungi not only has important ecological value but also medicinal value. Nevertheless, they are often ignored, and many unknown species have yet to be discovered and described. The present study aims to contribute to the taxonomical and phylogenetic understanding of the genus Paraisaria by describing three new species collected from Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces in China and Krabi Province in Thailand. The three novel species named Paraisaria alba, P. arcta, and P. rosea share similar morphologies as those in the genus Paraisaria, containing solitary, simple, fleshy stroma, completely immersed perithecia and cylindrical asci with thickened caps and filiform ascospores that often disarticulate at maturity. Phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, SSU, TEF1-α, RPB1, RPB2, and ITS sequence data confirm their placement in the genus Paraisaria. In this study, the three entomopathogenic taxa are comprehensively described with color photographs and phylogenetic analyses. A synopsis table and a key to all treated species of Paraisaria are also included.