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Ontawong A, Pengnet S, Thim-Uam A, Munkong N, Narkprasom N, Narkprasom K, Kuntakhut K, Kamkeaw N, Amornlerdpison D. A randomized controlled clinical trial examining the effects of Cordyceps militaris beverage on the immune response in healthy adults. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7994. [PMID: 38580687 PMCID: PMC10997757 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58742-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cordyceps militaris (L.) Link (C. militaris) contains various beneficial substances, including polysaccharides (galactomannan), nucleotides (adenosine and cordycepin), cordycepic acid, amino acids, and sterols (ergosterol and beta-sitosterol). It also contains other essential nutrients, such as protein, vitamins (E, K, B1, B2, and B12), and minerals (potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and selenium). Due to the numerous health benefits of supplements and products containing C. militaris extract, their popularity has increased. However, the immunostimulant effect of C. militaris remains unclear. Therefore, this study developed a functional beverage from the submerged fermentation of C. militaris (FCM) and aimed to investigate the potential of FCM in healthy male and female volunteers in Phayao Province, Thailand. This study provides essential information for the development of healthy drink products. Healthy men and women were provided either FCM containing 2.85 mg of cordycepin or placebo for 8 weeks (n = 10 for each gender). The immune cell markers, immunoglobulins, and safety parameters were assessed initially at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks. The NK cell activity markedly increased in the male FCM group from baseline (p = 0.049) to 4 weeks after receiving FCM. Compared with those in the placebo group, the NK activity in women who received FCM for 8 weeks significantly increased (p = 0.023) from baseline. Within-group analysis revealed that the IL-1β levels were markedly reduced in the male FCM group (p = 0.049). Furthermore, the IL-6 levels decreased from baseline in the female FCM group (p = 0.047). The blood sugar, lipid, and safety indices were not different between the experimental groups. FCM can potentially be developed as an immune-boosting supplement without liver, kidney, or blood component toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atcharaporn Ontawong
- Division of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - Sirinat Pengnet
- Division of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - Arthid Thim-Uam
- Division of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - Narongsuk Munkong
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - Nukrob Narkprasom
- Division of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Agro-Industry, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand
| | - Kanjana Narkprasom
- Division of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Agro-Industry, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand
| | - Kullanat Kuntakhut
- Center of Excellence in Agricultural Innovation for Graduate Entrepreneur, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand
| | - Natakorn Kamkeaw
- Division of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, 56000, Thailand
| | - Doungporn Amornlerdpison
- Center of Excellence in Agricultural Innovation for Graduate Entrepreneur, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand.
- Faculty of Fisheries Technology and Aquatic Resources, Maejo University, Chiang Mai, 50290, Thailand.
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Deshmukh N, Bhaskaran L. Optimization of cultural and nutritional conditions to enhance mycelial biomass of Cordyceps militaris using statistical approach. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:235-244. [PMID: 38150151 PMCID: PMC10920581 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01222-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cordyceps militaris is a fungus with numerous therapeutic properties that has gained worldwide popularity due to its potential health benefits. The fruiting body of this mushroom is highly expensive and takes a longer time to produce, making mycelial a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. The study investigates and optimizes cultural and nutritional conditions to maximize mycelial biomass. The initial optimization was done by the conventional single-factor approach, followed by Plackett-Burman design to screen the most significant variables, with yeast extract, temperature, and glucose being the most significant, contributing 11.58%, 49.74%, and 27.98%, respectively, in mycelial biomass production. These variables were then optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD). The study observed that temperature and glucose had the highest impact on mycelial biomass, with p-values of 0.0128 and 0.0191, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, temperature 20 °C, glucose 2.5% (w/v), and yeast extract 0.8% (w/v), the maximal yield of mycelial biomass reached 547 ± 2.09 mg/100 mL, which was 1.95-fold higher than the yield in the basal medium. These findings suggest that optimizing the cultural and nutritional conditions can enhance mycelial biomass production of Cordyceps militaris, offering a sustainable and cost-effective source of this valuable fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niketan Deshmukh
- L J School of Applied Sciences, L J University, Ahmedabad, 382210, India.
| | - Lakshmi Bhaskaran
- L J School of Applied Sciences, L J University, Ahmedabad, 382210, India
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