Cordyceps Research Citations

This study tested Cordyceps sinensis aqueous extract on A549 human lung epithelial cells under hypoxic conditions and found it appreciably attenuated hypoxia-induced ROS generation, oxidation of lipids and proteins, and maintained antioxidant status similar to controls via induction of antioxidant genes HO1 (heme oxygenase-1), MT (metallothionein) and Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2). The treatment also increased HIF1 (hypoxia inducible factor-1) and its regulated genes including erythropoietin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and glucose transporter-1. Cordyceps treatment inhibited hypoxia-induced oxidative stress by maintaining higher cellular Nrf2 and HIF1 levels while lowering NFκB levels. Interestingly, Cordyceps treatment under normoxia did not regulate HIF1, NFκB and their regulated genes, evidencing that Cordyceps per se did not have an effect on these transcription factors under normal conditions. These findings provide a basis for possible use of Cordyceps sinensis in tolerating hypoxia. See the lung health research.

This research found that Cordyceps sinensis aqueous extract activated the Nrf2 pathway in human lung epithelial cells under hypoxic conditions, which induced protective proteins including heme oxygenase-1 (HO1) and metallothionein (MT). The treatment attenuated hypoxia-induced ROS generation, oxidation of lipids and proteins, and maintained antioxidant status. The study also found lower levels of NFκB and tumor necrosis factor-α, which might be due to higher levels of HO1, MT and transforming growth factor-β. Additionally, Cordyceps increased HIF1 and its regulated genes (erythropoietin, VEGF, glucose transporter-1). Overall, Cordyceps inhibited hypoxia-induced oxidative stress by maintaining higher cellular Nrf2 and HIF1 levels while lowering NFκB levels, which helps protect cells from stress and damage during low oxygen conditions. Read about lung protection.

This study tested Cordyceps sinensis extract on rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced focal cerebral ischemia and found that it significantly improved neurobehavioral function and reduced focal cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury. The extract boosted antioxidant defense mechanisms by increasing glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activity, while increasing glutathione content and reducing lipid peroxidation. The research showed that Cordyceps can help protect your brain from damage caused by reduced blood flow through antioxidant mechanisms. See the brain protection research.

This research found that Cordyceps sinensis extract significantly improved neurobehavioral function and grip strength in rats after stroke-like brain injury. The extract restored antioxidant homeostasis in the brain after reperfusion by increasing activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase, while increasing glutathione content. The study showed that Cordyceps can help support brain recovery and function after damage by boosting antioxidant defense mechanisms, which could be relevant for people recovering from strokes. Read about brain recovery.

This review compiled research on Cordyceps polysaccharides from 2004 to 2024 and found that they exhibit significant immunomodulatory effects. The research showed that Cordyceps polysaccharides can augment the activities of macrophages, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells while fostering the expression of immune-active substances such as cytokines and chemokines. Animal experiments demonstrated that these polysaccharides can ameliorate immune suppression induced by drugs or radiation, enhance immune organ indices, elevate expression of immunoreactive substances, and mitigate immune evasion prompted by tumors. See the immune system review.

Polysaccharides are beneficial compounds found in Cordyceps that constitute a primary active component, exhibiting immunomodulatory effects. This review found that polysaccharides from Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris can enhance immune cell activities (macrophages, lymphocytes, dendritic cells) and promote expression of cytokines and chemokines. The research showed that these compounds are one of the main active components in Cordyceps that support immune health through multiple mechanisms, which is why they're extensively studied for their health benefits. Read about polysaccharides.