Cordyceps Sinensis Fruiting Bodies Extract
Also known as: Cordyceps sinensis, Caterpillar fungus, Dong Chong Xia Cao, Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Overview
Ophiocordyceps sinensis, commonly known as caterpillar fungus or Dong Chong Xia Cao, is a parasitic fungus traditionally used in Chinese medicine. It grows on caterpillars in high-altitude regions and its fruiting bodies are harvested for medicinal purposes. The extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as cordycepin (3′-deoxyadenosine), polysaccharides, and adenosine. It is primarily used for respiratory, immune, and energy-related conditions. Research on O. sinensis is moderately mature, with studies exploring its benefits in areas like respiratory health, immunomodulation, and anticancer activity. While some randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses exist, particularly for respiratory and cancer applications, high-quality placebo-controlled trials are still limited, indicating a need for further rigorous research.
Benefits
Ophiocordyceps sinensis offers several potential health benefits, primarily supported by in vitro, animal, and some human studies. For respiratory health, a meta-analysis of 15 RCTs (n=1,238) indicated that O. sinensis preparations improved lung function, exercise endurance, and quality of life in patients with stable COPD stages 2-3. However, these studies had low methodological quality and lacked placebo controls, limiting definitive conclusions. Immunomodulatory effects have been observed, with methanolic extracts suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) while enhancing beneficial ones (IL-12, IFN-γ) in LPS-stimulated cells, suggesting anti-inflammatory potential relevant to lung immunity. Anticancer activity has been demonstrated in vitro and in animal models, where compounds like cordycepin and polysaccharides inhibited various tumor cell lines (e.g., lung cancer, melanoma) by inducing apoptosis and modulating signaling pathways (MAPK, AKT/MMP2/MMP9, NF-κB, Nrf-2/HO-1/NLRP3). Some clinical trials are exploring its adjuvant use in lung cancer. Additionally, cordycepin has shown potential to improve sleep quality by modulating adenosine receptors in animal studies, suggesting neurological benefits.
How it works
Ophiocordyceps sinensis exerts its effects through several mechanisms. Its bioactive compounds, particularly polysaccharides and cordycepin, are key. Polysaccharides modulate the immune system by influencing cytokine production, enhancing Th1 immune responses (e.g., increasing IL-12 and IFN-γ) while simultaneously suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cordycepin, an adenosine analog, interacts with adenosine receptors, which can influence neurotransmitter activity and sleep regulation. In cancer, O. sinensis compounds induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor cell proliferation, and reduce metastasis by modulating various intracellular signaling pathways such as MAPK, NF-κB, and Nrf-2. The specific absorption and bioavailability of active ingredients can vary depending on the preparation method, with fermented extracts potentially offering enhanced consistency and content.
Side effects
Ophiocordyceps sinensis is generally considered well-tolerated, with clinical studies reporting no serious adverse events. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare, but possible, side effect. Due to limited high-quality safety data, specific drug interactions and contraindications have not been firmly established. However, caution is advised, especially for individuals on immunosuppressants or anticoagulants, given its immunomodulatory and potential anti-platelet effects. There is insufficient safety data for special populations, including pregnant or lactating women, and immunocompromised individuals, therefore its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision. Long-term safety data from large-scale, placebo-controlled trials are still needed to fully characterize its safety profile.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for Ophiocordyceps sinensis are not firmly established due to heterogeneity in research and product standardization. Clinical studies, particularly those on COPD, have utilized various preparations, often standardized extracts or complex formulae, with daily oral administration. The effective doses observed in these studies varied, and minimum effective doses are not yet clearly defined. Optimal dosing is likely dependent on the standardization of the extract, specifically its cordycepin or polysaccharide content. There are no well-defined timing considerations or known cofactor requirements to enhance its efficacy. Upper limits and safety thresholds for long-term use are also not definitively established, underscoring the need for further research to provide precise dosage recommendations.
FAQs
Is Ophiocordyceps sinensis effective for lung diseases?
Evidence suggests potential benefits in stable COPD stages 2-3, improving lung function and symptoms, but more rigorous placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings definitively.
Is Ophiocordyceps sinensis safe?
It is generally considered safe with a low incidence of mild side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, in studied populations. However, long-term safety data is limited.
How soon do effects appear?
Clinical trials observed benefits on lung function and symptoms over periods ranging from several weeks to a few months, suggesting it may require consistent use for noticeable effects.
Is wild or fermented extract better?
Fermented extracts may offer more consistent bioactive compound content and are a more sustainable option compared to wild-harvested fruiting bodies.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7104994/ – This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of a methanolic extract from Cordyceps sinensis fruiting bodies. It found that the extract suppressed inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) and enhanced IL-12 and IFN-γ production in LPS-stimulated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells, suggesting anti-inflammatory potential relevant to lung immunity.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/4903671 – This meta-analysis of 15 RCTs involving 1,238 participants concluded that Cordyceps sinensis preparations improved lung function, exercise endurance, quality of life, and symptoms in patients with stable COPD stages 2-3. However, the study noted limitations including low methodological quality and the absence of placebo-controlled trials, which restricts definitive conclusions.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1555010/full – This article discusses the potential of cordycepin, a key compound in Cordyceps, to improve sleep quality. It highlights animal studies where cordycepin modulated adenosine receptors, indicating possible benefits for sleep disorders and central nervous system-related conditions.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12194306/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the anticancer effects of Cordyceps sinensis extracts and cordycepin, particularly in lung cancer. It demonstrated that these compounds enhance chemotherapy efficacy and reduce tumor metastasis through multiple molecular pathways, primarily based on in vitro and animal studies, with ongoing clinical trials.
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