Cordyceps

Introduction

Cordyceps is a genus of entomopathogenic fungi known for its extensive use in traditional Chinese medicine. It is highly valued for its diverse bioactive compounds, particularly cordycepin, which exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties. Recent research has focused on understanding the pharmacological actions, phylogenetic classification, and commercial potential of Cordyceps species.

Key Insights

Therapeutic and Nutraceutical Potential:
- Cordyceps contains bioactive components like cordycepin, which have multiple health benefits including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and cardiovascular protective effects .
Immunostimulatory Properties:
- Cordyceps species and their extracts stimulate immune responses by promoting cytokine production, enhancing phagocytosis, and increasing nitric oxide production. These effects are linked to bioactive compounds such as nucleosides, sterols, and cyclic peptides .
Anticancer Properties:
- Cordycepin, a major compound in Cordyceps, has shown potential in inducing cell death in various cancer cells through pathways involving caspases, MAPKs, and GSK-3β. It also interacts with receptors like ADORAs, DRs, and EGFR .
Phylogenetic Classification:
- The genus Cordyceps has been reclassified based on multi-gene phylogenetic analysis, leading to the establishment of new families and genera such as Ophiocordycipitaceae and Elaphocordyceps. This reclassification helps in better understanding the evolutionary relationships and ecological roles of these fungi .
Commercial and Industrial Use:
- Cordyceps-derived products are extensively commercialized, especially in China, for their medicinal and health benefits. The industry faces challenges due to the lack of a defined classification system, but ongoing research aims to improve quality control and resource exploitation .

Conclusion

Cordyceps is a highly valued medicinal fungus with a broad spectrum of therapeutic properties, primarily due to its bioactive compounds like cordycepin. It has significant immunostimulatory and anticancer potential, supported by various molecular pathways. Recent phylogenetic studies have refined its classification, aiding in better understanding and utilization. The commercial industry for Cordyceps products is thriving, particularly in China, although it faces challenges that require further research and standardization.

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Cordycepin for Health and Wellbeing: A Potent Bioactive Metabolite of an Entomopathogenic Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps with Its Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Potential

Cordycepin, a bioactive component of Cordyceps mushroom, has significant nutraceutical and therapeutic potential for maintaining good health and promoting overall wellbeing.

Phylogenetic classification of Cordyceps and the clavicipitaceous fungi

This study revises the taxonomy of Cordyceps and the Clavicipitaceae fungi, focusing on texture, pigmentation, and stromata morphology to better align with the multi-gene phylogeny.

Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials

Cordyceps species show potential in immune stimulation, nitric oxide production, and other pharmacological activities, with potential applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and aphrodisiacs.

Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine

Cordyceps species exhibit pharmacological actions including anti-tumor, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects due to their chemical constituents.

The Anticancer Properties of Cordycepin and Their Underlying Mechanisms

Cordycepin, a compound found in Cordyceps fungi, induces cell death and retards cancerous properties through molecular pathways involving caspases, MAPKs, and GSK-3.

The genus Cordyceps: a chemical and pharmacological review

Cordyceps, particularly Cordyceps sinensis and C. militaris, show potential as chemotherapeutic agents due to their chemistry and pharmacological activity in traditional Chinese medicine.

Cordyceps industry in China

The Chinese cordyceps industry is a significant one, with Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps guangdongensis, and Isaria cicadae being well-known and commercialized, but a clear classification system is needed to enhance industry cooperation and quality control.

The genus Cordyceps: An extensive review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Cordyceps species show potential in treating various disorders due to their bioactive constituents, which show immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties.

Cordyceps – A traditional Chinese medicine and another fungal therapeutic biofactory?

Cordyceps, a traditional Chinese medicine, has potential for treating cancers and diabetes, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and avoid over-exploration.

Genome sequence of the insect pathogenic fungus Cordyceps militaris, a valued traditional chinese medicine

The Cordyceps militaris genome sequence provides a better understanding of the fungus' biology and potential medicinal compounds, aiding in the exploitation of its bioactive compounds.

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