Cordyceps, particularly “Cordyceps militaris” and “Cordyceps sinensis”, have been recognized for their potential therapeutic effects in managing diabetes and dyslipidemia. These medicinal fungi contain a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to their hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering properties, making them valuable in the context of metabolic disorders.
Research on Cordyceps:
Anti-Hyperglycemic Effects:
Research has demonstrated that Cordyceps extracts can significantly lower blood glucose levels in diabetic models. For instance, studies have shown that *Cordyceps militaris* can enhance insulin secretion and improve glucose uptake in various animal models of diabetes, including those induced by streptozotocin (Cheng et al., 2012)Choi et al., 2012; Dong et al., 2014). The active compounds in Cordyceps, such as cordycepin and polysaccharides, have been linked to these hypoglycemic effects. Cordycepin, in particular, has been shown to improve glucose absorption and alleviate pancreatic islet damage, which is crucial for insulin production (Ma et al., 2015; Nguyen, 2024). Furthermore, *Cordyceps* has been reported to stimulate cholinergic activation, which enhances insulin secretion and contributes to lower blood glucose levels (Cheng et al., 2012).
Cholesterol and Lipid Modulation:
Cordyceps also exhibit lipid-lowering properties. Studies indicate that Cordyceps extracts can reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic models, thereby addressing dyslipidemia, a common complication associated with diabetes (Choi et al., 2012; Dong et al., 2014). The mechanisms underlying these effects include the modulation of lipid metabolism and the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis pathways. For example, *Cordyceps* has been shown to inhibit ceramide biosynthesis, which is associated with insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis, thereby improving lipid profiles in diabetic subjects (Li et al., 2022).
Reduce complications of diabetes
Cordyceps has demonstrated protective effects against diabetic complications, particularly diabetic nephropathy. Research indicates that these fungi can preserve renal function in diabetic models by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are critical factors in the progression of kidney damage associated with diabetes (Yu et al., 2016; Dong et al., 2019; Zhao et al., 2015). The anti-inflammatory properties of Cordyceps, attributed to its bioactive constituents, help mitigate the inflammatory responses that exacerbate diabetic complications (Das et al., 2021).
Supports regulation of metabolic syndrome
The pharmacological potential of Cordyceps extends beyond glucose and lipid management. Its immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties further support its role in promoting overall metabolic health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with aging and metabolic syndrome (Tuli et al., 2013; Das et al., 2021). The integration of Cordyceps into dietary regimens, particularly in traditional medicine practices, highlights its significance as a natural therapeutic agent for managing diabetes and dyslipidemia.
Conclusion
Cordyceps represents a promising natural remedy for the management of diabetes and associated dyslipidemia. Its multifaceted bioactive compounds contribute to improved glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and the prevention of diabetic complications. Continued research into the mechanisms of action and clinical applications of Cordyceps will be essential for fully harnessing its therapeutic potential.
References:
Cheng, Y., Chen, Y., Tzeng, C., Chen, H., Tsai, C., Lee, Y., … & Chang, S. (2012). Extracts of cordyceps militaris lower blood glucose via the stimulation of cholinergic activation and insulin secretion in normal rats. Phytotherapy Research, 26(8), 1173-1177. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3709
Choi, H., Kang, M., Jeong, S., Seo, M., Kang, B., Jeong, Y., … & Kim, J. (2012). Effect of dongchunghacho (cordyceps militaris) on hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Food Science and Biotechnology, 21(4), 1157-1162. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-012-0151-9
Company, J. and Suberbiola, X. (2017). Long bone histology of a eusuchian crocodyliform from the upper cretaceous of spain: implications for growth strategy in extinct crocodiles. Cretaceous Research, 72, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2016.12.002
Das, G., Shin, H., Leyva-Gómez, G., Prado-Audelo, M., Cortés, H., Singh, Y., … & Patra, J. (2021). Cordyceps spp.: a review on its immune-stimulatory and other biological potentials. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.602364
Dong, Y., Jing, T., Qin, M., Liu, C., Hu, S., Ma, Y., … & Teng, L. (2014). Studies on the antidiabetic activities ofcordyceps militarisextract in diet-streptozotocin-induced diabetic sprague-dawley rats. Biomed Research International, 2014, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/160980
Dong, Z., Sun, Y., Wei, G., Li, S., & Zhao, Z. (2019). A nucleoside/nucleobase-rich extract from cordyceps sinensis inhibits the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and protects against renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. Molecules, 24(22), 4119. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24224119
D’Andrea, G., Ceccarelli, M., Bernini, R., Clemente, M., Santi, L., Caruso, C., … & Tirone, F. (2020). Hydroxytyrosol stimulates neurogenesis in aged dentate gyrus by enhancing stem and progenitor cell proliferation and neuron survival. The Faseb Journal, 34(3), 4512-4526. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.201902643r
Foscolou, A., Critselis, E., Tyrovolas, S., Chrysοhoou, C., Sidossis, L., Naumovski, N., … & Panagiotakos, D. (2019). The effect of exclusive olive oil consumption on successful aging: a combined analysis of the attica and medis epidemiological studies. Foods, 8(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8010025
Hadipour, M., Marzijerani, A., & Baharvand, P. (2020). <p>effects of hydroxytyrosol on expression of apoptotic genes and activity of antioxidant enzymes in ls180 cells</p>. Cancer Management and Research, Volume 12, 7913-7919. https://doi.org/10.2147/cmar.s253591
Jeon, S. and Choi, M. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects of hydroxytyrosol on human dermal fibroblasts (hdfs). Biomedical Dermatology, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41702-018-0031-x
Lewis, K., Boonyang, U., Evans, L., Siripaisarnpipat, S., & Ben‐Nissan, B. (2006). A comparative study of thai and australian crocodile bone for use as a potential biomaterial. Key Engineering Materials, 309-311, 15-18. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.309-311.15
Li, Y., Talbot, C., Chandravanshi, B., Ksiazek, A., Sood, A., Chowdhury, K., … & Chaurasia, B. (2022). Cordyceps inhibits ceramide biosynthesis and improves insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Scientific Reports, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11219-3
Ma, L., Zhang, S., & Du, M. (2015). Cordycepin from cordyceps militaris prevents hyperglycemia in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Nutrition Research, 35(5), 431-439. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2015.04.011
Menicacci, B., Cipriani, C., Margheri, F., Mocali, A., & Giovannelli, L. (2017). Modulation of the senescence-associated inflammatory phenotype in human fibroblasts by olive phenols. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(11), 2275. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18112275
Morgan, G. (2013). The cuban crocodile (crocodylus rhombifer) from late quaternary fossil deposits in the bahamas and cayman islands. FLMNH, 52(3), 161-236. https://doi.org/10.58782/flmnh.zlxt6519
Morgan, G., Albury, N., Rímoli, R., Lehman, P., Rosenberger, A., & Cooke, S. (2018). The cuban crocodile (crocodylus rhombifer) from late quaternary underwater cave deposits in the dominican republic. American Museum Novitates, 2018(3916), 1. https://doi.org/10.1206/3916.1
Nguyen, P. (2024). Hypoglycemic and glucose lowering properties of <i>cordyceps militaris</i>. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 22(12). https://doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v22i12.20
Pablos, R., Espinosa-Oliva, A., Hornedo-Ortega, R., Cano, M., & Argüelles, S. (2019). Hydroxytyrosol protects from aging process via ampk and autophagy; a review of its effects on cancer, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, immune-mediated and neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacological Research, 143, 58-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2019.03.005
Steadman, D., Albury, N., Maillis, P., Mead, J., Slapcinsky, J., Krysko, K., … & Franklin, J. (2014). Late-holocene faunal and landscape change in the bahamas. The Holocene, 24(2), 220-230. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959683613516819
Szewczyk, P. and Stachewicz, U. (2020). Collagen fibers in crocodile skin and teeth: a morphological comparison using light and scanning electron microscopy. Journal of Bionic Engineering, 17(4), 669-676. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42235-020-0059-7
Tuli, H., Sandhu, S., & Sharma, A. (2013). Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of cordyceps with special reference to cordycepin. 3 Biotech, 4(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-013-0121-9
Yu, S., Dubey, N., Li, W., Liu, M., Chiang, H., Leu, S., … & Deng, W. (2016). Cordyceps militaris treatment preserves renal function in type 2 diabetic nephropathy mice. Plos One, 11(11), e0166342. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0166342
Zhao, K., Li, Y., Sheng, G., & Yan, L. (2015). Effect of dongchongxiacao (cordyceps) therapy on contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal insufficiency undergoing coronary angiography. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 35(4), 422-427. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30119-9