Cordyceps Synensis

BY Muhammad Ubaid # 93639762

Cordyceps sinensis, also known as Chinese caterpillar fungus, is a fungus that grows on the larvae of the Lepidoptera Moth. It is one of the most highly valued medicinal fungi of traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been used since ancient times. Ancient records claim that it is beneficial for the heart, circulatory system, liver, kidneys, respiratory system, and sex organs.

Indications:-
Asthma, cor pulmonale allergic rhinitis 1, 5, 7,
Chronic bronchitis, 2, 5,9,
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 1,2,5,
ARF,Chronic renal failure 2 , 6,
Chronic active hepatitis B. 2, 7,
Sexual dysfunction 3,4,8, or declining of sex drive.

Dosages :-
Adults (18 years and older):
500,g to 3000 mg orally in 24 hrs in equally divided doses, with meal.
up to 4-8 weeks.
Children (younger than 18 years):
6 years to 17 years 250mg to 750mg O D.
Contraindications:-
Contraindications have not yet been identified.
Adverse Reactions :-
Mild GI discomfort (including nausea, upset stomach, and dry mouth).
Pregnancy/Lactation:-
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Avoid use.

Interactions With Medicine :-
Concomitant administration of Cordyceps and aminoglycosides may reduce amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) in older people. Cordyceps may induce sex steroid-like effects. Patients taking hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills should use cordyceps with caution. Cordyceps may stimulate the immune system and may decrease the efficacy of immunosuppressants, such as prednisolone or cyclophosphamide, Cordyceps may lower blood pressure in conjunction with ACE inhibitor.

References:-
1. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensis : part I. J Altern Complement Med . 1998;4:289-303.

2. Zhu JS, Halpern GM, Jones K. The scientific rediscovery of a precious ancient Chinese herbal regimen: Cordyceps sinensis : part II. J Altern Complement Med . 1998;4:429-457.

3. Hsu CC, Tsai SJ, Huang YL, Huang BM. Regulatory mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium on mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis. FEBS Lett . 2003;543:140-143.

4. Hsu CC, Huang YL, Tsai SJ, Sheu CC, Huang BM. In vivo and in vitro stimulatory effects of Cordyceps sinensis on testosterone production in mouse Leydig cells. Life Sci . 2003;73:2127-2136.

5. Kuo YC, Tsai WJ, Wang JY, Chang SC, Lin CY, Shiao MS. Regulation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids cell function by the immunomodulatory agents from Cordyceps sinensis . Life Sci . 2001:68:1067-1082.

6. Shahed AR, Kim SI, Shoskes DA. Down-regulation of apoptotic and inflammatory genes by Cordyceps sinensis extract in rat kidney following ischemia/reperfusion. Transplant Proc . 2001;33:2986-2987.

7. Kuo, Y.C., W. Tsai, M. Shiao, C. Chen, C. Lin, 1996. “Cordyceps sinensis as an immunomodulatory agent”. American Journal of Chinese Medicine, vol. XXIV, No. 2, pp. 111-125

8.Yang, W., X. Deng & W. Hu, 1995. “Clinical study of fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis on treatment of hyposexuality”. J. Adminstration Traditional Chinese Medicine 5(suppl):23-24.
9. Wan F, et. al. Clinical observations of fermented Cordyceps sinensis in antitussive, expectorant, and antathematic effects, Jiangxi TCM/IMM, 1985:35-39