Polysaccharides in Fungi. XXV. Biological Activities of Two Galactomannans from the Insect-Body Portion of Chan hua (Fungus : Cordyceps cicadae)

Kiho, Tadashi; Nagai, Katsuyuki; Miyamoto, Ikuo; Watanabe, Toshiaki; Ukai, Shigeo

doi:10.1248/yakushi1947.110.4_286

Cited by 28 publications

(14 citation statements)

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“…The known bioactive compounds of these Cordyceps species include cordycepin, 11) ophicordin, 12) a polysaccharide, 13) galactomannan, 14) and L-tryptophan. 15) The recent scientific evaluation of Cordyceps sinensis has confirmed the efficacy of this extract in the treatment of cardiovascular and endocrine disorders, 16) in immune enhancement, 17) in hepatic protection, 18) in the inhibition of tumor growth, 19) and in relieving fatigue and stress.…”

Section: )mentioning

confidence: 99%

Induction of Apoptosis by Cordyceps militaris through Activation of Caspase-3 in Leukemia HL-60 Cells

Lee

Kim

et al. 2006

Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin

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Apoptosis is characterized by a series of distinct morphological changes including cell shrinkage, membrane bleebing, nuclear breakdown, and DNA fragmentation, and is essential for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and the elimination of harmful cells.1,2) An apoptotic death stimulus activates caspases, the major executioners of this process, either directly or via the activation of the mitochondrial death program.3,4) The mitochondria-mediated pathway involves an increase of mitochondrial permeability and the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. 5,6) Cytochrome c promotes the activation of caspase-3 in the cytosol, resulting in the cleavage of an inactive 32 kDa precursor into a 17 kDa and an 11 kDa subunit, which dimerize to form an active enzyme. 7)During the progression of apoptosis, caspase-3 is one of the strongest candidates for the cleavage of 116 kDa native poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) into an 86 kDa and a 36 kDa fragment.8) The cleavage of this PARP protein ultimately results in cellular, morphological, and biochemical alterations of apoptosis. 9)Dong-Chong-Xia-Cao in Chinese, which translates as "winter worm and summer grass," is an entomogenous fungus that colonizes the larvae or pupae of insects. It includes many different genera, such as Cordyceps, Paecilomyces, Torrubiella, and Podonectria. The entomopathogenic mycelia naturally grow in the intestine of pupa or larva in the autumn, and fruiting bodies of the fungus protrude from the body in the following summer.10) The fungal fruiting body and the caterpillar host are chemically similar, have similar pharmacological properties, and are traditionally dried and consumed together.Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris are representative insect-born fungi of the genus Cordyceps used for medicinal purposes in eastern Asian countries. The known bioactive compounds of these Cordyceps species include cordycepin, 11) ophicordin, 12) a polysaccharide, 13) galactomannan, 14) and L-tryptophan. 15) The recent scientific evaluation of Cordyceps sinensis has confirmed the efficacy of this extract in the treatment of cardiovascular and endocrine disorders, 16) in immune enhancement, 17) in hepatic protection, 18) in the inhibition of tumor growth, 19) and in relieving fatigue and stress. 20)Cordyceps militaris, together with Paecilomyces japonica, another entomopathogenic fungi, has been listed as a food additive in Korea since 2000,21) and is often used in different types of tonic drinks sold in Korea due to its folkloric activities, which have not been verified scientifically. Although some recent studies have reported its effectiveness in inhibiting angiogenesis, 22) cancer cell growth, 23,24) and inflammation, 25) scientific evidences of the biological activities of Cordyceps militaris are still very limited compared to other frequently used insect-born fungi of the Cordyceps species, such as Cordyceps sinensis. It was previously reported by these authors that the hot water extracts of Cordyceps militaris of silkworm pupa (CMP) or silkwo...

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Section: )mentioning

confidence: 99%

Induction of Apoptosis by Cordyceps militaris through Activation of Caspase-3 in Leukemia HL-60 Cells

Lee

Kim

et al. 2006

Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin

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“…A water-soluble polysaccharide fraction, a poorly water-soluble polysaccharide, and a protein fraction stimulated steroidogenesis (Huang et al, 2001b). Interestingly, galactomannans isolated from the insect portion of C. cicadae demonstrate potent hypoglycaemic activity in mice (Kiho et al, 1990).…”

Section: Polysaccharides and Fractionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

2008

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Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) are growing in popularity. However, are they effective? Cordyceps is not studied as systematically for bioactivity as another TCM, Ganoderma. Cordyceps is fascinating per se, especially because of the pathogenic lifestyle on Lepidopteron insects. The combination of the fungus and dead insect has been used as a TCM for centuries. However, the natural fungus has been harvested to the extent that it is an endangered species. The effectiveness has been attributed to the Chinese philosophical concept of Yin and Yang and can this be compatible with scientific philosophy? A vast literature exists, some of which is scientific, although others are popular myth, and even hype. Cordyceps sinensis is the most explored species followed by Cordyceps militaris. However, taxonomic concepts were confused until a recent revision, with undefined material being used that cannot be verified. Holomorphism is relevant and contamination might account for some of the activity. The role of the insect has been ignored. Some of the analytical methodologies are poor. Data on the "old" compound cordycepin are still being published: ergosterol and related compounds are reported despite being universal to fungi. There is too much work on crude extracts rather than pure compounds with water and methanol solvents being over-represented in this respect (although methanol is an effective solvent). Excessive speculation exists as to the curative properties. However, there are some excellent pharmacological data and relating to apoptosis. For example, some preparations are active against cancers or diabetes which should be fully investigated. Polysaccharides and secondary metabolites are of particular interest. The use of genuine anamorphic forms in bioreactors is encouraged.

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“…Exerted hypoglycemic activity in normal mice Kiho et al 1993 (Continued) Hypoglycemic activity 50 mg/kg, i.p. Lowered the plasma glucose level in normal, streptozotocin-induced diabetic, and genetic diabetic mice; increased the activities of hepatic glucokinase in STZ-induced mice; decreased protein content of GLUT2 in rat liver Kiho et al 1999 CI-P Caterpillar of C. cidadae Hypoglycemic activity N/A Exerted hypoglycemic activity in normal mice Kiho et al 1990 CI-A Caterpillar of C. cidadae Hypoglycemic activity N/A Exerted hypoglycemic activity in normal mice Kiho et al 1990 Polysaccharides Mycelia of C. sinensis Antioxidant activity 100-200 mg/kg Enhanced SOD activity of liver, brain, and serum as well as GSH-Px activity in liver and brain, reduced MDA level in liver and brain in H22 tumor-bearing mice …”

Section: Nucleosides and Their Activitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug

Lin¹,

Li²

2011

Oxidative Stress and Disease

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Polysaccharides in Fungi. XXV. Biological Activities of Two Galactomannans from the Insect-Body Portion of Chan hua (Fungus : Cordyceps cicadae)

Cited by 28 publications

References 0 publications

Induction of Apoptosis by Cordyceps militaris through Activation of Caspase-3 in Leukemia HL-60 Cells

Induction of Apoptosis by Cordyceps militaris through Activation of Caspase-3 in Leukemia HL-60 Cells

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

Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug

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