Polysaccharides in Fungi. XXXII. Hypoglycemic Activity and Chemical Properties of a Polysaccharide from the Cultural Mycelium of Cordyceps sinensis.

Abstract

Crude polysaccharides were obtained from a hot-water extract and alkaline extracts of the cultural mycelium of Cordyceps sinensis. They showed significant activity in normal mice and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice as a result of intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. A crude polysaccharide (CS-OHEP) obtained from 5% sodium hydroxide extract slightly lowered the plasma glucose level in normal mice by oral (p.o.) administration. A neutral polysaccharide (CS-F30) exhibited higher hypoglycemic activity than its crude polysaccharide (CS-OHEP), exhibited by i.p. injection, and it significantly lowered the glucose level by p.o. administration (50 mg/kg). However, it hardly affected the plasma insulin level in normal mice. CS-F30 ([alpha]D + 21 degrees in water) is composed of galactose, glucose and mannose (molar percent, 62:28:10), and its molecular weight is about 45000.

Effect of Cs-4® (Cordyceps sinensis) on Exercise Performance in Healthy Older Subjects: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…17 Cordycepic acid is now known to be d-mannitol. 18 The work of Cunningham represented one of the first isolations of a naturally occurring nucleoside. 16 Small quantities of 3 0 -deoxyadenosine and 2 0 -deoxyadenosine have also been found in natural Cordyceps and Cs-4.…”

Medicinal Value of Cordyceps sinensis

“…Significant improvement was observed in relation to glomerular disorder, tubulointerstitial damage and glomerular podocyte [16]. On evaluation after the administration of CS and TWP, better protective effect was witnessed with CS and TWP treatment than CS alone.…”

Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine

“…A crude polysaccharide (designated as CS-OHFP) and a neutral polysaccharide (designated as CS-F30) exert hypoglycaemic activity in normal mice. CS-F30, which possesses a molecular mass of 45 kDa and is composed of galactose, glucose and mannose in a molar ratio of 62:28:10, does not affect the circulating insulin level in normal mice (Kiho et al 1993). CS-F30 also lowers the plasma glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and in genetically diabetic mice (Kiho et al 1996).…”