Protective Effect of a Water-Soluble Carotenoid-Rich Extract of Cordyceps militaris against Light-Evoked Functional Vision Deterioration in Mice

Abstract

Light-evoked retinal photodamage is considered an important factor contributing to functional vision deterioration and can even lead to light maculopathy or dry age-related macular degeneration. Loss of visual acuity (VA) and visual contrast sensitivity function (VCSF) are the major symptoms of retinal degenerative diseases. Cordyceps militaris is a carotenoid-rich Chinese medicinal fungus with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory functions. C. militaris extract is a natural substance, and its bioactive constituents have been shown to confer health benefits, but their application in retinal tissue and functional vision protection in vivo remain incompletely understood. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of water-soluble, carotenoid-rich C. militaris extracts on the visual performance of light-damaged mouse retinas in vivo, using adult female CD-1® (ICR) albino mice. We showed that oral administration of this C. militaris extract (10 mg/kg, twice daily) protected the neural retina tissue against light-evoked photoreceptor cell death, reduced Müller cell hypertrophic gliosis, and elevated GSH levels and promoted the recovery of VA- and VCSF-thresholds, especially for high spatial frequency-characterized vision. These results suggest that, probably because of its water-soluble carotenoids, C. militaris extract has the potential to prevent or treat light-induced visual dysfunction.

Application of ultrasound technology for extraction of color pigments from plant sources and their potential bio‐functional properties: A review

“…Carotenoids have also exhibited great efficacy in the prevention of vision loss and retinal damage. Chen et al (2022) conducted an in vivo study on albino mice and reported that aqueous carotenoid extract of Cordyceps militaris protected the neural retinal tissue by ceasing light‐induced cell death.…”

Identifying a Role of Polysaccharides from Agaricus Blazei Murill in Combating Skin Photoaging: The Effect of Antioxidants on Fibroblast Behavior

“…Similarly, medicinal fungi can also exert antioxidant effects against UVA radiation. Ganoderma lucidum extract can resist photodamage by regulating the cell cycle and decreasing the number of apoptotic cells [65,66]. However, there is relatively little research on A. blazei Murill.…”

The association of MIND diet with cognitive resilience to neuropathologies

“…These nutrients have been related to better neuronal plasticity, and reduced gliosis and oxidative stress, and appear to maintain neurogenesis and blood-brain barrier integrity in in vitro studies and animal models. [50][51][52] Further, the MIND diet pattern also limits high saturated fat, high-sugar foods, and red and processed meats. Saturated fats and sugars may induce neuroinflammation by mediating mitrogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways, negatively impacting BDNF pathways and increasing blood-brain barrier permeability in the hippocampus causing synaptic dysfunction.…”

“…In addition, the MIND diet is also rich in other essential nutrients, such as long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids from fish and nuts; B vitamins from vegetables and whole grains; and vitamin K and lutein from green leafy vegetables. These nutrients have been related to better neuronal plasticity, and reduced gliosis and oxidative stress, and appear to maintain neurogenesis and blood–brain barrier integrity in in vitro studies and animal models 50–52 . Further, the MIND diet pattern also limits high saturated fat, high‐sugar foods, and red and processed meats.…”