Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Pharmacokinetics
The kinetics of two galactomannas (CI-P and CI-A) isolated from Cordyceps cicadae were studied in
laboratory animals. CI-P was found to have low affinity for concanavalin A (Con-A) and exhibited
potent carbon-clearance activity in mice.

Adverse effect
Minimal side effects, such as dry mounth, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and drrowsiness, have
been reported with the use of cordy-ceps in human

Interactions
ANTIBIOTICS : Based on clinical research, concomitant administration of cordyceps and
aminoglycosie antibioics may reduse amikacin-induced nephrotoxity in older people.
ANTICOAGULANTS/ANTIPLATELETS : Cordyceps has been reported to increase bleeding time by
inhibiting platelet aggregation in vitro and in laboratory animals and may cause similar interactions
in humans.However, clinical reports of such drug interactions are lacking.
BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS : Based on animal and in vitro studies, cordyceps may have blood sugar-
lowering effects. Clinical evidence is lacking.
BLOOD LIPIDS : Based on traditional use of cordyceps to treat hyperlipidemia, cordyceps may lower
blood lipid levels.
BLOOD PRESSURE : Based on in vitro data, cordyceps may have hypotensive and vasodilatory effects
and may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive agent.
CREATININE : Based on clinical reports and laboratory data, the use of cordyceps may alter
creatinine levels.
HEART RATE : Based on animal research, cordyceps may have significant counteraction against
aconitine-induced arrhythmia, by reducing heart rate and contractility of the papillary muscles or
atria, and theoretically may interact with antiarrhythmic agent.
KIDNEY FUCTION TEST : Based on clinical reports and laboratory data, the use of cordyceps may alter
BUN levels.
LIVER FUCTIONS TEST : Cordyceps may alter hepatic enzymes, based on in vitro studies and clinical
data, in clinical research, cordyceps decreased ALT enzymes levels.
MONOAMINERGIC AGENT : Based on in vitro data, cultured cordy-ceps mycelium extract may exhibit
a significant inhibition of MAO type B.
STEROIDS : Animal studies suggest that cordyceps may induce sex steroid-like effects, act on the
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, and interfere with hormone therapies.
WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNTS : Based on animal and in vitro data, cordyceps may stimulate the
proliferation and activity of phagocytic lymphocytes and decrease autoimmunity. Tests for immune
parameters may be altered.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Grade C : Unclear or conflciting scientific evidence (asthma)

Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of cordyceps is not well understood, but may involve immunomodulating
properties. Cordyceps has been shown to increase T-heloer cells, prolong survival of lymphocytes,
enhance TNF alfa and interleukin-1 (IL-1) production, and increase the activity of natural killer (NK)
cells.

Scientific Evidence of Effectiveness

One study report a 20.2% reduction in symptoms associated with asthma with the use of cordyceps.
Details of this study are not entirely clear

Dose
The dose of cordyceps for asthma has not been determined