Cordyceps Extract Improves Immune System Function

AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD The medicinal mushroom Cordyceps Sinensis contains several powerful bioactive compounds. Some extracts of Cordyceps are being tested for their anti cancer properties, and a recent study (April 2014) has found that Cordyceps extracts can greatly improve our immune system by stimulating the production of macrophages. Cordyceps, now also known as Ophiocordyceps Sinensis, is a valuable medicinal mushroom long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cordyceps Sinensis has been used traditionally to treat lung and kidney diseases, and also as an aphrodisiac. It is such a popular medicine that it is often overharvested. But Cordyceps is now the focus of scientific research. Extracts of the medicinal mushroom have been shown to reduce the growth of liver cancer and endometrial cancer cells. Wu DT, Meng LZ, et al, researchers from the University of Macau, China, extracted a polysaccharide from the medicinal mushroom. This polysaccharide, known as cordysinan, was examined for its effects on the immune system. Cordyceps extract improves immune system The researchers tested the solution properties of cordysinan. Its molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity were measured and recorded. But would Cordyceps boost the immune system? The researchers discovered that cordysinan stimulated macrophage functions. This is a key piece of evidence for Cordyceps’ having powerful immune system effects, and could lead to even more uses for the medicinal mushroom. Macrophages are vital parts of our immune system. They are formed from monocytes, which are white blood cells. These monocytes leave the blood stream in response to infections or tissue damage, and go directly to the affected organ or tissue where they become macrophages. The macrophages modify themselves in response to the specific damage or infection. They either repair the damaged cells, or destroy the disease-causing cells. Macrophages also stimulate immune cells to respond to pathogens such as cancer cells. If the Cordyceps extract stimulates macrophage production, this medicinal mushroom will help us boost our immunity to microbes. Please go to this site for more information. www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe