Cordyceps sinensis, sold as Tianish Cordyceps Extract, is a product based on chinese traditional medicine which supports and strengthens the immune system, reduces fatigue etc. Contrary to this, the FDA patented it as an immunosuppressive agent.
I'm not convinced it should be classified in either category to be honest. It is certainly not suppressive. At the same time, I don't see any evidence in the pharmacology nor in traditional literature to indicate that it is even a mild immuno-adaptogenic
It has an inherent broad spectrum effect on specific bacteria (mostly because of the d-mannitol) - which sometimes leads to the belief that the herbs stimulates the immune system.
A lot of research (as I'm sure you are familiar with) has been done with cordyceps and its anti-neoplastic properties. Some people associate these properties with immune modulation but I think the verdict is still very much out on the direct mechanisms behind the anti-tumor properties. Personally I don't think the anti-neoplastic affects directly stimulate the immune system at all, and any immune modulation is a down stream phenomenon.
Thank you ! what do you think about different strains can act as ether immuno modulatory or immuno suppressive
It is a good question for sure. In my opinion much of any broad spectrum immuno-modulatory effects are tangental and mostly due to the substance originally exposed to the fungus.
For example, I have inula flowers that I use clinically that were infected with the fungus, and the phytochemistry of the flowers changes compared to that of insect based cordyceps.
So much of cordyceps phytochemistry is based on the modulation of the infected host. This can make it very hard to pin down.
Dear Tibebu Mamuye,
Efficacy of such crude extracts depends upon the phytochemical constituents found in them. These may act synergistically to be either immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive. I also agree with James Phillips as variations in the agro-climatic conditions cause a great impact on phytochemical constituents.
Thank you Bhvesh Tiwari
I also agree with phythochemical constituents depends the pharmacological effect and there is a GRAY area in natural product chemistry.But clinical studies also have their own impact on the efficacy of the drug.But my question is still to know cordyseps sinensis marketed as immunomodulatory in TCM while pathented as immunosupprusive
It is still unclear about the role of cordyceps whether immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive! Howver we can not rule out the possibility of consortia of bioactive components such as cordycepin could play a synergistic role towards either immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive. An interesting problem to explore..
Thanks I am interesting to hear what exploration could you recommend to resolve this controversy may be your idea lead to possible solution