CordyMax Cs-4 improves steady-state bioenergy status in mouse liver.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate effects of CordyMax Cs-4, a mycelial fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis, on energy metabolism.


METHODS
An in vivo pharmacology study using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. SUBJECTS AND STUDY INTERVENTIONS: Adult male C57-BL/6 mice were given an aqueous extract of CordyMax, 200 or 400 mg/kg per day or placebo for 7 days.


METHODS
Using 31P-NMR spectroscopy to measure cellular triphosphates and inorganic phosphate, expressed as a ratio to a reference peak, and calculate tissue pH.


RESULTS
Steady-state beta adenosine triphosphate (ATP) increased in the liver of mice that received CordyMax (200 or 400 mg/kg per day) for 7 days, by 12.3% +/- 0.8% and 18.4% +/- 0.9%, respectively, compared to placebo controls (both p < 0.001), suggesting a higher hepatic bioenergy status in CordyMax-treated animals. Hepatic inorganic phosphate (Pi) decreased by 24.5% +/- 0.9% and 17.6% +/- 1.7% in the two treatment groups, respectively, compared to placebo controls (p < 0.001). The ratio of beta-ATP:Pi increased by 47.7% +/- 1.6% and 41.4% +/- 2.4%, respectively, in the treatment groups (both p < 0.001 compared to placebo). After discontinuation of CordyMax for 7 days, beta-ATP and Pi returned towards baseline.


CONCLUSIONS
CordyMax is effective in improving bioenergy status in the murine liver, suggesting a mechanism underlying the known clinical effectiveness of CordyMax in alleviating fatigue and improving physical endurance, especially in elderly subjects.
Dai
G
G
Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
Bao
T
T
Xu
C
C
Cooper
R
R
Zhu
J S
JS
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D003839:Deoxyadenosines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D010759:Phosphorus Isotopes; D010865:Pilot Projects
C439563:CordyMax Cs-4; D003839:Deoxyadenosines; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010759:Phosphorus Isotopes; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; C058120:cordycepin