Effect of Cordyceps militaris extract and active constituents on metabolic parameters of obesity induced by high-fat diet in C58BL/6J mice.
BACKGROUND
Cordyceps species which is well-known as 'winter worm summer grass' has long been used as tonics and stimulants to enhance energy, exhibiting a potential for energy metabolism. Clinical trials have suggested their beneficial effect on lipid metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia.


METHODS
The effect of Cordyceps militaris on metabolic parameters was investigated using C58BL/6J mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD). The effect was first determined by assessing the body and organ weight. For further investigation, sections of epididymal adipose tissue were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and the size of epididymal adipocyte was measured by Image analysis system. Fat accumulation in frozen liver sections was assessed by the Oil Red O staining and the plasma biochemical parameters were also assessed. Active constituents were characterized using chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis.


RESULTS
The administration of Cordyceps militaris extract (CE) at the dose of 100mg/kg and 300 mg/kg reduced body weight gain and food efficiency ratio induced by HFD. The amount of epididymal fat and size of adipocytes were also decreased by CE treatment. In addition, liver weight and fat deposition in liver were dramatically reduced in CE-treated group. The treatment of CE also showed beneficial effects on plasma parameters related to lipid profiles. Further study for the characterization of active constituents of Cordyceps resulted in the isolation of two new compounds such as cordyrroles A (1) and B (7) together with 12 known compounds including pyrrole alkaloids and nucleotide derivatives. Among the isolated compounds, cordyrrole A significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation and pancreatic lipase activity, whereas cordyrrole B was more effective at inhibiting pancreatic lipase. Cordycepin, a characteristic compound of Cordyceps militaris, decreased the rate of adipocyte differentiation.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment of CE inhibited HFD-induced metabolic disorders, mainly by improvement in metabolic parameters. As active constituents, pyrrole alkaloids and nucleotide derivatives were characterized. These results suggested that Cordyceps militaris might be beneficial for the treatment of metabolic disorders obesity through the combined actions of diverse constituents.
College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Republic of Korea.
Seon Beom
SB
Kim
Laboratory Animal Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Republic of Korea.
Byeongwoo
B
Ahn
Laboratory Animal Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Republic of Korea.
Myounghwan
M
Kim
Laboratory Animal Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Republic of Korea.
Hyeong-Jin
HJ
Ji
Laboratory Animal Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Republic of Korea.
Sang-Kyung
SK
Shin
National Academy of Agricultural Science, Suwon, Gyunggi 441-707, Republic of Korea.
In Pyo
IP
Hong
College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University, Ansan, Kyeonggi 426-791, Republic of Korea.
Chul Young
CY
Kim
College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Republic of Korea.
Bang Yeon
BY
Hwang
College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: mklee@chungbuk.ac.kr.
Mi Kyeong
MK
Lee
D041721:3T3-L1 Cells; D000818:Animals; D032661:Cordyceps / Q000737:chemistry*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004041:Dietary Fats; D010936:Plant Extracts
Cordyceps militaris; Cordyrroles A and B; High-fat diet; Metabolic disorders