The catepillar fungus has been used hundreds of years in TCM to boost the immune system of those who eat it. This is why after the outbreak of SARS in Hong Kong in 2002, the price of the fungus shot up to US$7,000/kg, half the price of gold. And the over heavesting of the fungus has significantly threatened the ecology of the Bhutanese wilderness.
To prove the value of the catapillar fungus, one study found that a polysaccharide isolated from cordyceps sinensis protects PC12 cells, a cell line derived from an adrenal gland tumour, against hydrogen peroxide-induced injury.
The study was done by scientists from the Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences at the University of Macau Department and from the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.
The isolated polysaccharide, named CSP-1, which has strong anti-oxidation activity, contains glucose, mannose and galactose in the ratio of 1:0.6:0.75.
The researchers found that CSP-1 can significantly reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. CSP-1 may stimulate pancreatic release of insulin and/or reduce insulin metabolism.
Another study done at the Department of Chemical Pathology of the Chinese University of Hong Kong established the biological functions of the fungus. The researchers used a cultivated strain of the caterpillar fungus to describes its immunomodulatory features through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The researchers claim that this was the Bhutanese wilderness.
In vitro results demonstrated that the fungus induced the production of various cytokines and the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-¦Á). It also mobilized the alien fighters lymphocytes and monocytes. These are all key players in our immune system.
If you want to know more information about chinese medinese treats for male or female health problems, please click here: http://net.zoosnet.net/LR/Chatpre.aspx?id=NET39826137 to consult our expert.
