Cordyceps

A randomised controlled clinical trial examining the effects of Cordyceps militaris beverage on the immune response in healthy adults

A study published earlier this year found that cordyceps can potentially be developed as an immune-boosting supplement. The study aimed to investigate the immunostimulatory effects of a fermentation of Cordyceps militaris (FCM) in healthy male and female volunteers.

 Healthy men and women were provided either FCM or placebo for eight weeks (10 for each gender). The immune cell markers, immunoglobulins and safety parameters were assessed initially at baseline and at four and eight weeks. Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in innate immune responses to viral infections. FCM stimulates the human immune response by activating NK cells. The NK cell activity markedly increased in the male FCM group from baseline to four weeks after receiving FCM. Compared with those in the placebo group, the NK activity in women who received FCM for eight weeks significantly increased from baseline. Cytokines are signalling molecules released into the bloodstream by cells to activate or suppress an immune response. FCM reduced inflammatory cytokine secretion in men and women without toxicity.

This beneficial effect of FCM indicates its use as a new alternative approach as a natural immunostimulatory supplement. However, it should be noted that the mechanisms underlying the immune activator effects of FCM and its impact on immune-related disease in patients requires further investigation. Future studies should also recruit a larger number of participants.

References

Ontawong A, Pengnet S, Thim-Uam A, Munkong N, Narkprasom N, Narkprasom K, Kuntakhut K, Kamkeaw N, Amornlerdpison D. A randomized controlled clinical trial examining the effects of Cordyceps militaris beverage on the immune response in healthy adults. Sci Rep. 2024 Apr 5;14(1):7994. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-58742-z. PMID: 38580687; PMCID: PMC10997757.