Objective: To evaluate effects of CordyMax Cs-4, a mycelial fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis, on energy metabolism.
Design: 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.
Outcome measurements: 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.
Conclusion: 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.