CordyMax Cs-4 improves glucose metabolism and increases insulin sensitivity in normal rats

J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Jun;8(3):309-14. doi: 10.1089/10755530260127998.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate effects of CordyMax trade mark Cs-4, a mycelial fermentation product of Cordyceps sinensis, on improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Design: An in vivo pharmacology study. Subjects and Study Interventions: Adult Wistar rats, male and female, were given CordyMax 250 or 500 mg/kg per day or placebo for 17 days by gavage.

Outcome measurements: Fasting blood glucose, fasting plasma insulin, glucose-insulin index, and oral glucose tolerance.

Results: Rats fed Cs-4 at either 250 or 500 mg/kg showed significantly reduced fasting blood glucose after the 17-day treatment, by 27% and 24% from baselines respectively (both p < 0.001). Examination of fasting plasma insulin demonstrated a 37% decrease in the high dose treatment groups (p = 0.012). Glucose-insulin index, an index of insulin sensitivity, increased by 10% and 17% in both 250 and 500 mg/kg groups (p = 0.008 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Oral glucose tolerance tests showed significantly improved glucose tolerance at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 hours after oral administration of a bolus of glucose (the area under the glucose curve: p = 0.05-0.006), but no change at 5 hours.

Conclusion: CordyMax Cs-4 is effective in lowering basal blood glucose and plasma insulin, improving glucose metabolism by enhancing insulin sensitivity, and improving oral glucose tolerance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism*
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / administration & dosage
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / pharmacology*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / metabolism
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • CordyMax Cs-4
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin