Ancient Chinese medicinal fungus could combat pulmonary fibrosis, research suggests

26 Jul 2024 --- Cordyceps sinensis, a fungus used in Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM), is shown to ameliorate the severe respiratory disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in mice. The natural medicine inhibits mitochondrion-mediated oxidative stress, reveals a study conducted at China’s Sichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association. 

IPF is a chronic and progressive lung disease leading to a decline in lung function, often resulting in respiratory failure, with a median survival duration of two to five years post-diagnosis. Patients also experience significantly reduced quality of life, considering the adverse effects associated with the anti-fibrotic medications currently used to treat IPF. 

The experimental study titled “Cordyceps sinensis ameliorates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in mice via inhibiting mitochondrion-mediated oxidative stress” was published in Wiley’s MedComm, the Future Medicine journal. 

The research team set out to explore the known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cordyceps sinensis, finding it to mitigate pulmonary inflammation and collagen deposition in a mouse model of IPF. 

Potential protective mechanism
The proteomic analysis suggests that Cordyceps sinensis’s positive effect on the lung condition could be linked to the regulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. This positions the TCM as a potential protective mechanism against IPF and an alternative to antifibrotic medications.

Cordyceps sinensis was shown to not only reduce the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species but also to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation by targeting mitochondrial complexes I and II. 

In conclusion, the research team posits that if the potential of Cordyceps sinensis as a novel therapeutic agent for IPF is to be fully realized, its effects should be validated through both in vivo and in vitro experiments to identify the specific components in the fungus behind its therapeutic effects and the mechanisms of its action.

Another recently conducted research into lung disease, conducted in Australia, linked appropriate zinc supplementation to the improved condition of patients with chronic cystic fibrosis.

Biotics designed for improved gut health have also been shown to play a positive role in ensuring optimal lung function. 

Meanwhile, the tv series “The Last of Us” has awakened the curiosity for Cordyceps, although scientists suggest that fungi infections are a potential threat if global warming continues. Research suggests that fungi infections might thrive in increased temperature.