The Genus Cordyceps Sensu Lato: Their Chemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and Therapeutic Effects on Air Pollutants Related to Lung and Vascular Diseases

Abstract

Air pollutants are significant environmental factors that contribute to the exacerbation of respiratory, cardiopulmonary, and skin diseases in East Asia, and their impact is based on particle size. Natural products represent a promising and sustainable strategy for reducing the adverse effects of air pollutants on health. Cordyceps spp. have been integral to traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, their fruiting bodies and related supplements have gained popularity. The physiological effects of Cordyceps species are well documented and attributed to their chemical constituents, such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, cordymin, glycoprotein, ergosterol, and other bioactive extracts. Cordyceps supplementation may support lung health and enhance respiratory function. Although further clinical data are necessary, many preclinical studies have found a connection between Cordyceps and improved lung health. In addition, preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that Cordyceps and its derivatives (e.g., Ningxinbao, Corbrin, and Jinshuibao capsules) protect against vascular diseases by modulating key molecular pathways. This review provides insights into the potential of Cordyceps for clinical application in the management of air pollutant-related respiratory and vascular diseases.

Keywords: Cordyceps; biological activities; environmental lung disease; traditional Chinese medicine.

Figure 1

Images of Cordyceps species (a) Cordyceps sinensis (Ophiocordyceps sinensis); (b) Cordyceps militaris; (c) Cordyceps ophioglossoides (Tolypocladium ophioglossoides); (d) Cordyceps taii (Metacordyceps taii); (e) Cordyceps jiangxiensis (Ophiocordyceps jiangxiensis); (f) Cordyceps cicadae (Isaria cicadae). The images are sourced from MeFSAT [13] and Wikimedia Commons in the public domain.

Figure 2

Health benefits of the genus Cordyceps in managing various disease conditions. Images modified from MeFSAT (https://cb.imsc.res.in/mefsat/ accessed on 22 March 2025).