Table of contents:
- Recognize the active compounds and the work system of Cordyceps mushrooms in fighting disease infections
- 1. Increase endurance
- 2. Ward off inflammation
- 3. Prevent virus infection
- Cordyceps mushrooms, a traditional step to boost the immune system
Many people are looking for ways to strengthen their immune system, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are several traditional ingredients that are favorite choices for Indonesians, such as ginger, moringa leaves, black cumin, ginger, and meniran. One of the traditional supplements that can increase the body's immune system is Cordyceps mushrooms.
How do Cordyceps mushrooms work in fighting disease and strengthening immunity?
Recognize the active compounds and the work system of Cordyceps mushrooms in fighting disease infections
Cordyceps (wild) fungus is a parasitic fungus of several types of insects. These fungi usually take advantage of food scraps on the insect's body.
Cordyceps mushrooms are used as traditional medicine in East Asia, because of its properties that help boost the body's immune system. Cordyceps militaris also used to treat cancer, tonic seizures, and other diseases.
There are several active compounds that are contained in Cordyceps mushrooms.
- Polysaccharides
- Adenosine
- Cordycepin
- Amino acid
- Fatty acid
These active compounds are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. From various studies at home and abroad, Cordyceps mushrooms are alleged to help increase endurance and ward off viruses.
The adenosine and cordycepin in this fungus have a structure similar to the viral drug Galidesivir. This drug is used as therapy for 20 types of RNA viruses, such as filovirus, togavirus, arenavirus, corona virus, and others in laboratory tests. Although, the drug still requires further clinical trials to determine its effects in humans.
In addition, the adenosine compound in Cordyceps mushrooms also has properties as a vasodilator in the body. Vasodilators are drugs that can dilate blood vessels and prevent veins and arteries from narrowing.
These active compounds have an important role in maintaining body stability. For more information, know the benefits and workings of Cordyceps mushrooms in boosting the immune system and warding off disease.
1. Increase endurance
Body resistance can be supported through supplementation Cordyceps militaris. Some studies like from journals Carbohyrdrate Polymers in 2014 conducted by Jong Seok Lee and his team, said the polysaccharides from Cordyceps mushrooms help protect body cells from viral infections and boost the immune system.
Furthermore, Based on research from the same journal in 2007 it is said, Cordyceps mushrooms are developed in soybean sprouts to support immunoregulatory functions or regulate the body's immune system. Further stated, the fungus is able to repair damaged tissue in the lungs. This has the advantage of strengthening the body's resistance when attacked by a viral infection.
Cordyceps mushroom polysaccharides have antioxidant properties. The antioxidants in these mushrooms can stimulate the work of macrophages, a type of white blood cell that is responsible for fighting viral infections. That way, Cordyceps mushrooms are able to treat lung health.
2. Ward off inflammation
Cordyceps mushrooms also have the advantage of inhibiting overreaction of the immune system when attacked by viruses, thanks to its anti-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory properties. Certain viruses that enter can cause the immune system to overreact because of the high production of cytokines, causing inflammation.
Mentioned in Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, Cordyceps mushrooms are able to inhibit by reducing the activity of cytokines that cause inflammation. That way, through the Cordyceps fungus, the body gets help to prevent viral infections, and boosts the body's immune system.
3. Prevent virus infection
Cordycepin compounds in Cordyceps mushrooms include herbal supplements that have antiviral properties, so they can help ward off viral infections. According to Yechiel Backer, in his book, entitled Antiviral Agents from Natural Sources, the cordycepin produced by these mushrooms has antiviral properties.
This content works to inhibit the development of viruses, such as rhinovirus, poliovirus, spice virus and Newcastle Disease Virus. In other studies, cordycepin can be used in the treatment of respiratory system disorders, such as parainfluenza virus.
It does not rule out that the properties of Cordyceps mushrooms can be a consideration to help prevent disease and increase the body's immune system.
Cordyceps mushrooms, a traditional step to boost the immune system
Although there is still a need for a variety of further research and clinical trials, fungi Cordyceps militaris pocket a good potential to help ward off various viruses. From the properties already mentioned, the active compounds in mushrooms also play a role in increasing the body's defense system and preventing viral infections, especially for caring for the health of the respiratory system.
Cordyceps as a traditional supplement is also good for consumption to maintain body immunity, especially in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of this mushroom has been described in several studies because Cordyceps mushrooms are classified as natural-based supplements, so they can be consumed in the long term.
The good news is that currently the cordyceps fungus can be cultivated in Indonesia through Tissue Culture technology, which is a natural breeding method by isolating parts of the fungus and growing it in a medium that is sterile.
The advantages of this method are that the breeding time is shorter, only 2 months, the content of active ingredients is maintained and stable for all crops, free of contamination (heavy metals and other harmful substances) and the price of mushrooms is more affordable.
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