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The lifespan‐extending effect of Cordyceps sinensis Cs‐4 in normal mice and its molecular mechanisms
Author(s) -
Tan NingZhi,
Barger Jamie L,
Zhang Yan,
Ferguson Scott B,
Wu ZiMei,
Prolla Tomas A,
Bartlett Mark,
Zhu JiaShi
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.599.1
Subject(s) - cordyceps , biology , body weight , medicine , endocrinology , zoology , traditional medicine
Cordyceps sinensis is believed to be an anti‐aging traditional Chinese herb. We previously reported that C. sinensis Cs‐4 (a mycelia fermentation product of C. sinensis ) improves glucose, lipid and energy metabolism and has antioxidant, anti‐fatigue and endurance effects. In this study we examined the effects of Cs‐4 on lifespan and age‐related changes in gene expression (GE) in mice. Male and female ICR mice were fed either control or Cs‐4 at 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 g/kg beginning at 1 year of age (n=48/grp). Calorie intake was adjusted twice a week to match controls. No differences in body weight were noted among the groups. All control mice died before 3 yrs of age while Cs‐4 extended lifespan by 10–66 days at 50% survival and 45–153 days at 10% survival. The age of the oldest surviving mice was extended 152 days (1.5 g/kg) and >210 days (both 0.5 and 1.0 g Cs‐4/kg BW). Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed the best extended lifespan and reduced risk of death in mice receiving Cs‐4 0.5 g/kg (p=0.03). GE profiling of neocortex and gastrocnemius muscle was performed in young (5 mo), old (25 mo) and old Cs‐4 treated (0.3 g/kg) C57BL/6J mice. Cs‐4 opposed GE of many changes that occurred with age (p<0.05). In conclusion, C. sinensis Cs‐4 extends the lifespan of mice and reverses many age‐related changes in GE, supporting the traditional belief that C. sinensis Cs‐4 conveys anti‐aging benefits to humans.