%0 Journal Article
%T Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin
%A Hardeep S. Tuli
%A Sardul S. Sandhu
%A A. K. Sharma
%J 3 Biotech
%@ 2190-5738
%D 2013
%I Springer
%R 10.1007/s13205-013-0121-9
%X An entomopathogenic fungus, Cordyceps sp. has been known to have numerous pharmacological and therapeutic implications, especially, in terms of human health making it a suitable candidate for ethno-pharmacological use. Main constituent of the extract derived from this fungus comprises a novel bio-metabolite called as Cordycepin (3¡ädeoxyadenosine) which has a very potent anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The current review discusses about the broad spectrum potential of Cordycepin including biological and pharmacological actions in immunological, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular systems as well as an anti-cancer agent. The article also reviews the current efforts to delineate the mechanism of action of Cordycepin in various bio-molecular processes. The study will certainly draw the attention of scientific community to improve the bioactivity and production of Cordycepin for its commercial use in pharmacological and medical fields.
%K Cordyceps militaris
%K Infection
%K Cordycepin
%K Mechanism
%K Pharmacological effect
%U http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13205-013-0121-9