Properties: Sweet, neutral
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Kidney and Lung
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Supplements the Lung and tonifies Kidney
Cough with blood-streaked Phlegm
Night sweats, lower back pain
Blood deficiency
Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-15g in decoction.
Notable Constituents:
- Cordycepin
Similar to adenosine causing cytotoxicity by incorporation into an mRNA molecule, resulting in premature termination of protein synthesis. This may be of use in leukemia where it has shown effectiveness in vitro and is being introduced to clinical trials. It has also shown rapid, robust imipramine-like antidepressant effects in animal models of depression.
- Myriocin
Found in Isaria sinclairii, the anamorph (asexual stage) of which Cordyceps is the telemorph (sexual stage). It is an amino acid-based antibiotic which also displays anti-fungal, immunosuppressive properties and is a potent inhibitor of sphingosine, required to make phospholipids for cell membranes. It modulates the immune system by modulating the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor, sequestering lymphocytes in the lymph nodes and preventing them from contributing to an autoimmune reaction. It has been isolated and sold as the drug Fingolimod used for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.
Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
