**3. Ethnopharmacological uses of** *Cordyceps sinensis*

*Cordyceps sinensis* is presently regarded as a highly priced fungus at present due to its precious medicinal value especially in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This is primarily for the treatment of kidney disease, fatigue, sexual dysfunctions, diabetes, and cancers, which are highly prevalent nowadays. *Cordyceps sinensis* is also regarded as a Bhutanese indigenous medicine other than TCM [10]. It is said that the *Cordyceps* organism was discovered by yak herders in the Himalayas of ancient Tibet and Nepal who, recognizing the ardent behavior of their animals after grazing on *Cordyceps* at high altitudes in the spring, sought the causal agent for their own usage and medical applications [3]. The capless mushroom was then incorporated into TCM ever since starting with kidney, lung, and heart ailments, male and female sexual dysfunction, fatigue, cancer, hiccups, and serious injury, to relieve pain, and the symptoms of tuberculosis and hemorrhoids, to restore general health and appetite and to promote longevity [3].

A tabulated description of the health benefits of *Cordyceps sinensis* in their traditional applications against disease conditions and scientific studies, which have verified its potency, is listed in **Table 3**.

In modern times, *Cordyceps sinensis* appears to be actively used by the elderly people and athletes as well to boost their energy [16]. Experiments show that although *Cordyceps sinensis* could be used as an energy booster, only a small portion of extra energy could be achieved due to the increase of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) when it is taken as an herbal supplement. The energy output and its oxygen capacity help with treating cold intolerance and decreasing fatigue. It is also noteworthy that compared with other medicinal herbs, *Cordyceps sinensis* has


#### **Table 3.**

*Disease conditions which have ethnopharmacologically utilized* Cordyceps sinensis *and studies elucidating their scientific verifications.*

**175**

**Figure 2.**

kidney [3, 4].

*Therapeutic Properties and Anti-Lipidemic Activity of* Cordyceps sinensis

a very low toxicity and side effects over its benefits. Studies show that health issues like nausea, diarrhea, and diseases such as dry mouth have not been experienced by

Age-related diseases are rising as a common issue in the present era due to the evolutionary changes that take place in the dietary patterns and lifestyle changes of humans. Studies which are being carried out to mitigate these rising health issues show methodological approaches to prevent and mitigate them by utilizing the

Complications related to lipid metabolism have been identified as an agerelated disease condition [17]. As a detrimental health effect related to lipid metabolism, the incidence of obesity has also been increasing steadily in the developed and developing countries worldwide. Analysis of the global burden of obesity revealed that there were 396 million adults with obesity in 2005 and that the expected number is projected to be 573 million individuals in 2030, without the application of an adjustment for secular trends [18]. Excessive fat accumulation that increases the risk of adverse health effects is one of the definitions of obesity [19]. It is a condition that is implicated as a risk factor for various diseases such as

Hyperlipidemia is another age-related disease condition. This occurs due to the presence of too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood, while it threatens the health of the circulatory system, risking the blockage of arteries with the deposition of fats and lipids. In addition, hyperlipidemia acts as the root cause of diabetes and functional depression in organs such as the liver, heart, and

*Cordyceps sinensis* has been used in modern times for the treatment of lipidrelated disorders. A summary of the anti-lipidemic effects of *Cordyceps sinensis* is shown in **Figure 2**. The fruiting body part of *Cordyceps sinensis* contains a

composition of nucleosides, exopolysaccharides (EPS), proteins, and sterols. These bioactive components which play a significant role in treating diseases are also

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92616*

the patients who have taken *Cordyceps sinensis* [5].

**4. Anti-lipidemic effects of** *Cordyceps sinensis*

medicinal values of traditional medicines across the globe.

hypertension, coronary heart disease, and type II diabetes [20].

*Schematic depicting the anti-lipidemic effects of* Cordyceps sinensis*.*

a very low toxicity and side effects over its benefits. Studies show that health issues like nausea, diarrhea, and diseases such as dry mouth have not been experienced by the patients who have taken *Cordyceps sinensis* [5].
