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Polysaccharides obtained from mycelia of Cordyceps militaris attenuated doxorubicin-induced cytotoxic effects in chemotherapy


Ruo-Kai Lin
Chen-Yen Choong
Wei-Hsuan Hsu
Chen-Jei Tai
Cheng-Jeng Tai

Abstract

Objectives: Fungus Cordyceps militaris has been used as a herbal tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, which could be surface liquid-cultured for mycelia production. To evaluate the potential of polysaccharides obtained from mycelia of Cordyceps militaris (PS-MCM) for attenuation of side-effects of chemotherapy.
Methods: Doxorubicin was used to induce cytotoxicity in THP-1 monocytes and EL-4 T cells, and the effects of PS-MCM on cell viability and cytokine production were detected on doxorubicin-treated THP-1 and EL-4 cells.
Results: PS-MCM reduced doxorubicin-induced cell death and promoted cell proliferation in THP-1 and EL-4 cells. Moreover, PS-MCM elevated the level of cytokines associated with immune-modulation of THP-1 and EL-4 cells.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that PS-MCM has potential for development as a functional food to counteract side effects of chemotherapy.

Keywords: Cordyceps militaris, traditional Chinese medicine, doxorubicin, chemotherapy, immunotherapy.


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eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905