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Studies that suggest Cordyceps militaris may help with conditions like Fatty Liver Disease (FLD).
What is a Fatty Liver Disease (FLD)?
According to the Gastroenterology of Greater Orlando, USA, an estimated 20% -30% of the developed population suffers from this disease. A disease characterized by excessive accumulation of fatty acids and triglycerides in liver cells. Fatty liver represents the main cause of chronic liver disease. The survival rate of these patients is considerably lower than in the general population, usually due to hepatic and cardiovascular complications.
The exact causes of FLD are not fully understood, but contributing factors include overconsumption, poor diet, obesity, and diabetes. A key factor identified in FLD development is palmitic acid (PA), a fatty acid prevalent in foods like pork, beef, butter, and plant-based oils. High levels of PA contribute to FLD by promoting lipid accumulation and inducing hepatocyte death through mitochondrial fragmentation, ER stress, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and disruptions in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism.
FLD Complications
Hepatic insufficiency: Conditions when liver is unable to carry out its variety of metabolic functions resulting in several clinical symptoms. Death can occur in severe and prolonged failures.
Hepatic cirrhosis: Over accumulation of fat in the liver trigger a chronic inflammatory process called steatohepatitis. Left untreated it can lead to chronic inflammation resulting in scarring and fibrosis of the liver tissue (cirrhosis).
Liver Cancer: Research have suggested increased risk in the development of hepatic
steatosis, type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma. This can lead to liver cancer after several years. Not all patients with fatty liver will develop liver cancer.
Cardiovascular Risk: Studies have indicated hepatic steatosis increases the risk of heart attack and stroke by 40%.
Note - Fatty liver, commonly known as hepaticsteatosis in health field
Cordyceps Militaris (CM) holds Potential Promise
Cordyceps militaris, a type of functional mushroom, has been studied for its potential health benefits, including its effects on metabolic and liver health. While research is still ongoing, there are many studies that suggest Cordyceps militaris may help with conditions like Fatty Liver Disease (FLD). Here's how it could potentially aid in liver health:
1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Cordyceps has shown anti-inflammatory effects in some studies, which could help reduce the inflammation seen in conditions like steatohepatitis, a more advanced form of FLD.
2. Antioxidant effects: The fungus is known for its antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress. Since oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are key mechanisms in FLD progression (as mentioned in the research paper), Cordyceps might help mitigate some of these effects.
3. Improving lipid metabolism: Some animal studies suggest that Cordyceps can help improve lipid metabolism, potentially reducing fat accumulation in the liver, which is a key feature of FLD.
4. Hepatoprotective effects: Some research has shown that Cordyceps might have protective effects on liver cells, potentially helping to repair or prevent damage to hepatocytes, which are often harmed in FLD due to factors like lipid overload and oxidative stress.
This is a promising data, however further research and trials, is needed to fully
establish its effectiveness in treating FLD or other liver-related diseases. It's important to note that Cordyceps should not replace traditional treatments and lifestyle changes but could potentially be an adjunct therapy.
Current treatments for FLD are limited, often focusing on lifestyle modifications, while
drugs for conditions like diabetes or dyslipidemia (e.g., PPARγ agonists and statins) are
used, no specific drug has been approved for FLD
If you are considering using it as a supplement, it's always a good idea to talk to a
healthcare professional first, especially if you're already managing FLD or other health
conditions.
Cordyceps Militaris successful trial Production in Granton, ON, Canada
References:
1. The Gastroenterology of Greater Orlando, USA
2. Frontiers in Pharmacology - Protective effects of Cordyceps militaris against hepatocyte apoptosis and liver fibrosis induced by high palmitic acid diet, Published January 8th, 2025.