Enhancement of Neuromuscular Activity by Natural Specimens and Cultured Mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis in Mice

• Published in: Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences Vol. 76; no. 5; pp. 458 - 461
• Main Authors: Singh, K P, Meena, H S, Negi, P S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01-09-2014; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd
• Subjects: Fungi, Pathogenic; Health aspects; Host-parasite relationships; Microbiological research; Short Communication; Cordyceps sinensis; Neuromuscular; Enhancement; mice; antidepressant
• ISSN: 0250-474X; 1998-3743

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of natural specimen and laboratory cultured mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis on neuromuscular activity in mice. The powder of natural specimen and laboratory cultured Cordyceps sinensis was orally administered at the dose rate of 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg for 30 days. Natural specimen and in vitro propagated Cordyceps sinensis showed significant (P<0.05) enhancement in neuromuscular endurance and antidepressant activity at 300 and 500 mg/kg as compared to the control group. However, the fungus did not proved to be as effective as fluoxetine in exhibiting antidepressant action. Muscular endurance was determined on a Rota rod apparatus while antidepressant (mood elevating) activity was measured on a photoactometer in Swiss albino mice. The effects produced by both natural specimens and laboratory cultured Cordyceps sinensis were comparable and showed almost equal potency.