A recent study by Tianjin Nankai Hospital in China found that medicinal mushroom Cordyceps sinensis could help prevent renal impairment in patients who underwent coronary angioplasty. Angioplasty is the process of widening blocked or narrow arteries, perhaps due to atherosclerosis or angina pectoris (chest pain due to coronary heart disease).
One of the complications that can arise after coronary interventions is contrast-induced nephropathy, an impairment in renal functioning. The impairment is measured as an increase of serum creatinine greater than 25% or a 0.5 mg/dL increase in absolute value, within three days after contrast administration. Researchers Kai Zhao, Yongjian Li and Hong Zhang set out to examine whether a natural form of treatment, Cordyceps sinensis, would help improve this renal impairment.
Studies have shown medicinal mushroom Cordyceps sinensis can be used as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac. Long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed Cordyceps sinensis can also increase physical endurance and energy; treat fatigue, liver damage, and even cancer.
For the experiment, Zhao, Li and Zhang recruited 103 patients with stable angina pectoris from a hospital and split them into two groups. One group would receive basic treatment consisting of hydration, statins, anticoagulant therapy and anti-platelet agents. The second group would receive Cordyceps sinensis in capsule form, for three days before and after angioplasty. Serum levels and cholesterol were monitored during hospital admission and the days after procedure. Kidney injury was also evaluated before and after angioplasty.
The Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on Renal Impairment
Cordyceps medicinal mushroom may lower creatinine levels
Of the 103 patients, nine had incidences of contrast-induced nephropathy, or renal impairment. But the researchers found that cases renal impairment was lower in the Cordyceps sinensis group than in the basic treatment group. Levels of serum creatinine was also significantly lower for the Cordyceps group. Based on these results, the researchers believe Cordyceps sinensis can be a beneficial form of preventative treatment for contrast-induced nephropathy in stable angina pectoris patients. They also suggest more studies be done to investigate the medicinal mushroom’s kidney restorative qualities.
Please check with your doctor before taking any mushroom supplements. Do not discontinue or make changes to your medication without consulting with your physician first! The author of this story is a staff writer for National Nutraceuticals’ online news portals, such as Amino Acid Information Center at http://www.aminoacidinformation.com and Vancouver Health News at http://www.VancouverHealthNews.ca. National Nutraceuticals, Inc. Also operates a personal development portal at http://todayswordofwisdom.com.
Source: http://www.journaltcm.com/modules/Journal/contents/stories/133/1.pdf
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