Another area of particular interest is the effect of
Cordyceps spp. on the blood glucose metabolism
system. Cordyceps sinensis has been tested in animal
and human trials to investigate its potential as an
agent in blood sugar regulation. In one randomized
trial, 95% of patients treated with 3 grams
per day of C. sinensis saw improvement in their
blood sugar profi les, whereas the control group
showed only a 54% improvement with treatment
by other methods.42
In animal studies, isolated polysaccharides have
been shown to improve blood glucose metabolism
and increase insulin sensitivity in normal animals,43
to lower blood sugar levels in genetically diabetic
animals,44 and to positively effect blood sugar
metabolism in animals with chemically induced
diabetes.45 The common thread throughout all
these trials is the increase in insulin sensitivity and
hepatic glucose-regulating enzymes, glucokinase,
and hexokinase.
In one unpublished trial conducted by this
author on nondiabetic patients treated with 3
grams per day of Cordyceps, it was found that
blood sugar levels vary throughout the day; the
increase in blood glucose levels after eating and
the dropping of glucose levels between meals was
signifi cantly dampened in the Cordyceps group.
blood sugar regulation mechanism. Furthermore,
it was found that the subjects who happened to be
alcoholic tended to lose their desire for alcohol
within 48 hours after the commencement of this
study. Subsequent unpublished and ongoing studies
by this author have confi rmed this alcohol craving
reduction effect. Further research into this area is
clearly indicated.This indicates an increase in the effi ciency of the