Benefits of Cordyceps Sinensis for Diabetes Mellitus and Depression

Diabetes mellitus
is one of the largest global epidemics worldwide, mostly due to the widespread
increase in overweight and obesity caused by unhealthy diet and physical
inactivity typical of Western societies. Diabetes is often associated with
several neuroendocrine changes that increase the risk for psychiatric disorders
such as depression and anxiety. Diabetic patients show an almost 20 percent
increased prevalence of depression than non-diabetic people, although just
one-third of them receive a proper diagnosis¹. A new natural
treatment with the mushroom Cordyceps Sinensis (CS) however shows much promise
in treating both these two disorders.

See: Beat Depression with Meditation

Cordyceps Sinensis has been used for centuries as a remedy in Traditional Chinese
medicine (TCM), and is known for its effects in weight reduction and improved
glycemic control². In a recent Chinese study from 2010, a specific vanadium-enriched
complex of Cordyceps Sinensis called VECS has been suggested as a possible
treatment to address both depression and diabetes³.

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As many
other mushrooms, Cordyceps Sinensis (CS) only contains minimal amounts of fats and carbohydrates and
is thus an optimal food and provides benefits for both diabetic and obese patients. CS acts by increasing
plasma insulin levels while decreasing plasma glucose levels, and possess a
distinct antidepressant activity by acting as an agonist on the dopamine D2
receptors. Vanadium compounds may exert an antidiabetic action by mimicking the
effects of insulin, which is also associated with a general sensation of
well-being and a mood improvement³.

See: Kirtan Kriya Meditation For Mental Health Benefits

1.      Gavard JA, Lustman PJ, Clouse RE. “Prevalence of depression in adults with diabetes. An epidemiological evaluation.” Diabetes Care. 1993 Aug; 16(8):1167-78.

2.      Lo HC, Hsu TH, Tu ST, Lin KC. “Anti-hyperglycemic activity of natural and fermented Cordyceps sinensis in rats with diabetes induced by nicotinamide and streptozotocin.” Am J Chin Med. 2006;34(5):819-32.

3.      Guo, Jian-You, Chun-Chao Han, and Yong-Mei Liu. “A Contemporary Treatment Approach to Both Diabetes and Depression by Cordyceps Sinensis, Rich in Vanadium.” Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM 7.3 (2010): 387–389. PMC. Web. 5 Nov. 2015.

See: Suffering from Depression – Try Yoga Asanas

Dr.
Claudio Butticè, PharmD.