Effects of Cordyceps sinensis on murine T lymphocyte subsets.

It was shown by flow cytometry analysis that crystalized preparation of Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-Cr) caused significant elevation of the number of T helper cells and Lyt-1/Lyt-2 (T helper to T suppressor cell) ratio both in peripheral blood and the treated mice spleen. The spleen weight, phagocyte counts and phagocytic activity were also elevated in the treated group. In addition, Cs-Cr could protect T helper cells from the immunosuppressive effects of prednisolone acetate and cyclophosphamide. These results further substantiate the fact that Cs-Cr is an immunoregulator/biological response modifier of cellular immunity and may be potentially useful in handling immunodeficient or immunosuppressed patients.