Cordyceps sinensis extracts do not prevent Fas-receptor and hydrogen peroxide-induced T-cell apoptosis

Aqueous and alcohol extracts of Cordyceps sinensis (Berk) Succ. are used as a traditional medicine in China for the treatment of a wide range of diseases and are reported to have antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. We therefore examined the ability of aqueous, organic, and alcohol extracts of Cordyceps sinensis to inhibit apoptosis induced either by hydrogen peroxide or Fas-receptor ligation; both stimuli induce apoptosis dependent on reactive oxygen species. Cells pre-incubated with Cordyceps sinensis extracts were equally sensitive to hydrogen peroxide and Fas-mediated apoptosis. Thus, the putative antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties of Cordyceps sinensis are insufficient to rescue cells from apoptosis induced by these stimuli in vitro.