Hypoglycemic and glucose lowering properties of <i>Cordyceps militaris</i>

Diabetes mellitus is a serious endocrine disease characterized by hyperglycemia. This disease has been regarded as a major global health issue. Although majority of the current therapeutic approaches are beneficial in treating diabetes, there are still unfavorable side effects. The Chinese traditional medicinal fungi, Cordyceps militaris, has been used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus for centuries. This study summarizes the chemical compounds in Cordyceps militaris and their corresponding hypoglycemic effect in the development of therapeutic agents for diabetes mellitus based on recent reports. Several studies using chemically induced diabetic rats and mice models have established the antidiabetic effect of Cordyceps militaris administered at various doses. This report reveals that Cordyceps militaris has a great deal of promise and should be taken into consideration for the development of novel antidiabetic therapies.