Cordyceps sinensis (a traditional Chinese medicine) for treating chronic kidney disease
Zhang HW, Lin ZX, Tung YS, Kwan TH, Mok CK, Leung C, Chan LS
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Abstract
Systematic review of 22 RCTs involving 1,746 participants with chronic kidney disease. Cordyceps supplementation (3-5g daily) combined with conventional treatment improved kidney function markers (creatinine, BUN), reduced proteinuria, and improved quality of life compared to conventional treatment alone. Renoprotective mechanisms through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Generally well-tolerated.
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review of 22 randomised studies (1,746 participants) comparing Cordyceps sinensis preparations plus conventional treatment against conventional treatment alone in chronic kidney disease.
Key Findings
Cordyceps as an adjunct was associated with reductions in serum creatinine and proteinuria and improvements in some quality-of-life measures compared with conventional treatment alone. However, almost all included studies were small, conducted in China, and rated at high or unclear risk of bias, and no hard clinical endpoints such as dialysis initiation or mortality were reliably assessed.
Conclusions
Current evidence for Cordyceps in chronic kidney disease is of very low quality; apparent benefits on kidney function markers are not sufficient to recommend routine use, and adequately powered, well-designed trials are needed.
Limitations
High or unclear risk of bias across included trials, inadequate reporting of randomisation and blinding, short follow-up, surrogate endpoints only, likely publication bias, and uncertain product standardisation.
Supplements Studied
Cordyceps as an adjunct was associated with reductions in serum creatinine and proteinuria and improvements in some quality-of-life measures compared with conventional treatment alone. However, almost all included studies were small, conducted in China, and rated at high or unclear risk of bias, and no hard clinical endpoints such as dialysis initiation or mortality were reliably assessed.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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