Cordycepin

A nucleoside that was first isolated from the cultures of Cordyceps militaris. It was found to inhibit Ehrlich mouse ascites tumors. Recent findings suggest cordycepin activates adenosine subtype receptors and simultaneously induce steroidogenesis and apoptosis in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. It also inhibit SW480 and SW620 cell proliferation and induce apoptosis by enhancing JNK and P38 kinase activity and increasing the protein expression of Bvl-2 pro-apoptotic molecules.