Evaluation of the Impact of Cordyceps cicadae Mycelium on Vision Health: A Cohort Study.

Abstract

Cordyceps cicadae is a traditional Chinese medicinal fungus known for its diverse bioactive compounds and pharmacological properties similar to those of Cordyceps sinensis. Extracts of C. cicadae have been reported to alleviate dry eye syndrome, reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), and show therapeutic potential in various ocular diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of C. cicadae mycelium (CCM) intake on visual function in 60 healthy volunteers. Comprehensive eye examinations including visual acuity, axial length, corneal curvature, and refractive error were conducted at six time points: baseline (day 0, pre-intake), one- and two-hours post-intake on day 0 and again on day 28 (pre-final intake and one- and two- hours post-intake), following a 28-day period of continuous supplementation. Subjective ocular surface condition was also assessed using an OSDI questionnaire. No significant changes were observed in axial length, corneal curvature, or refractive error throughout the study. However, improvements in VA were noted in a subset of participants as early as one hour after CCM intake, with further enhancement at two hours and sustained improvement following 28 days of daily supplementation. Subjective reports also indicated a marked reduction in eye fatigue after CCM consumption. These findings suggest that CCM supplementation may serve as a supportive strategy for relieving digital eye strain and enhancing visual function.