Projet:Contribution center
Cikaria Core is a dietary supplement developed by the Swedish company Plantamed, based in Eskilstuna, Sweden. The product is formulated as a softgel capsule containing an extract of Cordyceps chanhua, a fungus traditionally known as Chanhua or cicada flower.[1]
The product is marketed under the concept "Renew Your Cellular Core", with an emphasis on cellular health, healthy ageing and daily nutritional supplementation.
Background
Cikaria Core was developed by Plantamed as part of its range of nutritional supplements containing ingredients derived from natural sources.
Its principal ingredient is an extract of Cordyceps chanhua, a fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese practices for centuries.
The product's development draws on scientific interest in the chemical composition and biological properties of Chanhua.
Composition
The main ingredient in Cikaria Core is Cordyceps chanhua extract.
According to Plantamed's official product information, Cikaria Core is supplied in softgel form. Consumers are advised to refer to the product packaging for the complete ingredient list and recommended daily intake.[1]
Cordyceps chanhua
Cordyceps chanhua is an entomopathogenic fungus associated with cicadas. It has a long history of traditional use in China, with historical references dating back approximately 1,500 years.
The fungus has appeared in scientific literature under several names, including Cordyceps cicadae and Isaria cicadae.
Modern research has examined its taxonomy, cultivation methods and potential applications in food and biotechnology.[2]
Scientific Research
Antioxidant-related research
Researchers have investigated polysaccharides extracted from Cordyceps cicadae for their chemical properties and antioxidant activity.
A study published in 2015 examined polysaccharides obtained from submerged fungal cultures. Laboratory tests included DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging assays, reducing-power measurements and iron-chelating tests.[3]
These findings concern laboratory research on fungal polysaccharides and do not establish antioxidant benefits from consuming Cikaria Core.
Kidney-related research
Chanhua-derived compounds have also been examined in experimental studies related to kidney biology.
A 2024 study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis investigated metabolites and bioactive compounds isolated from Cordyceps chanhua grown on artificial media.
The researchers reported that several isolated compounds promoted the proliferation of 293T cells under laboratory conditions.[4]
The findings were based on experimental cell models and do not demonstrate clinical kidney benefits in humans.
Healthy ageing research
Scientific interest in Chanhua has also included investigations into its metabolites and biological activity in areas related to ageing.
The 2024 study by Dong and colleagues identified multiple metabolites and bioactive compounds in Cordyceps chanhua.
Plantamed has positioned Cikaria Core around concepts of cellular health and healthy ageing. However, research on Chanhua compounds should be distinguished from clinical evidence concerning the finished supplement.
Product Use
Cikaria Core is marketed as a dietary supplement rather than a medicinal product.
Plantamed advises consumers to follow the recommended daily intake printed on the product packaging.
Dietary supplements should not be used as substitutes for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle, and the recommended daily intake should not be exceeded.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Cikaria Core (Extract of Chanhua)". Plantamed. Retrieved 2026-11-09.
- ↑ Zhang, Y.; Li, C.; Qian, Z.; Zhang, C. (2026). Cordycipitoid fungi (Cordyceps sensu lato). Mushroomology. pp. 595–607. doi:10.1163/9789004751699_23. Search this book on
- ↑ Sharma, S. K.; Gautam, N.; Atri, N. S. (2015). "Optimized extraction, composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of exo and intracellular polysaccharides from submerged culture of Cordyceps cicadae". BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 15: 446. doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0967-y.
- ↑ Dong, M.; Zhao, C.; Huang, Y. (2024). "Metabolites analysis and new bioactive compounds from the medicine food homology product of Cordyceps chanhua on artificial media". Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 237: 115749. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115749.
