OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of Cordyceps in preventing occurrence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) among patients undergoing CA / PCI using IV contrast compared to standard therapy.

METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane database, and Google Scholars for RCTs involving the use of Cordyceps in contrast-induced nephropathy. We used the search keywords "Cordyceps" and "contrast-induced nephropathy" with the Boolean operator "AND" and filtering search results to include only randomized controlled trials and clinical trials. Three trials were found which satisfied all the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria.

RESULTS: No patient developed clinical renal failure, adverse reactions, or side effects with the Cordyceps arm. CIN occurred in 26 out of 285 patients. The incidence of CIN was less in the Cordyceps group compared to the standard therapy group (p < 0.05, CI 0.20, 1.00).

CONCLUSION: Cordyceps shows a trend towards prevention of CIN and a decrease in biomarkers for acute kidney injury. More studies with larger populations need to be performed to further clarify its preventive effects.