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Ahcc Extract

Also known as: AHCC, AHCC extract, Lentinula edodes mycelia extract, Active Hexose Correlated Compound

Overview

AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a proprietary, standardized extract derived from the cultured mycelia of Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom). It is classified as an immune-modulating dietary supplement and functional food ingredient. Primarily used to support and enhance immune function, AHCC is marketed for its ability to boost natural killer (NK) cell activity, improve overall immune responses, and aid in recovery from various infections and as an adjunct to cancer therapies. Research on AHCC has evolved from in vitro and animal studies to human clinical trials, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, focusing on its immunomodulatory and potential antiviral properties. While the evidence base is growing, it is still considered limited in scale and scope, indicating a need for larger, more extensive clinical investigations.

Benefits

AHCC offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily centered around immune system modulation. It has demonstrated statistically significant improvements in immune function markers and symptom reduction in patients with post-COVID-19 conditions, including fatigue and dyspnea, by enhancing NK cell profiles and mitochondrial function (p-values 0.0024 to 0.0425). A phase II randomized controlled trial showed that 3g daily of AHCC significantly increased HPV clearance rates in women with persistent high-risk HPV infections, achieving a 50% clearance rate compared to a 0-10% spontaneous clearance in the placebo group, with high statistical significance and power. AHCC is also being investigated as an adjunct therapy in cancer, particularly for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where ongoing trials aim to assess its ability to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy while reducing toxicity. Furthermore, in post-COVID-19 syndrome, AHCC reduced fatigue scores from 46.5 to 32.08 and improved cognitive function and lung capacity, suggesting its potential in aiding recovery from viral illness sequelae.

How it works

AHCC primarily exerts its effects by modulating the immune system. It enhances the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and alters the populations of various immune cells, specifically increasing CD14-/CD56+ and CD16+/CD56+ NK cells. This enhancement of NK cell function is crucial for the body's defense against viral infections and abnormal cells. AHCC also supports mitochondrial membrane function, which can lead to improved cellular energy metabolism and overall cellular health. In the context of viral infections, such as HPV, AHCC has been shown to suppress viral oncogene expression in HPV-infected cervical cancer cell lines in vitro, indicating a direct antiviral effect at the molecular level. While detailed molecular targets are still under investigation, AHCC is believed to influence cytokine production and immune checkpoint pathways, contributing to its broad immunomodulatory actions.

Side effects

AHCC is generally considered well tolerated, with clinical trials involving daily doses up to 3 grams reporting no significant adverse events. There have been no documented cases of hepatotoxicity or severe immune-related adverse effects in the reviewed studies. Furthermore, no significant drug interactions or contraindications have been consistently reported. However, caution is advised when AHCC is used concurrently with other immunomodulatory therapies, as more data are needed to fully understand potential interactions. Common side effects are rare and typically mild, such as minor gastrointestinal discomfort, but these occurrences are not consistently reported across studies. Overall, AHCC exhibits a favorable safety profile, but individuals with pre-existing conditions or those on multiple medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.

Dosage

The effective dosage of AHCC, as established in clinical studies, typically ranges up to 3 grams daily for immune support and viral clearance. For instance, a dose of 3 grams daily was used in studies investigating HPV clearance, with supplementation lasting for 6 months. For post-COVID-19 symptom improvement, benefits were observed with 30 days of use. AHCC is administered orally, and its bioavailability is supported by observed clinical outcomes, with no specific cofactors required for absorption. While 3 grams daily is considered optimal based on current evidence, higher doses have not been extensively studied, and therefore, exceeding this amount is not currently recommended. The duration of supplementation can vary significantly depending on the specific health goal, ranging from weeks to several months.

FAQs

Is AHCC safe for long-term use?

Current evidence supports AHCC's safety for several months of use, particularly at doses up to 3g daily. However, long-term safety data beyond this period are limited, and ongoing research is needed.

How quickly does AHCC work?

Benefits in immune function and symptom reduction have been observed within 30 days for conditions like post-COVID-19 syndrome, while viral clearance, such as for HPV, may take up to 6 months.

Can AHCC cure viral infections?

AHCC supports the immune system in clearing viral infections and reducing symptoms, but it is not a standalone cure. It acts as an adjunctive therapy to enhance the body's natural defenses.

Does AHCC interact with cancer treatments?

Preliminary data suggest AHCC may enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and reduce toxicity in some cancer treatments. However, more research is needed to confirm these interactions and establish guidelines.

Research Sources

https://jclinmedsurgery.com/articles/jcms-v4-1167.html – This clinical trial on post-COVID-19 patients (n≥30) found that AHCC supplementation for 30 days significantly reduced fatigue (p=0.0024) and dyspnea, while improving NK cell profiles and mitochondrial function. The study, despite its small sample size and short duration, provided moderate quality evidence for AHCC's role in recovery from viral illness sequelae.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9256908/ – This Phase II randomized controlled trial involving 50 women with persistent HPV infections demonstrated a 50% HPV clearance rate with AHCC supplementation over 6 months, significantly higher than the 0-10% spontaneous clearance. The study was well-powered (94.5%) and provides high-quality evidence for AHCC's efficacy in HPV clearance.
https://cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/35/NCT07118735/Prot_000.pdf – This document outlines the protocol for an ongoing clinical trial investigating AHCC as an adjunct to immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It details the study design aimed at assessing response rates and toxicity reduction, indicating active research into AHCC's role in cancer therapy.
https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/ol.2025.15206 – This research explores AHCC's potential as an adjunct therapy in cancer, specifically focusing on its interaction with immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy. While conclusive results are pending, the study highlights the ongoing investigation into AHCC's ability to enhance treatment efficacy and mitigate side effects in cancer patients.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2019.00173/full – This study, combining in vitro experiments with clinical observations, showed that AHCC suppressed HPV expression in cervical cancer cell lines and that clinical clearance was observed with repeated dosing. It provides moderate quality evidence for AHCC's mechanistic antiviral effects and its potential in managing HPV infections.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37817769/ – This source provides further details on the clinical trial regarding AHCC's impact on post-COVID-19 patients. It reinforces the findings of significant reductions in fatigue and dyspnea, alongside improvements in NK cell profiles and mitochondrial function, supporting AHCC's role in recovery from viral illness sequelae.