[Effects of Shiitake Mushroom Mycelium AHCC] What Cancer Patients Seek, 3 Benefits of AHCC

Hello, I am Jinny, a pharmacist.

I have been introducing various immune-supporting compounds, and the immune system is of great importance for human survival, so continuous research is conducted in the academic world.

Today, I will introduce "Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC)," which is another immune substance that has gained attention in recent academic research. AHCC is a substance derived from cultivating shiitake mushroom mycelia, and it is rich in alpha-glucans, a key component of the immune system.
Alpha-glucans are known to activate natural killer (NK) cells and have anti-cancer effects, as well as reduce blood cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol.

AHCC has gained popularity among cancer patients as it has been reported to improve side effects such as kidney damage and bone marrow suppression when taken in combination with anticancer drugs[1].
[1] Suknikhom W, Lertkhachonsuk R, Manchana T (2017). The Effects of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) on Levels of CD4+ and CD8+ in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer or Peritoneal Cancer Receiving Platinum Based Chemotherapy. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 18(3):633-638.

Now, let's take a look at how AHCC affects the immune system through academic research.

Dendritic cells are immune cells that engulf pathogens and have the role of destroying them. They also play a crucial role in initiating important immune responses by presenting antigens acquired through phagocytosis to T cells. The T cells activated by dendritic cells are the most representative cells responsible for the adaptive immune system, specifically for the secondary immune response. If T cells do not function properly, it can lead to the overall breakdown of the immune system.
*Adaptive immunity: A form of immunity where the body "remembers" specific pathogens it has encountered before and can respond rapidly and effectively if the same pathogen re-enters the body.

According to a human clinical trial published in the prestigious journal "Nutrition and Cancer" in 2008, the consumption of AHCC was found to help increase the function of dendritic cells.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major contributing factor to cervical cancer. Among the over 100 types of HPV, more than 40 are found in the reproductive organs and can lead to cervical dysplasia, eventually progressing to cervical cancer. HPV is primarily transmitted through oral or sexual contact, often in a state of reduced immune response.
*Cervical dysplasia: Cellular changes in the cervix due to HPV infection

However, there is currently no cure for HPV. Therefore, prevention through vaccination is the best approach. If someone is already exposed or infected with HPV, their immune system must naturally overcome the virus.

Recently, various studies have been conducted on the potential benefits of AHCC in inhibiting HPV infection. In a human clinical trial published in 2022, it was confirmed that AHCC has a positive impact on inhibiting HPV infection.

CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are a type of white blood cell and are essential for the body's immune system. These CD4+ and CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in eliminating tumors such as cancer within the body. Additionally, as previously mentioned, they also interact with dendritic cells to support the activation of T cells [2-3].
[2] Haabeth, Ole Audun Werner; Tveita, Anders Aune; Fauskanger, Marte; Schjesvold, Fredrik; Lorvik, Kristina Berg; Hofgaard, Peter O.; Omholt, Hilde; Munthe, Ludvig A.; Dembic, Zlatko; Corthay, Alexandre; Bogen, Bjarne (2014). How Do CD4+ T Cells Detect and Eliminate Tumor Cells That Either Lack or Express MHC Class II Molecules?. Frontiers in Immunology, 5.
[3] Ahrends, Tomasz; Borst, Jannie (2018). The opposing roles of CD4+ T cells in anti-tumour immunity. Immunology, 154(4):582–92.

In a human clinical trial conducted in 2019, it was reported that the consumption of AHCC led to an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells [2-3].

Today, we've explored how AHCC can support the immune system through academic research. AHCC is produced through a complex manufacturing process involving the cultivation of shiitake mushroom mycelia, enzyme treatment, separation, concentration, sterilization, and freeze-drying. It's reported that the core component, alpha-glucan, constitutes about 20% of AHCC [4].
[4] Shin, Min Sun; Park, Hong-Jai; Maeda, Takahiro; Nishioka, Hiroshi; Fujii, Hajime; Kang, Insoo (2019). The Effects of AHCC®, a Standardized Extract of Cultured Lentinura edodes Mycelia, on Natural Killer and T Cells in Health and Disease: Reviews on Human and Animal Studies. Journal of Immunology Research, 2019, 1–7.

Therefore, if you intend to consume AHCC, it's essential to ensure that you're consuming AHCC made from verified sources with a known alpha-glucan content.

I hope you have a healthy day both physically and mentally. This was Jinny.