Researchers studying immunity in cancer patients have found that supplementing with a powerful mushroom extract, AHCC may help eradicate the viral infection which causes cervical cancer.
Mushroom extracts have been used for centuries
For thousands of years, societies around the world have used mushrooms for their perceived beneficial effects on the human immune system. Indeed, the famous Greek physician Hippocrates was among those that identified the mushroom as a species that could reduce inflammation.
What is AHCC?
AHCC®, or Active Hexose-Correlated Compound is derived from the shiitake mushroom.
- It’s a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes.
- Is a functional food that is rich in alpha-glucans.
- The extract modulates your body’s innate immunity and supports healthy immune function. It has been shown to modulate the immune system by maintaining optimal natural killer (NK) cell activity, enhancing cytokine production, promoting T-cell and macrophage activity, and increasing the number and activity of dendritic cells.
- AHCC is widely used in food supplements and supported by hospitals universities, and other institutions around the world.
Cervical cancer is common and deadly
According to Frontiers.org, “worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It accounts for nearly 10% of all cancers, and ~265,700 women die from this disease every year worldwide. The etiology of cervical cancer has been identified and confirmed associated with high-risk-human papillomavirus (HR-HPV).
HPV is present in 60 – 80 percent of women at some time in their life and all doctors can do is monitor these patients for early signs of cancer. Supplementing with AHCC may change this.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is classified as a non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus. It generally infects the epithelial layer of cells. This includes cutaneous and mucosal surfaces, and is associated with benign warts, carcinoma in situ, and ultimately malignant lesions. When HR-HPV infections persist over time, patients have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer .”
Research on HPV and AHCC mushroom extract
A US clinical trial of 50 women showed that supplementing with the extract may help eradicate the cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) in women with cervical cancer. The report, by researchers from the University of Texas, noted: “Pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated durable clearance of HR-HPV infections. The study found that 50% of participants supplementing with AHCC cleared the HPV infection within three months, while it is predicted that 80% of women who test positive may potentially clear the virus in a year. A confirmatory phase II randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study is ongoing.”
Powerful nutritional supplement
Leading Japanese biochemist and expert in nutritional medicine and integrative health, Dr. Kohei Homma, said AHCC’s efficacy is supported by more than 30 human clinical studies and over 100 research papers. He said the final report of the latest study due in 2021 is expected to further solidify AHCC’s standing as one of the world’s most powerful nutritional extracts to help modulate the immune system to prevent and fight disease.
Dr Kohei Homma
Could mushroom extract supplements like AHCC help with other diseases?
Homma believes AHCC is also worth investigating for its potential to help with some of the world’s other significant health challenges. These include the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
For example, ‘superbugs’, bacteria that are resistant to all available antibiotics, are expected to be responsible for more deaths than cancer by 2050. This is according to a review commissioned by the UK Government. Homma says that AHCC may help to support the immune system to enable the body to better fight infection, and potentially to reduce the use of strong antibiotics.
Supports the immune system
“AHCC induces our natural defence, so does not go through the same mechanism as an antibiotic. Therefore, resistance should not be a problem,” says Homma.
In addition, Homma said a clinical study into liver cancer patients showed AHCC helped cancer survivors live longer, while studies had shown that AHCC helped reduce side effects of chemotherapy or radiation, allowing patients to live relatively “normally”.
The bottom line
The mushroom extract may provide real hope for women who are at risk of cervical cancer from HPV. It is also useful in general health maintenance. An immune enhancement compound like AHCC can provide a boost in energy, brain function, and muscle activity. Therefore, taking it routinely can improve your overall well-being and productivity!
Children are able to take the supplement in doses recommended by a pediatrician. Children’s immune systems are the most vulnerable and most resilient. AHCC ensures your child is protected at school and extracurriculars. This is especially important during the coronavirus pandemic, as schools are reopening for in-person classes.
More awareness of cervical cancer is needed
Read why Ciara is taking up the fight in the US to raise awareness for cervical cancer in black women.
References:
Frontiers in Oncology:
From Bench to Bedside: Evaluation of AHCC Supplementation to Modulate the Host Immunity to Clear High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections
- 1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
- 2Department of Pharmacy, Memorial Hermann Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- 3UT Physicians Women’s Center, Houston, TX, United States
- 4Specialists in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Houston, TX, United States
- 5Department of Pathology, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
- 6Department of Molecular Pathology, Institute for Academic Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2019.00173/full
2. Cancer Therapy advisor
AHCC and Cancer: https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/tools/fact-sheets/ahcc-and-cancer/2/
