Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) as a dietary supplement
Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is a dietary supplement derived from the mycelia of various mushrooms, specifically within the Basidiomycetes family. It has its roots in Japanese medicine and is primarily promoted for its potential benefits in cancer treatment. Proponents of AHCC suggest it may enhance survival rates for individuals undergoing cancer therapies, particularly liver cancer. While some studies indicate positive effects, including improved liver function and a reduction in HPV infections, the scientific evidence remains limited and largely based on animal research and small, preliminary human trials. As such, the effectiveness of AHCC for these uses has not been definitively established through rigorous double-blind studies, which are necessary to validate treatment claims.
In addition to cancer treatment, some advocate for AHCC's potential to support immune function and alleviate side effects of chemotherapy, although these proposed uses lack substantial evidence. A typical dosage is around 3 grams daily, divided into smaller doses. While AHCC is generally considered safe with few reported adverse effects, limited safety testing means its use in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and individuals with severe liver or kidney issues is not well-studied. Individuals with mushroom allergies are advised to avoid AHCC. Overall, those interested in exploring AHCC as a supplement should approach it with caution and consult healthcare professionals.
Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) as a dietary supplement
DEFINITION: Natural substance promoted as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Cancer treatment
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Cancer prevention, immune support, inflammatory bowel disease, reducing side effects of cancer chemotherapy, liver disease, Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Overview
In Japan, various mushrooms and tree fungi have a long history of medicinal use. Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is a proprietary compound made from the mycelia (vegetative portion) of various mushrooms in the general family of Basidiomycetes (or Basidiomycota). The exact composition of the mushrooms and the method used to prepare them are considered a trade secret. AHCC has been developed in Japan for use in the treatment of cancer.
Uses and Applications
AHCC is primarily advocated as an aid to cancer treatment and is said to improve survival in people undergoing treatment for liver cancer and other forms of cancer. However, evidence that it works is far too preliminary to be taken as meaningful, consisting of only animal studies and a few entirely inadequate human trials. Only double-blind studies can prove a treatment effective; no reliable studies have been performed on AHCC.
Other proposed uses of AHCC have even weaker supporting evidence. These proposed uses include decreasing chemotherapy side effects, reducing cancer risk, treating inflammatory bowel disease, and enhancing immune function. AHCC may help patients with alcohol-related liver disease. In one study, sixty-nine adults were given various doses of AHCC, and all saw improved liver enzymes and decreased inflammation. In another small study, forty-one women with persistent HPV infections were given six months of treatment with AHCC. The group who received the AHCC saw a 60 percent reduction in HPV infection.
Dosage
A typical dose of AHCC is 3 grams daily, often divided into three doses.
Safety Issues
While the use of AHCC has not been associated with any severe adverse effects, this substance undergone limited safety testing. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. Nausea, fatigue, bloating, and heartburn were reported side effects of AHCC. Patients with allergies to mushrooms should avoid AHCC.
Bibliography
"AHCC." Drugs, 28 June 2022, www.drugs.com/npp/ahcc.html. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
Daddaoua, Abdelali, et al. "The Nutritional Supplement Active Hexose Correlated Compound (Ahcc) Has Direct Immunomodulatory Actions On Intestinal Epithelial Cells And Macrophages Involving Tlr/Myd88 And Nf-Κb/Mapk Activation." Food Chemistry, vol. 136, no. 3-4, 2013, pp. 1288-1295. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.09.039.
Gao, Y., et al. "Active Hexose Correlated Compound Enhances Tumor Surveillance Through Regulating Both Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses." Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy, vol. 55, 2006, pp. 1258-1266.
Kim, Hyangkyoung, et al. "Effect of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) in Alcohol-Induced Liver Enzyme Elevation." Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, vol. 60, no. 5, 2014, pp. 348-56.
Nunn, Megan. "AHCC: Benefits and Safety - Supplements." Verywell Health, 12 Dec. 2023, www.verywellhealth.com/ahcc-benefits-and-safety-8400769. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.
Smith, Judith A., et al. "AHCC Supplementation to Support Immune Function to Clear Persistent Human Papillomavirus Infections." Frontiers in Oncology, vol. 12, 2022, p. 881902, doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.881902. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.