500mg

AHCC and the Immune System
AHCC is remarkable because it has the ability to stimulate the immune system. Oral supplementation with AHCC increases the production by immune cells of at least two protein messengers. These proteins promote the production of macrophages, T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and improve their ability to destroy abnormal cells. Immune cells are important for health in general but are specifically involved with the control of infection and cancer.

AHCC and Abnormal Cells
Global cancer rates keep rising but most cancers are preventable. Cancer is a disease of the immune system. It is up to our immune system to recognize and destroy abnormal cells. Immunosurveillance (the ability of the immune system to detect and destroy atypical cells before they become harmful) is the pillar of cancer prevention. Indeed, individuals born with immunodeficiencies are 200 times more likely to develop cancer. Hence the great promise of immunotherapies - therapies aimed at enhancing the immune system instead of trying to kill abnormal cells. AHCC was shown effective in several research projects. In one study, AHCC and better nutrition led to a 22% tumor reduction, and 39% tumor stabilization. The combination of AHCC and genistein concentrated polysaccharide (another natural anti-tumor substance) induced apoptosis (the self destruction of unwanted cells). Similarly, supplementation of AHCC with an antioxidant extracted from buckwheat, led to the reduction of skin cancer tumors in test rats. In another study, 6 months of treatment with AHCC (6g/day) led to a partial response in 49.7% of cancer patients and a complete response in 8.8%.

AHCC in Combination with Chemotherapy
Studies using AHCC clearly demonstrated that AHCC safely increases the efficacy of conventional treatments while reducing the frequency of side effects. Patients taking AHCC with chemo or radiation saw their tumors shrink and their tumor markers decrease more than patients receiving conventional treatments alone. Furthermore, a weakened immune system is one of the most serious side effects of chemotherapy. AHCC helps to preserve immunity at a time when it is crucial to prevent the spread and growth of abnormal cells. It also reduces the toxicity and the side effects associated with chemotherapy. It alleviates hair loss and bone marrow suppression and prevents the elevation of liver enzymes. Patients taking AHCC reported less nausea and vomiting and AHCC improved their body weight and appetite. Unfortunately, at present, there are very few proven strategies to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence among survivors. Because of its effect on NK cells, AHCC supplementation may prove useful for those trying to improve their immune function in order to reduce their risk of recurrence. A prospective cohort study found that patients who had undergone resection of a liver tumor had a significantly longer no recurrence period and an increased overall survival rate when they took AHCC.

AHCC and Immunodeficiency
We have all heard of AIDS. The infection caused by the HIV virus leads to a deficient immune response because the virus slowly incapacitates the immune system. Researchers showed that HIV levels could remain suppressed without drugs if the immune system is functioning adequately. Through its influence on the immune system, AHCC may help preserve immunity in those whose defense system is slowly being infiltrated by viruses. Preliminary trials have given encouraging results.

AHCC and Infection
Infections are caused by the invasion and the multiplication of microorganisms in the body. We carry 500 to 1000 different species of bacteria throughout our body. Adequate immunity is therefore crucial in preventing infection. Several experiments confirmed AHCC's competence for the control of infections.

AHCC and the Liver
The liver is responsible for over 500 vital functions and can be injured in a multitude of ways. The liver breaks down harmful substances and excretes them in the blood or bile. An excess of toxins can damage the liver. Trials have demonstrated that AHCC protects the liver and improves hepatic function. AHCC was also shown effective for patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

AHCC and Inflammation
Inflammatory conditions are becoming more and more problematic. Arthritis has become the leading cause of disability among adults age 65 and older. It was reported that patients taking AHCC to prevent the recurrence of abnormal growths had significant improvements in rheumatoid arthritis. AHCC was also effective at diminishing inflammation in animal studies. It is thought that AHCC reduces inflammation by modulating the immune system and by improving fat metabolism.

AHCC and Other Health Conditions
Diabetic patients have been shown to respond to AHCC, with reductions of both blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin levels. In addition, AHCC appears to be an adaptogen and may help relieve stress, which could alleviate stress-induced hypertension.

Recommended Dosage
AHCC is very safe even in extremely high dosages. For general maintenance take 1 or 2 capsules daily. For more serious immune dysfunction take 2 capsules three times a day or as directed by a qualified health practitioner.

Why AHCC?
We are constantly exposed to bacteria, viruses and other pathological organisms. Everyday, we depend on our immune system to remain healthy. Why is it that when we get sick we direct the treatment on those pathogens and not on improving our ability to fight and prevent disease. The great promise of immunotherapies lies in their ability to stimulate our defense systems. AHCC's gift at improving immunity has been demonstrated - finally a treatment that focuses on health and not on the disease.

References

Katsuaki Uno, Kenichi Kosuna, Bxiang Sun, Hajimi Fujii, Koji Wakame, Shizuko Chikumaru, George Hosokawa, Yuji Ueda. Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) Improves Immunological Parameters and Performance Status of Patients with Solid Tumors. Biotherapy 2000; 14(3):303-309

Ikeda H, Old LJ, Schreiber RD. The roles of IFN gamma in protection against tumor development and cancer immunoediting. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2002 Apr;13(2):95-109

Reuters. Report: More than half of U.S. cancer deaths could be prevented-Lifestyle changes would eliminate majority of cases. Washington. March 31, 2005

Dunn GP, Old LJ, Schreiber RD. The immunobiology of cancer immunosurveillance and immunoediting. Immunity. 2004 Aug;21(2):137-48.

Cotran RS, Kumar V, Collins T. Robbins pathologic basis of disease. 6th ed. Toronto: W.B. Saunders Company. 1999.

Hosokawa M. Combination of AHCC and Chemotherapy. Anti-Cancer Drugs, 9, 343-350, 1998

Ahn GH et al. The Clinical Effectiveness of AHCC Treatment in Cancer Patients with Progressive or Metastasized Cancers: An Observation of Immune Parameters. AHCC Research Association 8th Symposium, Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 2000

Matsui Y, Uhara J, Satoi S, Kaibori M, Yamada H, Kitade H, Imamura A, Takai S, Kawaguchi Y, Kwon A-H and Kamiyama Y. Improved prognosis of postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma patients when treated with functional foods: a prospective cohort study. Journal of Hepatology 2002;37(1):78-86.

Uno K, Chikumaru S, Hosokawa T. Cancer immunotherapy by a phyto-polysaccharide (AHCC): its effects and strategy. AHCC Research Association 8th Symposium, Sapporo, Japan, Aug. 2000

Ishiguro A. Anti-Carcinogenic Activity of AHCC and PMP. The 2nd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Alternative Medicine & Treatment. Oct. 1999.

K. Matsushita et al., Combination therapy of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) plus UFT significantly reduces the metastasis of rat mammary carcinoma, Anti-Cancer Drugs, 343-350, Sep 1998.

Prasad KN. Multiple dietary antioxidants enhance the efficacy of standard and experimental cancer therapies and decrease their toxicity. Integr Cancer Ther. 2004 Dec;3(4):310-22.

Imai K, Matsuyama S, Miyake S, Suga K, Nakachi K. Natural cytotoxic activity of peripheral-blood lymphocytes and cancer incidence: an 11-year follow-up study of a general population. Lancet. 2000 Nov 25;356(9244):1795-9.

Matsui Y, Uhara J, Satoi S, Kaibori M, Yamada H, Kitade H, Imamura A, Takai S, Kawaguchi Y, Kwon AH, Kamiyama Y. Improved prognosis of postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma patients when treated with functional foods: a prospective cohort study. J Hepatol. 2002 Jul;37(1):78-86.

Rosenberg ES, et al. Immune control of HIV-1 after early treatment of acute infection. Nature 407, 523 - 526 (28 September 2000)

Ishibashi H, et al. Prophylactic Efficacy of a Basidiomycetes Preparation AHCC against Lethal Opportunistic Infections in Mice. Yakugaku Zasshi, 120(8),715-719. 2000

Sun B, Wakame K, Mukoda T, Toyoshima A, Kanazawa and Kosuna K. Preventive Effect of AHCC on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Liver Injury in Mice. Natural Medicine 51(4), 310-315. 1997

Wakame K. Protective Effects of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) on the Onset of Diabetes Induced by Streptozotocin in the Rat. Biomedical Research 20 (3) 145-152. 1999

Wang S et al. Preventive Effects of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) on Oxidative Stress Induced by Ferric Nitrilotriacetate in the Rat. Dokkyo Journal of Medical Sciences 28(2-3). 745-752. 2001

The influence of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) on cisplatin-evoked chemotherapeutic and side effects in tumor-bearing mice.
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2007 Apr 20;
Hirose A, Sato E, Fujii H, Sun B, Nishioka H, Aruoma OI.

Cisplatin (cis-diaminedichloroplatinum (II) or CDDP) (a widely used platinum-containing anticancer drug) is nephrotoxic and has a low percentage of tolerance in patients during chemotherapy. The active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is an extract of Basidiomycotina marketed as a supplement for cancer patients due to its nutrients and fibre content and its ability to strengthen and optimize the capacity of the immune system. The possibility that AHCC could reduce the side effects of cisplatin was assessed in the tumor-bearing BALB/cA mice on the basis of the ability to ameliorate the cisplatin-induced body weight loss, anorexia, nephrotoxicity and hematopoietic toxicity. Although cisplatin (8 mg/kg body weight) reduced the size and weight of the solid tumors, supplementation with AHCC significantly enhanced cisplatin-induced antitumor effect in both the size (p<0.05) and weight (p<0.05). Food intake in the cisplatin-treated mice were decreased following commencement of treatment and this remained low compared with the cisplatin-untreated group (control) throughout the experiment period. Supplementation with AHCC increased the food intake in the cisplatin-treated mice. The blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations, and the ratio of blood urea nitrogen to serum creatinine were significantly increased in the cisplatin alone treated group compared to the control group. Their increased levels were mitigated by supplementation with AHCC (100 mg/kg body weight) in the cisplatin-treated group. AHCC was also able to modulate the suppression of bone marrow due to cisplatin and the improvement was statistically significant. The histopathological examination of the kidney revealed the presence of cisplatin-induced damage and this was modulated by AHCC treatment. The potential for AHCC to ameliorate the cisplatin-evoked toxicity as well as the chemotherapeutic effect could have beneficial economic implications for patients undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin.


Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) enhances resistance to infection in a mouse model of surgical wound infection.
Surg Infect (Larchmt). 2006 Dec;7(6):527-35.
Aviles H, O'Donnell P, Sun B, Sonnenfeld G.

BACKGROUND: Infection is the most common postoperative complication within the surgical wound and during severe trauma. In spite of the use of modern sterile techniques and prophylaxis, infection continues to be a leading cause of death in these patients. Therefore, it has become crucial to develop new alternatives to prevent the effects of trauma and other complications on the immune system and improve resistance to infection. The objective of this study was to test the prophylactic effects of oral administration of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC), a natural immunoenhancer, on survival in a mouse model of surgical soft tissue infection.
METHODS: The model involves the intramuscular administration of a 50% lethal dose (LD50) of K. pneumoniae to mice that have restricted food intake for 24 hours prior to and six hours after infection and simulates local infection and food deprivation that often occur during trauma or surgical procedures. In the present study, AHCC was administrated orally to Swiss Webster mice for eight days prior to and during the infection period. Survival, time of death, LD50, and clearance of bacteria of this group were compared with those control mice receiving the excipient alone.
RESULTS: Survival and mean time to death were increased significantly in the AHCC-treated group; the LD50 was greater in mice receiving AHCC than in mice receiving the excipient. Mice receiving AHCC were better able to clear bacteria from their systems than were control animals.
CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that AHCC protects mice in this model by restoring the immune and other systems negatively affected by trauma, infection, and food deprivation. More studies are necessary to determine the intrinsic mechanisms involved in this model and whether AHCC can prevent infection or improve survival in human beings with severe trauma or undergoing surgical procedures.


Supplementation with active hexose correlated compound increases the innate immune response of young mice to primary influenza infection.
J Nutr. 2006 Nov;136(11):2868-73.
Ritz BW, Nogusa S, Ackerman EA, Gardner EM.

The emergence of H5N1 avian influenza and the threat of new or adapted viruses in bioterrorism have created an urgent interest in identifying agents to enhance the immune response to primary virus infection. Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is a natural mushroom extract reported to increase natural killer (NK) cell activity, survival, and bacterial clearance in young mice. However, the effects of AHCC on the response to viral infections have not been studied. In this study, young C57BL/6 mice were supplemented with 1 g AHCC/(kg body weight x d) for 1 wk prior to and throughout infection with influenza A (H1N1, PR8). Supplementation increased survival, decreased the severity of infection, and shortened recovery time following intranasal infection with flu, as determined by the recovery of body weight and epithelial integrity in the lungs. AHCC increased NK activity in lungs at d 1 (P < 0.05) and d 4 (P < 0.01) and in the spleen at d 2 postinfection (P < 0.01). Supplementation increased the percentage (P < 0.05) and number (P < 0.01) of NK1.1+ cells in the lung and reduced the infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages compared with controls (P < 0.01). These data suggest that AHCC supplementation boosts NK activity, improves survival, and reduces the severity of influenza infection in young mice. Bolstering innate immunity with dietary bioactives may be one avenue for improving the immune response to primary flu infection.


Improved prognosis of postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma patients when treated with functional foods: a prospective cohort study.
Journal of Hepatology. July 2002; 37(1):78-86.
Matsui Y, Uhara J, Satoi S, Kaibori M, Yamada H, Kitade H, Imamura A, Takai S, Kawaguchi Y, Kwon A-H and Kamiyama Y.

Background/Aims: Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is a newly developed functional food. In vitro experiments have shown that AHCC enhances natural killer cell activity, and may be considered a potent biological response modifier in the treatment of cancer patients. However, the effects of AHCC in a clinical setting have not been reported. We seek to determine whether AHCC can improve the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients following surgical treatment.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed from February 1, 1992 to December 31, 2001. A total of 269 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed HCC were studied. All of the patients underwent resection of a liver tumor. Time to treatment failure (disease recurrence or death) and ten parameters related to liver function after surgery were examined.
Results: Of the 269 patients, 113 received AHCC orally after undergoing curative surgery (AHCC group). The AHCC group had a significantly longer no recurrence period (hazard ratio (HR), 0.639; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.429-0.952; P=0.0277) and an increased overall survival rate (HR, 0.421; 95% CI, 0.253-0.701; P=0.0009) when compared to the control group by Cox's multivariate analysis.
Conclusions: This study suggests that AHCC intake can improve the prognosis of postoperative HCC patients.