What is active hexose correlated compound (AHCC)?

Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is a unique compound derived from the mycelia (roots) of Shiitake mushrooms. It is commonly used as a supplement for its potential health benefits, including improving immune system function, reducing inflammation, and fighting off various infections.

How does it work?

AHCC works by increasing the production and activity of immune cells such as T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which play a crucial role in fighting off infections and diseases including potentially cancer cells.

What is the active ingredients that make it work?

The active ingredients in AHCC that are crucial for its medicinal properties include alpha-glucans, a type of polysaccharide. These molecules play a significant role in modulating the immune system and enhancing its ability to combat infections and possibly cancer.

What forms does it come in?

AHCC is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

AHCC was first used for medicinal purposes in Japan in the 1980s, and it has since gained popularity as a supplement in many other countries. Since then, it has been used primarily for its immune-enhancing effects, including supporting cancer treatment and prevention, as well as fighting infections.

What if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

There is no known condition characterized by an AHCC deficiency, as it is not an essential nutrient. However, individuals with weakened immune systems or those seeking to enhance their immune response might benefit from its supplementation. An imbalance in the body's immune function might be addressed by AHCC's immune-modulating effects, potentially helping to restore a more robust immune response.

What does AHCC help with?

AHCC is an extract made from mushroom root threads. It was developed in Japan in the late 1980s by Amino Up Chemical Co., working with the University of Tokyo. The idea grew out of the long use of medicinal mushrooms in Japan and China.

Most research on AHCC looks at immune cells in the blood. The overall grade on file is B. That means there is decent human research, but many single uses rest on small or early studies.

• Low natural killer (NK) cell activity
  Good evidence — several human studies measuring NK cell counts and activity. NK cells are immune cells that patrol for infected or odd cells. In more than one human study, AHCC raised NK cell numbers and their killing power. This is the most repeated finding for AHCC; exact study sizes and doses are not listed in our file.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T0
• Weak or low immunity
  Early evidence — human studies of immune blood markers in healthy adults and people with weak immunity. Studies report that AHCC switched on NK cells, T-cells and dendritic cells. These are core defenders in your immune system. Both healthy adults and people with weak immunity showed higher immune cell counts and activity, though these are blood markers, not counts of real illness.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Clearing a lasting HPV infection
  Early evidence — small pilot human studies; a larger Phase II trial is still running. In pilot studies, women who took AHCC each day were more likely to clear long-lasting HPV. This included high-risk strains linked to cervical changes. A larger Phase II trial is underway, so the picture could still change.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Holding up better during cancer treatment
  Early evidence — clinical studies alongside chemo and surgery in Japan. AHCC is used a lot in Japanese cancer clinics beside standard care. Studies with chemo and surgery tracked immune function, infection risk and quality of life. AHCC is not a stand-in for cancer treatment.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Side effects of chemo
  Early evidence — some clinical studies during chemo treatment. Some clinical reports found less fatigue and fewer infections during chemo. White blood cell counts appeared to hold up better. If you are in treatment, talk with your cancer doctor first.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Liver disease and hepatitis
  Early evidence — several Japanese studies in chronic hepatitis C and liver scarring. Several Japanese studies gave AHCC to people with long-term hepatitis C or liver scarring. Liver enzyme levels and some other liver measures improved. This work is still being explored, and study sizes and doses are not on file.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Getting your defenses back after surgery
  Early evidence — early Japanese clinical studies, mostly in liver surgery. Surgery lowers immune defense for a while and raises infection risk. Early Japanese studies suggest immune cell activity came back faster with AHCC. Most of this work involved major liver surgery.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T0
• Catching colds often
  Evidence doesn't support this — immune marker changes only; no trial on file counted colds. Studies in healthy adults showed better immune markers, such as NK cell activity. No study on file counted how many colds people caught, or how long they lasted. So the jump from markers to fewer sick days has not been tested.
  Evidence grade D · Traditional tier T0
• Long-term tiredness and low energy
  Evidence doesn't support this — small studies and clinic reports only. Some small studies and clinic reports mention less fatigue with AHCC. This has been studied far less closely than the immune effects. The idea that it works by calming body-wide inflammation has not been shown in people.
  Evidence grade D · Traditional tier T0

What AHCC has not been shown to do

• No study on file shows AHCC treats or shrinks cancer, and it is not a stand-in for cancer care.
• The cancer studies on file tracked immune function, infection risk and quality of life, not longer survival.
• No trial on file shows AHCC clears the hepatitis C virus itself; the studies tracked liver enzymes and liver measures.
• HPV clearing rests on small pilot work, so AHCC is not shown to be a cure for HPV.
• AHCC is not shown to raise energy in people with long-term fatigue.
• AHCC is not shown to replace a flu shot, an HPV vaccine or any other standard care.

How to read this:

The grades here rate the human evidence for each single use, not the product as a whole. A means steady results across randomised human trials. B means at least one good human trial. C means small, mixed or early human studies. D means the human evidence is weak or does not agree. This page lists options and what studies found. It is not medical advice, and it is not a promise of results. Talk with your doctor, above all if you are in cancer treatment or have liver disease.

What can AHCC help prevent?

• Recurrent HPV-related cervical changes (under active clinical investigation)
• Postoperative infections in surgical patients (preliminary clinical support)
• Seasonal respiratory infections in healthy adults (supported by immune activation data)

Which foods are rich in it?

1. Shiitake mushrooms
2. Reishi mushrooms
3. Maitake mushrooms
4. King oyster mushrooms
5. Chaga mushrooms
6. Cordyceps mushrooms
7. Turkey tail mushrooms
8. Agaricus blazei mushrooms
9. Himematsutake mushrooms
10. Enokitake mushrooms

What are possible side effects?

AHCC is generally well tolerated, but some possible side effects may include the following. These side effects are typically not severe and often resolve on their own.

• Stomach discomfort
• Bloating and gas
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Allergic reactions
• Foot cramps
• Head aches

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of AHCC is 1-3 grams per day.

How many days does it take to work?

The effects of AHCC may take several days or weeks to become apparent, depending on the individual and their specific health needs.

What time of day is best to take it?

There is no specific time of day that is best to take AHCC, but it is usually recommended to take it with a meal.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

AHCC can be taken with or without food, but it is generally recommended to take it with food to reduce the risk of digestive issues.