Shiitake mushrooms contain active hexose correlated compound (AHCC), which is believed to reduce high blood pressure and boost the immune system. AHCC is extracted from shiitake mushroom mycelia, fermented in a rice bran mixture, and has potential as a treatment for cancer, viral infections, and liver cancer. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and may benefit those with impaired thyroid and testosterone production.
Shiitake mushroom is a culinary delight enthusiastically consumed by diners around the world. It is also the source of the active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) which, while almost a mouthful more than the mushroom, forms the basis of several very promising therapeutic supplements. Found in the mycelia of shiitake mushrooms, AHCC reduces high blood pressure and is believed to be a valuable immune system booster. Several studies on the benefits of the hexose-correlated active compound have also shown promise in the field of postoperative recovery in cancer patients. These results have made AHCC a popular complementary treatment for cancer patients, particularly in Asian countries.
The active hexose correlated compound is manufactured from the mycelia, or root threads, of the shiitake mushroom. The process involves growing large masses of mycelia in a storage tank for approximately two months. The root threads are fermented in a rice bran mixture to stimulate enzymatic reactions within the root mass. Once this reaction is complete, the mycelia are sterilized, concentrated, and lyophilized. The resulting product has a 40% polysaccharide content that includes beta glucan and acetylated alpha-glucan, a glucan variety unique to AHCC.
This extract was originally developed as an aid for patients suffering from high blood pressure. However, additional research indicated that the compound had more potential as an immune system booster and treatment for viral infections. These characteristics are the result of the glucan content of AHCC which stimulates the production of dentric cells, one of the key elements in the activity of the immune system. This type of cell filters antigens in the blood and signals the lymphoid organs to produce cytokines that stimulate an immune response. The presence of AHCC in the bloodstream not only stimulates the production of dentric cells, but also increases their overall effectiveness, further enhancing the process.
The compound also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that appear to be of value in the treatment of liver cancer. Trials in Thailand have shown that patients with end-stage liver cancer appear to have recovered normal liver function after a six-month course of AHCC. This would indicate that the hexose-correlated active compound may offer additional benefits for those suffering from conditions caused by or causing chronic inflammation, such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowl disorders, and hepatitis. Additionally, it is believed that AHCC may be beneficial for those who suffer from impaired thyroid and testosterone production due to oxidative stress. The immune-boosting qualities of AHCC may also help control drug-resistant opportunistic infections in debilitated or trauma patients.
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