Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) for Immune Health, Liver Protection, and Stress Support

by | Jan 28, 2025 | Immune Health, Liver Health, Stress

Written by Taylor Woosley, Science Writer. Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is a unique blend of amino acids, polysaccharides, and minerals that have been shown to have various health benefits.

mushroomsActive Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) mycelia that was developed in Japan in 19921. It is a unique blend of amino acids, polysaccharides, and minerals that have been shown to have various health benefits. The main component of AHCC is α-1, 4-glucans and the α-glucan components are associated with the biological activities of AHCC2.

Bioavailability refers to the extent to which a substance can be absorbed and utilized by the body. AHCC has been found to have good bioavailability, meaning that it can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. This is important as it ensures that the beneficial compounds present in AHCC can reach their target cells and exert their effects.

AHCC for Enhanced Immunity

Clinical research and studies have shed light on AHCC’s mechanism of action. It is believed that AHCC works by increasing the number of dendritic cells and enhancing natural killer (NK) cell and T cell activity in both the innate and adaptive immune responses3. NK cells and T cells play a vital role in identifying and eliminating harmful cells, such as viruses and cancer cells4. By boosting the activity of NK cells and T cells, AHCC may help strengthen the immune system.

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism against pathogens, and it is associated with many pathogenic diseases such as microbial and viral infections, autoimmunity, and chronic diseases5. Animal studies suggest AHCC has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may protect against disorders induced by oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation6.

Furthermore, AHCC has been shown to decrease the infectious abilities of both viral and bacterial infections, including influenza virus, avian influenza virus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus7.

AHCC for Liver Protection

The liver is responsible for filtering toxins and waste products from the body, and AHCC has been found to have hepatoprotective properties. AHCC’s liver protective properties stem from its robust ability to suppress inflammatory responses through the suppression of inflammatory mediators, enhancement of anti-inflammatory cytokine and the anti-apoptotic factor expression, and promotion of liver regeneration8.

Research focused on observing the effects of AHCC supplementation on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an inflammatory biomarker in liver injury, shows that adenosine in AHCC aided in the suppression of iNOS induction in liver cells (hepatocytes)9.

AHCC for Stress Support

Stress is a common factor that can negatively impact our physical and mental health. Research on the α-glucan components of AHCC suggests that AHCC may aid in modulating the body’s stress response10. Study findings reveal that AHCC may help attenuate systemic inflammatory responses by regulating the secretion of cortisol and norepinephrine, two hormones that play a role in the body’s stress response11.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Before incorporating AHCC into your daily routine, it is important to consider certain precautions and consult a healthcare professional if necessary. While AHCC is generally safe for most individuals, there are specific groups who should exercise caution or seek medical advice before using this supplement.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before starting AHCC. Additionally, individuals with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, should also consult their healthcare professional before taking AHCC. While AHCC has shown potential benefits for immune health, it may interact with certain medications.

Taylor Woosley studied biology at Purdue University before becoming a 2016 graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a major in Writing. She currently resides in Glen Ellyn, IL.

References:

  1. Smith JA, Gaikwad AA, Mathew L, et al. AHCC(®) Supplementation to Support Immune Function to Clear Persistent Human Papillomavirus Infections. Front Oncol. 2022;12:881902. doi:10.3389/fonc.2022.881902
  2. Singh A, Adam A, Rodriguez L, et al. Oral Supplementation with AHCC(®), a Standardized Extract of Cultured Lentinula edodes Mycelia, Enhances Host Resistance against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Pathogens. Apr 3 2023;12(4)doi:10.3390/pathogens12040554
  3. Takanari J, Sato A, Waki H, Miyazaki S, Uebaba K, Hisajima T. Effects of AHCC® on Immune and Stress Responses in Healthy Individuals. J Evid Based Integr Med. Jan-Dec 2018;23:2156587218756511. doi:10.1177/2156587218756511
  4. Shin MS, Park HJ, Maeda T, Nishioka H, Fujii H, Kang I. The Effects of AHCC®, a Standardized Extract of Cultured Lentinura edodes Mycelia, on Natural Killer and T Cells in Health and Disease: Reviews on Human and Animal Studies. J Immunol Res. 2019;2019:3758576. doi:10.1155/2019/3758576
  5. Hussain T, Tan B, Yin Y, Blachier F, Tossou MC, Rahu N. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: What Polyphenols Can Do for Us? Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:7432797. doi:10.1155/2016/7432797
  6. Hou YN, Deng G, Mao JJ. Practical Application of “About Herbs” Website: Herbs and Dietary Supplement Use in Oncology Settings. Cancer J. Sep/Oct 2019;25(5):357-366. doi:10.1097/ppo.0000000000000403
  7. Belay T, Sahu R, Martin E, et al. Active Hexose-Correlated Compound Restores Gene Expression and Protein Secretion of Protective Cytokines of Immune Cells in a Murine Stress Model during Chlamydia muridarum Genital Infection. Infect Immun. Apr 16 2021;89(5)doi:10.1128/iai.00786-20
  8. Nakatake R, Okuyama T, Ishizaki M, et al. Hepatoprotection of a Standardized Extract of Cultured Lentinula edodes Mycelia against Liver Injury Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion and Partial Hepatectomy. Nutrients. Jan 14 2024;16(2)doi:10.3390/nu16020256
  9. Tanaka Y, Ohashi S, Ohtsuki A, et al. Adenosine, a hepato-protective component in active hexose correlated compound: its identification and iNOS suppression mechanism. Nitric Oxide. Aug 31 2014;40:75-86. doi:10.1016/j.niox.2014.05.007
  10. Vetvicka V, Vetvickova J. Immune-enhancing effects of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) extracts. Ann Transl Med. Feb 2014;2(2):14. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2014.01.05
  11. Love KM, Barnett RE, Holbrook I, et al. A natural immune modulator attenuates stress hormone and catecholamine concentrations in polymicrobial peritonitis. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. Jun 2013;74(6):1411-8. doi:10.1097/TA.0b013e31829215b1