AHCC Clears HPV Infections in Phase II Trial

People who have high-risk HPV fear getting cancer, but don’t know how to prevent it. The only advice doctors can provide is to support the immune system by eating well, sleeping well, and reducing stress. In support groups, survivors of HPV cancers express great fear that their HPV will lead to cancer yet again. So, for people who have high-risk HPV, any research on a supplement that supports the immune system’s ability to clear persistent HPV infections is profoundly significant. This new phase II study showing that AHCC is 58% effective at clearing persistent HPV infections provides hope for those of us who have high-risk HPV.

A persistent HPV infection is defined as one that lasts for more than two years, and the longer an HPV infection is active, the more likely it is that abnormal cancer cells will form. Although most people clear HPV infections naturally in 2 years if their immune system is strong, not everyone has a strong immune system. The immune system can be compromised by poor diet, insufficient sleep, stress, or just age. About 10% of people with HPV infections have persistent infections that last for more than 2 years. Since persistent high-risk HPV infections are the most likely to cause cancer, it is important to study these cases.

To date, there is no systemic treatment for persistent HPV infections. Current treatment modalities rely on early detection in vaginal PAP smears followed by treatments like cryotherapy, surgical excision, loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP), or cold knife conization. Although these treatments have a high response rate of 80%, patients will frequently have recurrent lesions. In addition, there is not yet an established medical protocol for screening and treating HPV infections in other parts of the body, like the anus. The Anchor Study, for example, has shown that screening for HPV and treating precancerous cells can lower the incidence of anal cancer. But this type of screening is in its infancy and only available in select locations. It would therefore be better to prevent these cell changes from happening in the first place. This phase II study of AHCC supplementation provides hope that persistent HPV infections can be prevented from progressing to cancer.

What Is AHCC?

The AHCC supplement is a proprietary, standardized extract of cultured lentinula edodes mycelia that has been shown to have unique immune modulatory benefits. Several animal and human studies have reported a variety of therapeutic effects, including enhanced antioxidant effects, anticancer activity, and modulation of the immune system to prevent the infectious processes of both viral and bacterial infections.  This new clinical trial suggests that AHCC can also help the immune system clear persistent HPV infections.

Pilot Studies of AHCC to Clear HPV Infections

AHCC originally showed promise in two pilot studies. In one study of women with persistent HPV infections, 4 out of the 8 women who remained in the study (50%) cleared their persistent HPV infection between 3 to 6 months after starting a 3g daily dose of AHCC on an empty stomach.  In a second pilot study, women were given 1g of AHCC a day on an empty stomach and showed a similar response rate: 4 out of the 9 women (44%) confirmed clearance of high-risk HPV persistent infections after 7 months of supplementation. These pilot studies provided the rationale to move forward with a phase II trial of AHCC to clear persistent HPV infections.

The New Phase II Study

Our medical advisory board member Judith Smith conducted this phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a post unblinded study. This trial was reviewed and approved by the University of Texas Health Sciences Center Institutional Review Board. The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy, safety, and durability of AHCC supplementation for 6 months to support the host immune system to clear high-risk HPV infections.

Fifty women over age 30 with persistent HPV infections that had lasted more than two years were studied for 12 months. Patients were randomized into two groups: one group took AHCC 3g by mouth once daily on an empty stomach for six months followed by a placebo for the remaining 6 months. The control group was given a placebo. Every 3 months patients were evaluated with HPV-DNA and HPV-RNA testing and with a blood sample to evaluate a panel of immune markers including: interferon‐alpha(INN), interferon‐beta (IFNβ), interferon‐gamma (IFN), IgG1, T‐lymphocytes, and natural killer(NK) cell levels.

Of the 41 women who completed the study, fourteen (63.6%) of the 22 patients in the AHCC supplementation arm were HPV-RNA/HPV-DNA negative after six months, and 64.3% (9/14) achieved a durable response defined as also being HPV-RNA/HPV-DNA negative 12 months after the supplementation ended. In contrast, in the placebo arm of the study, only two (10.5%) of 19 patients were HPV negative at 12 months. An additional twelve patients completed the un-blinded study and 50% were HPV-RNA/HPV-DNA negative after six months of AHCC supplementation.

Combining all 34 participants that received AHCC supplementation gives an overall response rate of 58.8% that cleared HPV persistent infections.

Conclusions 

Results from this phase II study demonstrated that AHCC 3g once daily on an empty stomach was effective in supporting the host immune system’s elimination of persistent HPV infections and was well tolerated with no significant adverse side effects reported.

Directions for Further Research

 An additional finding of the study was that suppression of IFNβ to less than 20pg/mL correlated with an increase in T‐lymphocytes and IFN and durable clearance of HPV infections in women that received AHCC supplementation. This merits further evaluation as a clinical tool for monitoring patients with HPV infections. The duration of AHCC supplementation required beyond first negative result also needs more evaluation to optimize success for durable outcomes.

AHCC is Unique

It’s important to distinguish AHCC from other medicinal mushrooms. AHCC is the only medicinal mushroom that has been clinically demonstrated to help eradicate HPV. It is not interchangeable with other medicinal mushrooms because it has been specially developed and processed to maximize its immune-boosting capacity. AHCC is made by cell culturing a specific subspecies of mushroom identified by Japanese scientists several decades ago to have the greatest ability to increase natural killer cell activity. Its molecular weight has been reduced using a patented enzymatic process to improve its absorption and clinical efficacy. Every batch of AHCC is subjected to DNA pattern testing to confirm its identity (in other words, to ensure it is genuine AHCC). These innovations make AHCC unique among medicinal mushrooms.

AHCC is available from multiple nutritional supplement companies, but it is important to steer clear of fake products using different names yet claiming similar benefits. Only genuine AHCC® has been clinically tested and found to help clear HPV.

Click to read the full study

Here is a list of genuine AHCC products.

AHCC® is a registered trademark of the Amino Up Company

A Note for Anal Cancer Survivors

Because this study was conducted on women with vaginal HPV infections, we reached out to Dr. Romesser, a radiation oncologist specializing in anal cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering, to ask about anal cancer survivors and AHCC. No side effects from AHCC were reported in women with vaginal HPV in the study described above; however, there is some anecdotal indication that there may be mild side effects for anal cancer survivors. Dr. Romesser has noticed that some anal cancer survivors experience side effects like anal itching when they start taking AHCC. Therefore, he recommends that anal cancer patients who have recently had treatment, wait to take AHCC until all the side effects from treatment have subsided.  It also seems that for some anal cancer survivors, the side effects from taking AHCC go away after a few weeks. It might be worthwhile to continue taking AHCC for a few weeks despite any side effects in case the side effects subside.

Can AHCC Cure HPV & How Much Should I Take?

The human papillomavirus, otherwise known as HPV, is a common virus that contributes to an estimated 630,000 new cancer cases annually worldwide (1). Cancer of the cervix represents over 80 percent of the cases caused by the virus. According to the CDC, other types of cancers have been attributed to HPV, such as 70 percent of oropharyngeal cancer, 90 percent of anal cancer, and 70 percent of vaginal and vulvar cancer (2). There are 100 different types of HPV, many of which do not cause cancer. However, researchers have identified 6 HPV types as definite human carcinogens (3).

Is there any way to help get rid of HPV infections? Read on to learn more about how HPV affects the body and why a supplement called AHCC may be able to help.

Do HPV Infections Go Away?

HPV often disappears from Pap test results within about two years, often without any treatment. While this scenario happens in the majority of cases, it does not always occur that way.

In some instances of HPV infections, the virus stays dormant and surfaces many years later. In these cases, the infections never really get resolved, and HPV ends up lingering for a long time. The body has a particularly hard time responding to the virus in people with weakened immune systems. When the infection persists, the potential for more serious complications increases, leading to the incidence of cervical cancer, genital warts, and other issues.

What’s the Most Effective Approach to Treat HPV?

Optimal immune function is essential to defend against pathogenic invaders like HPV. While there is no known cure for HPV infections, strengthening the immune system with natural substances such as AHCC has shown promising results.

AHCC is a cultured extract of various species of medicinal mushroom mycelia (roots). It has an immune-boosting effect that enables it to assist the body in eradicating the virus. This extract enhances immune function by increasing the number and activity of natural killer cells and other immune cells.

Over 30 human clinical trials looked at the effectiveness of AHCC in the treatment of many severe conditions, such as head and neck cancer, liver cancer, and HPV-positive cervical cancer. The results of these studies have been so impressive that some of the most prestigious institutions around the world have studied AHCC.

A pilot study at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston followed 10 HPV-positive women who took 3 grams of AHCC once daily for three months, and up to six months. At the end of the trial, 50% of the women tested negative for HPV (4). These are incredibly encouraging results considering that there is currently no cure for the condition.

What Dosage of AHCC Should I Take to Eradicate HPV?

Based on the best available scientific evidence, 3 grams of HPV cure AHCC. Daily AHCC appears to be an effective AHCC HPV dosage for the eradication of HPV. Treatment with this supplement makes the virus dormant in the body, so to achieve continuous suppression, it is important to continue taking the supplement indefinitely.
Editor’s pick:  Active Hexose Correlated Compound by HPD Rx This supplement is clinically tested and made from the highest quality ingredients.  

Sources

1. Worldwide burden of cancer attributable to HPV by site, country and HPV type: National Institutes of Health, 2017.
2. HPV-Associated Cancer Statistics: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018.
3. Global burden of human papillomavirus and related diseases: National Institutes of Health, 2012.
4. Mushroom extract, AHCC, helpful in treating HPV: ScienceDaily, 2014.

AHCC / Active Hemicellulose NOW

AHCC / Active Hemicellulose NOW – A mixture of various biologically active substances (amino acids, polysaccharides, minerals and other biologically active substances) – support of the immune system.
ANSS – revolutionary discovery of Japanese scientists .

Active Hemicellulose Compound, 500mg 60 capsules.

A mixture of various biologically active substances (amino acids, polysaccharides, minerals and other biologically active substances) with a molecular weight of 500 – 1,000,000 daltons.
About 70% of is high molecular weight polysaccharides.
About 20% of are small polysaccharides (oligosaccharides) with a molecular weight of 3000-5000 daltons – alpha-1-4-glucans and their esterified hydroxyl forms.
In addition, AHCC contains a small fraction of beta-glucans.

The unique component of AHCC is a GI saccharide with a molecular weight of 1,000.
AHCC is an abbreviation of English words (Active Hemi-Cellulose Compound). AHCC technology – was developed by the Japanese company Amino UP Chemical Co. Ltd. (Sapporo) and Dr. Toshihiko Okamoto from the Faculty of Pharmacology, University of Tokyo in 1989.
The process is as follows. A hybrid of shiitake, maitake and reishi grown in a liquid nutrient medium based on brown rice. The shell of rice grains is rich in cellulose. Shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms lack chlorophyll and, unlike plants, are not capable of photosynthesis. So they eat like animals. They release enzymes into the environment, digest the nutrients there, and absorb them. During this process, rice cellulose, a high molecular weight polysaccharide, is broken down by fungal enzymes (carbohydrases) into small fragments – oligosaccharides.
After a certain period of cultivation mushroom material with fermentation products is centrifuged, concentrated and subjected to dry freezing. Then it is packaged in capsules .
Shiitake Mushroom (Shiitake – Lentinula edodes) Since the 1960s, shiitake has been subjected to intensive scientific research. Eating 9g dried shiitake mushroom (equivalent to 90g fresh) for 7 days has been shown to lower cholesterol levels in 40 elderly people by 15% and in 420 young women by 15%. In 1969, researchers at the National Research Center in Tokyo isolated the polysaccharide lentinan from shiitake.
By now it is a well-known pharmacological preparation for intravenous administration in disorders of the immune system and oncological diseases .
In the 1970s, Japan mastered the technology for obtaining LEM (Lentinula edodes myucelium) – an extract from shiitake mycelium. In the 80s, in 16 clinics in Japan, 40 patients with hepatitis B received 6 g of LEM daily for 4 months. All patients experienced significant relief, and in 15 the virus was completely inactivated. LEM has been shown to be highly effective in HIV infection. In its ability to curb the development of AIDS, it surpassed such a well-known drug as AZT (laboratory studies with T4 helper cells).
Maitake mushroom (Maitake – Grifola frondosa)
In Japan, Maitake is called the dancing mushroom for its bizarre shape. It is well known for its ability to lower blood pressure and normalize blood lipids. But the true fame of maitake brought anti-cancer properties. Two polysaccharides were identified in its composition: grifolan and D-fraction. Grifolan activates macrophages. D-fraction enhances cellular immune responses. One study, which included 165 cancer patients, showed the effectiveness of the D-fraction, especially in leukemia and gastric cancer. Another high molecular weight maitake polysaccharide, X-fraction, has been shown in laboratory studies in mice to normalize blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity in type II diabetes.
Reishi Mushroom (Reishi – Ganoderma lucidum) For 4,000 years, Reishi mushroom has been used by the Chinese and later by the Japanese for liver disease, high blood pressure and joint inflammation. Modern laboratory and clinical studies have revealed the anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, antiallergic and antitumor properties of reishi mushroom.
Reishi mushroom has a special therapeutic value in diseases of the upper respiratory tract . In one study, 2,000 Chinese people with chronic bronchitis took reishi syrup for 2 weeks. 60-90% of them noted a pronounced improvement in well-being. But the almost mystical property of Reishi is its ability to increase the strength of the spirit, increase a positive emotional mood.

Effect of ANCC polysaccharides on receptors:
1. The effect of AHCC polysaccharides on receptors and their absorption by macrophages leads to the fact that macrophages:
– activate T-helpers;
– they secrete interleukin-12, which directs the development of T-helpers to provide the cellular link of immunity, and also dramatically increases the activity of natural killers, the main fighters against tumor cells.
– secrete other cytokines: interleukins 1, 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, which enhances inflammatory reactions and integrates the protective reactions of the whole organism.

2. Activated T-helpers:
– they begin to secrete interleukin-2, which leads to the reproduction and activation of T-helpers, as well as T-killers, macrophages and natural killers, which increase their cytotoxicity in relation to tumors.
– act on macrophages with interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, as a result of which macrophages acquire antitumor properties (the ability to process tumor antigens, release of tumor necrosis factors alpha and beta, direct destruction of tumor cells, etc. )
– with the help of interleukin-3 and colony-stimulating factors, they increase the processes of hematopoiesis. There is every reason to believe that the low molecular weight components of AHCC have a direct mitogenic (stimulating reproduction) effect on T-helpers.

3. Activated natural killers dramatically increase their antitumor effect and secrete interferon-gamma, which activates macrophages. It can also be assumed that low molecular weight components have a direct stimulating effect on natural killers.

4 . Direct antitumor effect AHCC . Some components of AHCC have a direct antitumor effect by inhibiting tumor growth and neutralizing tumor factors that suppress the immune system (such as transforming growth factor-beta). The onset of the tumor process occurs when the immune system is weakened. Most tumors, due to the fact that they originate from the body’s own tissues, have a weak immunogenicity. Malignant growth is always accompanied by a significant weakening of immune functions. The number of type 1 T-helpers, which are the organizers of the immune response from the cellular link of immunity, is especially sharply reduced. Namely, T-killers, natural killers, K-cells, macrophages play a major role in antitumor immunity. In addition, the immune system is drastically weakened after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

5. AHCC liver protection . ANSS has a pronounced protective effect on the liver, which is important not only in the treatment of hepatitis, but also provides the general ability of the body to detoxify, as well as providing it with various biomolecules, the synthesis of which occurs in the liver.

6. Antioxidant effect of AHCC.
ANSS has a pronounced antioxidant effect, which is important in the complex therapy of malignant diseases, rehabilitation after radio- and chemotherapy.

Indications for use:
– Benign and malignant neoplasms.
– Immunodeficiency.
– Hepatitis B and C.
– Diabetes.
– Herpes.
– Skin viral diseases.
– Atopic dermatitis.
– Chronic fatigue syndrome.

How to use:
Doses recommended by the Association for the Study of AHCC.

1. Disease prevention doses: AHCC 1000-3000 mg or 2-6 capsules daily in three divided doses.
Children for prevention – 1 capsule 1 time per day.
2. Support in the treatment of cancer, prevention of side effects of anti-cancer therapy: 3000-6000 mg AHCC or 6-12 capsules per day. The Association for the Study of AHCC recommends that AHCC support the immune system in all types of cancer except blood disorders.
Course duration: 2 weeks to improve the quality of life (especially after radio- and chemotherapy). 3 months to reassess the severity of cancer.
Children’s dose = (adult dose / 75) x child’s weight.

Discount on AHCC – Joy of body and soul – LJ

Now a 10% discount on AHCC, I’ll tell you briefly about what I drink – what it is and how it affects me.
I’m halfway through the second can now, and although the intake of such a drug should be longer, I’ll report now because of the discount. The drug is expensive and 10% if you buy several jars can be a significant savings.

I drink at the maximum dose shown on the site 750mg per capsule (250mg and 500mg are available). Take 2 capsules in the morning on an empty stomach with a glass of water.
AHCC is an abbreviation of the English words (Active Hemi-Cellulose Compound) (Active Hexose Correlation Complex).
Produced from medicinal mushrooms by a proprietary mushroom mycelium culturing process. clinical efficacy.

AHCC Technology – was developed by the Japanese company Amino UP Chemical Co. Ltd. (Sapporo) and Dr. Toshihiko Okamoto from the Faculty of Pharmacology, University of Tokyo in 1989. The process looks like this. A hybrid of shiitake, maitake and reishi is grown in a liquid nutrient medium based on brown rice. The shell of rice grains is rich in cellulose. Shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms lack chlorophyll and, unlike plants, are not capable of photosynthesis. So they eat like animals. They release enzymes into the environment, digest the nutrients there, and absorb them. During this process, rice cellulose, a high molecular weight polysaccharide, is broken down by fungal enzymes (carbohydrases) into small fragments – oligosaccharides. After a certain period of cultivation, the mushroom material with fermentation products is centrifuged, concentrated and subjected to dry freezing. Then it is packaged in capsules. This information is googled, I am not a doctor and I do not understand this, who is interested there is a lot of information in all languages ​​..

My impressions after 1.5 months of taking 2 capsules per day (1500 mg).
I started taking this supplement during a sluggish flu, I can’t say that I was cured right away, it just took a long time, but I endured it on my feet.
In the reviews I read that many papillomavirus passes after taking AHCC. I don’t know for sure whether I have it or not, I didn’t do any tests, but there are several small ones on my body, they haven’t gone anywhere, well, maybe they’ve become a little less ..
In general, I drink in a prophylactic dose before the autumn-winter season. From what I can note, this is a good mood, i.e. there are mental improvements and no fatigue, although I sleep very little. Usually during the day I want to sleep terribly, besides I am a hippotonist. Now in this regard I feel like a man, despite the difficult, busy period, perhaps the drug affects the pressure. I believe in the usefulness of this complex and taking advantage of the discount, I will buy more .. The price is unfortunately high .. (The capsules themselves are of a standard size, they are swallowed easily. The instructions do not say, but there is a general recommendation to drink mushroom complexes with 1-2 glasses of water in 30-40 minutes before meals

AHCC instructions for use

AHCC recommended doses.

1. Disease prevention doses:

1000-3000mg AHCC or 2-6 capsules per day in three divided doses. Children for the purpose of prevention – 1 capsule 1 time per day.

2. Support in the treatment of cancer, prevention of side effects of anti-cancer therapy:

AHCC 3000-6000 mg or 6-12 capsules per day.

The Association for the Study of AHCC recommends that AHCC support the immune system in all cancers except blood disorders.

ANSS: indications

– Benign and malignant neoplasms.

– Immunodeficiency.

– Hepatitis B and C.

– Diabetes.

– Herpes.

– Skin viral diseases.

– Atopic dermatitis.

– Weakened immunity.

– Chronic fatigue syndrome.

– Urogenital infections.

The drug should not be taken in case of individual intolerance to at least one of the components, as well as in case of blood diseases.

AHCC is being investigated in the United States, China, Korea, Japan and Thailand.