AHCC - a natural treatment for HPV with anti cancer properties

[Seamus]

Last year I came across a small scale study on using Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) to treat HPV, which causes warts. From the study:

Results: HR-HPV clearance was observed in vitro and confirmed in the animal studies as a durable response. Four of six (66.7%) patients had confirmed HR-HPV clearance after 3–6 months of AHCC 3g. Similarly, 4 of 9 (44%) patients had confirmed HR-HPV clearance after 7 months of AHCC 1g. Suppression of IFNβ <25 pg/mL was observed in those clearing the HR-HPV infection.

Conclusion: Pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated durable clearance of HR-HPV infections. The preliminary data from the two pilot studies suggested that AHCC supplementation supports the host immune system for successful clearance of HR-HPV infections. A confirmatory phase II randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study is ongoing.

As you can see it was a small pilot study, but the results were promising enough to warrant a larger study. AHCC is a proprietary extract from Basidiomycete mushrooms (a family including shiitake mushrooms). The product contains polysaccharides called glucans that studies show work as an immune system modulator and to have anti tumor effects. I found a very accessible summary article here: Are Japanese mushrooms the cure for HPV?

In the study, 10 HPV-positive women were treated orally with the Japanese mushroom extract active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) once daily for six months. Five achieved a negative HPV test result— three with confirmed eradication after stopping AHCC. The remaining two responders are continuing to participate in the ongoing study.

[...]

“I had originally looked into AHCC for its anti-tumor benefits,” Smith said of the decade-long research process. “Then as I learned more about its activity against various virus strains, I connected the dots to my cervical cancer research and HPV and thought of the big picture: a nutritional supplement to treat HPV infections would be an incredible, safe option and could easily be used to treat infections before they turn into cancer.”

HPV is associated with more than 99 percent of cervical cancers, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) it is also linked to several other types of the disease including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and throat cancer.

[...]

AHCC is a readily available nutritional supplement that uses the body's own immune system to help fight disease. Human and preclinical studies have shown that AHCC increases the number and activity of Natural Killer cells, dendritic cells and cytokines, which help the body fight off infections and block tumor growth. The extract showed no negative side effects in the trial.

Since then I've used AHCC to successfully treat warts in 2 different patients and in both cases it worked very quickly (6 weeks in one case, 2-3 months in the 2nd case) with no side effects.

There's information on the Memorial Sloan Kittering Cancer Center website about existing evidence for using AHCC to treat cancer tumors: AHCC

Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is an extract of mushrooms from the Basidiomycete class, including shiitake mushrooms. This product contains polysaccharides called glucans, which scientists think are responsible for its biological activity.
Lab studies suggest AHCC may enhance the activity of some types of immune cells. Animal studies suggest that AHCC has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and may improve immune system response in mice with chemotherapy-weakened immune systems. In a few human studies, AHCC improved liver function in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis, and reduced blood levels of some tumor markers.
[...]
Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is a nutritional product prepared from the mycelia of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms. Like other mushrooms, it contains a mixture of polysaccharides, amino acids, and minerals. AHCC is also rich in alpha-1,4-glucan oligosaccharides, which are believed to enhance its biologic activities (5). Patients use AHCC to prevent and treat cancer.
Animal models suggest that AHCC has antioxidant effects and may protect against disorders induced by oxidative stress (1). It also enhanced resistance against bacterial (3) and viral infections (4), and has anti-inflammatory effects against colitis (20). In healthy human subjects, AHCC improved T-cell immune responses (19), increased dendritic cell number and function (6), and improved antibody response to influenza vaccine (21).

Preclinical findings suggest anticancer effects (7) (8) (29). In cisplatin-treated mice, AHCC increased antitumor activity while reducing side effects (9), and showed synergistic effects with gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells (22). In humans, findings from a prospective cohort study suggest AHCC improved prognosis after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (10). AHCC may also reduce chemotherapy-associated adverse effects in patients with advanced cancer (23), and in those with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (25). However, an open-label multicenter study of patients with early stage prostate cancer found AHCC was ineffective in reducing prostate-specific antigen levels by 50% or more (11). Further research is needed.

Perhaps this compound is effective against tumors that are caused or triggered by HPV and similar viruses. That may be why study results have been mixed since at this point biomedicine differentiates based on the location of the cancer (ie prostate vs breast cancer) but not the cause of the cancer (ie viral vs fungal vs chemical triggers, etc).

Edits: I posted this before I was finished by mistake so I used the edit button to finish it.

 

[Seamus]

Could a mod please change the title to "AHCC - a natural treatment for HPV & warts with anti cancer properties"? I posted this before I was finished with it by mistake and I think that would be a better title. Thanks!

 

[Seamus]

Here's some more information from a systematic review on PubMed for anyone who's interested:

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.

Abstract
Mushrooms have been used for various health conditions for many years by traditional medicines practiced in different regions of the world although the exact effects of mushroom extracts on the immune system are not fully understood. AHCC® is a standardized extract of cultured shiitake or Lentinula edodes mycelia (ECLM) which contains a mixture of nutrients including oligosaccharides, amino acids, and minerals obtained through liquid culture. AHCC® is reported to modulate the numbers and functions of immune cells including natural killer (NK) and T cells which play important roles in host defense, suggesting the possible implication of its supplementation in defending the host against infections and malignancies via modulating the immune system. Here, we review in vivo and in vitro effects of AHCC® on NK and T cells of humans and animals in health and disease, providing a platform for the better understanding of immune-mediated mechanisms and clinical implications of AHCC®.
[...]
AHCC® is a standardized extract of cultured shiitake or Lentinula edodes mycelia (AHCC®) which contains a mixture of nutrients including oligosaccharides, amino acids, and minerals obtained through the liquid culture process of shiitake mycelia
[...]
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes considered as the first line of defense against viral infections and possibly malignancies via secreting cytokines and expressing cytotoxic molecules [30, 34, 35]. Indeed, NK cells are armed with receptors that sense signals from target cells such as infected or tumorous cells, leading to killing [31, 34]. Impaired function or deficiency of NK cells has been associated with increased risk of infections and malignancies in humans and animals [34, 35]. Mushroom products have been suggested to modulate NK cell activity against infected or tumorous cells
[...]
Influenza virus is one of the most significant viral infections that causes substantial mortality and morbidity in older adults, children, and immune-compromised hosts [40]. The effect of AHCC® on influenza viral infection has been studied, showing the possible beneficial effect, especially through affecting NK cells
[...]
The immune system, which plays an essential role in the development and control of malignancies, can become tolerant to tumor cells by multiple mechanisms [36]. Different modalities such as cytokines and food supplements have been considered to boost NK cell immunity in treating cancers [3, 36]. Indeed, studies reported the possible beneficial effects of AHCC® supplementation in controlling cancers, especially in a combination with other anticancer therapies like chemotherapy [23]. NK cells appear to be involved in providing such effects. In an observational study without a placebo control, AHCC® supplementation (3 g/day) enhanced NK cell activity in a small number of patients with various cancers including the prostate [17]. Also, the possible role of AHCC® in suppressing the development of melanoma and immune mechanisms involved in this process was studied.
[...]
Mushroom extracts, especially polysaccharides, are reported to promote immune responses to tumor by affecting the functions of T cells and other immune cells
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The possible effects of AHCC® on T cell immunity may have biological significance in developing immune responses to antigens. This is evidenced by a study reporting increased NKT cells and CD8+ T cells along with increased protective antibody titers to influenza B in healthy people who received influenza vaccine and AHCC® supplementation (3 g/day × 3 weeks)
[...]
Conclusions
AHCC®, which is an extract from the culture of shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mycelia, has a broad range of effects on the immune system including NK and T cells. Such effects could be executed by directly modulating the numbers and functions of these cells as well as by affecting the function of monocytes, macrophages, and DCs with the capacity to promote T cell function. Plus, the effects of AHCC® on NK and T cells appear to have biological implications as suggested by the results of clinical studies and in vivo animal studies on infections, inflammations, and tumors.

Basically the research is showing that this mushroom extract is stimulating a response in both the innate or non-specific (NK, macrophage) and acquired or specific (T-Cells) parts of the immune system. The studies referenced show that it helps the body fight the flu (and other viral infections) by stimulating natural killer (NK) cells. These cells seek out and destroy infected cells before they can explode and spread the virus. It also has an inhibitory effect on various types of cancer by stimulating NK cells which destroy cancer cells and by stimulating T-Cells to respond to cancer specific antigens. Apparently this is especially important in controlling melanoma:

Also, the possible role of AHCC® in suppressing the development of melanoma and immune mechanisms involved in this process was studied. In fact, antitumor immunity is critical in controlling melanoma as evidenced by the recent introduction of immunotherapies specifically enhancing T cell function through blocking inhibitory check point molecules expressed on T cells [43, 44]. In a mouse model of melanoma, AHCC® significantly delayed tumor development after B16-F0 melanoma inoculation [16]. This phenomenon was accompanied by an increase in the number of NK cells, tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells producing IFN-γ and gamma delta T cells [16]. The beneficial effect of AHCC® on murine B16 melanoma is further supported by a recent study reporting decreased melanoma sizes in mice supplemented with AHCC® with or without CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), which is known to activate innate immunity and serve as an immunologic adjuvant [18].

 

[Seamus]

Another small study suggests that AHCC improves survival rates of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of primary liver cancer in adults:

Many attempts have been made to stimulate the immune system for cancer treatment. Although several biological response modifiers have been developed such as BCG. Picibanil. PSK, interferon and interIeukin-2, the clinical efficacy of the substances has not been clearly elucidated. Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is a newly developed biological response modifier. It is an extract of Basidiomycetes which is obtained by hybridization or several types of mushrooms. This study was initiated to evaluate the preventive effect of AHCC on the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after surgical treatment.

In this study, 121 patients with histologically proven hepatocellular carcinoma were included. All of the patients underwent macroscopically curative resection of a liver tumor. In 38 patients, AHCC (3-6g/day) was administered orally after surgery (group A) and 18 patients began to take AHCC after recurrences were verified (group B). The other 65 patients served as controls (group C). The longest follow up periods were 39, 65 and 56 months for groups A, B and C respectively.

There were no significant differences between the three groups in the distribution of age, gender, clinical stage, hepatitis type B and/or C viral infection, amount of bleeding during surgery and resection volumes of the liver. The survival rate in group A was significantly higher than that in group C. The disease-free survival rate in group A was also significantly higher than that in groups B and C. One year after surgery, the serum levels of tumor markers (a.fetoprotein and PIVKA II) in group A were significantly lower than those in groups Band C.

This retrospective study suggests that AHCC intake has a preventive effect in postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Further detailed studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of the effect of AHCC.

From: Preventive Effect of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) on the Recurrence of Postoperative Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients H. Kitade, Y. Matsui, S. Takai, A. Imamura, Y. Kawaguchi, Y. Kamiyama, B. Sun, K. Kosuna Osaka/Sapporo, Japan

 

[Seamus]

Dr Weil has a blog post about it. He suggests using non-proprietary mushroom extracts instead of AHCC:

Mushrooms Against Cancer?
Question: My sister-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer almost three years ago and is now in remission. She heard that a product from Japan called AHCC can help prevent cancer recurrence. Can you tell me anything about it?

Originally published December 11, 2007. Updated February 7, 2014.

Active hexose correlated compound, or AHCC, is a proprietary medicinal mushroom extract intended to strengthen the immune system. In the past, the formula was considered a trade secret of the Japanese manufacturer, so we don’t know for sure what’s in it other than a combination of several species of Basidiomycete mushrooms, including shiitake (which has been shown to have anti-cancer effects). This may change as the FDA continues to review its regulation of supplements and require full disclosure on products labels. The extract is marketed as a supplement for cancer patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy. The manufacturer also suggests taking it for prevention of recurrences among patients who have been treated for cancer as well as for the promotion and maintenance of good health.

A review of studies of AHCC from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York concluded that there hasn’t been enough research in humans to determine whether it works. The review noted that one study showed that AHCC could enhance the activity of natural killer cells (key immune system components that defend us from cancer) in test tubes, and that animal studies suggest that AHCC has antioxidant effects and can improve the response of the immune system in mice with chemotherapy-weakened immune systems. However, there have been few human studies demonstrating AHCC’S effectiveness. One study in patients with liver cancer found that the supplement improved liver function and cirrhosis and reduced levels of certain tumor markers in the blood. However, the MSKCC reviewers determined that this study had design flaws. Another human study of prostate cancer patients treated with AHCC found that the supplement was ineffective.

Until we know more about whether AHCC works as advertised, I suggest that your sister-in-law consider the mushrooms I recommend to cancer patients for their proven immune-enhancing and anti-cancer effects:

• Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), is a common medicinal mushroom shown to have anticancer effects in ongoing research in this country. Use liquid or encapsulated extracts.
• Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is an edible mushroom known in the U.S. as “hen of the woods” because in appearance it resembles the fluffed tail feathers of a nesting hen. In addition to its anti-cancer, anti-viral and immune-enhancing properties, maitake may also help reduce blood pressure and blood sugar.
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is too bitter to eat but is widely available in teabags, capsules and liquid extracts. Animal studies have shown that reishi improves immune function and inhibits the growth of some malignant tumors; it is also a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
• Agaricus blazei (Agaricus brasiliensis) contains beta glucans, a group of polysaccharides (complex sugars) believed responsible for this mushroom’s immune-boosting effects. Research has shown that Agaricus has anti-tumor and anti-viral activity, as well as moderating effects on blood sugar and cholesterol. Oncologists in both Japan and Brazil use this mushroom in treatment protocols. It is sold in the U.S. in dried form as well as in extracts.

Andrew Weil, M.D.