Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC)

have been a part of traditional practices for centuries. Varieties like reishi, maitake, and shiitake are touted for their abilities to support immunity, stamina, and energy. 

As modern science catches up with traditional wisdom, researchers have determined that many of the biologically active compounds in mushrooms are the and other polysaccharides. When delivered as functional foods or dietary supplements, however, mushroom polysaccharides face an absorption problem. With molecular weights that exceed 100,000 daltons, these compounds have difficulty crossing the intestinal barrier. 

One way clinicians have overcome the absorption problem is to deliver compounds such as beta-glucans in intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injections. But scientists at the University of Tokyo came up with another solution. They developed a fermentation process to break down the polysaccharides in mushrooms into low molecular–weight compounds. The result of their efforts is the patented ingredient active hexose correlated compound (AHCC). 

AHCC 101 

is a cultured extract from several hybridized species of the Basidiomycete family of mushrooms—which includes shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes). The extract is made by culturing the root portion of the mushrooms, known as mycelia, in a liquid medium with rice bran so that the mushroom polysaccharides break down into low molecular–weight compounds of only 5,000 daltons. The resulting smaller-sized saccharides in AHCC are optimized for intestinal absorption. They overcome the absorption challenge faced by larger mushroom polysaccharides. 

AHCC was developed in 1987 and is manufactured by the Amino Up Chemical Company in Japan. It’s widely used in Japan to support immunity, and it is gaining popularity around the world. 

COMPOUNDS IN AHCC 

Like whole mushrooms, AHCC contains a mixture of starches, sugars, amino acids, and minerals. It also contains polysaccharides, beta-glucans, and alpha-glucans. The difference between whole mushrooms and AHCC is in the percentage of different types of saccharides. 

Whereas the starches in whole mushrooms are primarily long-chain polysaccharides, AHCC is 74 percent oligosaccharides. A unique characteristic of AHCC is its high percentage of a type of oligosaccharides called partially acetylated alpha-glucans. These alpha-glucans are the low molecular–weight compounds that are responsible for the biological activity of AHCC. 

MECHANISMS OF AHCC 

The human is far from simple. We have an innate immune response, which is our immediate and nonspecific response. We also have an adaptive immune response, which takes longer to mount. 

Innate immunity involves natural killer (NK cells), macrophages, cytokines, and dendritic cells. Adaptive immunity involves B-cell and T-cell responses. The beauty of AHCC is that it supports both innate and adaptive immunity—primarily by supporting a healthy number and function of NK cells, macrophages, T-cells, and dendritic cells. It acts as an immunomodulator, meaning that it helps balance the immune response. 

The saccharides in AHCC are similar to food-associated molecular patterns (FAMPs), which play a role in prepping the innate immune response at the intestinal barrier. Studies in mice and cell cultures show that AHCC primes the toll-like receptors (TLR-2 and TLR-4) on white blood cells at the interface of the intestinal lining. 

Other studies show that AHCC supports early activation of the immune response so it can function effectively. AHCC supports a healthy immune response to non-beneficial organisms. AHCC works primarily by supporting healthy numbers and function of several types of white blood cells. These include NK cells, macrophages, T-cells, and dendritic cells. AHCC has also demonstrated an ability to support antioxidant defenses and a healthy .

HUMAN STUDIES OF AHCC 

Human clinical trials on AHCC have involved both healthy adults and people with immune-related conditions. The studies in healthy adults confirm several mechanisms by which AHCC helps support immune function—including supporting dendritic cell function, T-cell function, and the immune response to vaccination. Studies in people with immune-related conditions mainly show that AHCC helps support quality of life. 

Dendritic cells are key players in the innate immune response—patrolling the body barriers to detect non beneficial organisms. Researchers in Japan conducted a randomized trial to look at how dendritic cells might interact with AHCC. Healthy volunteers were randomized to take a placebo or 3 grams per day of AHCC for four weeks. The study showed that AHCC supported healthy dendritic cell numbers and function in healthy adults. 

CD4+ and CD8+ cells are subsets of T cells that are involved in the adaptive immune response. Researchers at Yale Medical School looked at how AHCC interacts with these cell types. Healthy adults over the age of 50 took AHCC daily for 60 days, and the researchers measured cytokine production by CD4+ and CD8+ cells. The study found that AHCC helped support the function of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells within 30 days of supplementation. Remarkably, partial benefits persisted even after the supplement was discontinued.

Although not directly related to immune function, AHCC has also been evaluated in healthy adults with alcohol-induced changes in liver function. When compared with a placebo, results showed that taking 3 grams of AHCC per day for 12 weeks supported a healthy inflammatory response and healthy liver function. 

SAFETY OF AHCC 

A human safety study of AHCC evaluated an oral intake of 9 grams per day for 14 days. Unpleasant effects such as nausea, diarrhea, bloating, headache, fatigue, and foot cramps occurred in 20 percent of participants, but all of these effects were mild and short-lived. No changes in laboratory parameters were detected. 

Given that 9 grams per day is much higher than the usual use of AHCC (3-6 grams per day), the study concluded that typical use of AHCC is considered to be safe. Some studies have evaluated the safety of AHCC in combination with medications. One study reported that AHCC induces the enzyme aromatase, which may reduce the activity of aromatase-inhibitor drugs. 

Another study found that AHCC induced the cytochrome P450 2D6 pathway. This might make any medications that are metabolized P450 2D6 less effective, including doxorubicin and tamoxifen. 

Some people wonder whether it’s safe to take AHCC if they’re allergic to mushrooms. Most mushroom allergies involve the spores, which are produced by the above-ground fruiting body of the mushroom. AHCC is made from the underground mycelia portion, which doesn’t produce spores. Still, caution is advised in any case of allergies.