Recent research has shown that AHCC (a blend of various mushroom extracts) has impressive effects on the immune system. AHCC has been shown to help the body fight infections, viruses, inflammation and even cancer. A new study provides new information about AHCC’s mechanism of action, showing that it improves the number and function of key immune cells called dendritic cells (DCs), in humans.
21 healthy, adult volunteers were included in the double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Over the course of 4 weeks half of the volunteers were given a placebo and half were given 3g of AHCC daily. The number and function of circulating DCs were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. The study found that individuals taking AHCC had 55% more DCs after 4 weeks than at baseline, and that they had 66% more than individuals taking a placebo. AHCC also increased the amount of a specific DC called DC1.
DCs are highly-specialized antigen presenting cells that are able to efficiently induce an immune response. One type called DC1 is essential for protection against cancer due to its ability to capture antigens from cancerous sites, and then present these antigens to immune cells called T lymphocytes, which then initiate an immune response against the tumor. The results of this study therefore suggest that AHCC could be of benefit to cancer patients by improving their immune response to cancerous cells.
Terakawa N et al. Immunological effct of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) in healthy volunteers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrition and Cancer. 2008; 60(5): 643-651.
For more information see AHCC
|
