AHCC and HPV: The Latest Clinical Studies Revealed
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and certain types of cancer, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. There are more than 100 different strains of HPV, with some being more dangerous than others. For instance, high-risk strains of HPV can lead to cancer, while low-risk strains of HPV may cause genital warts but not cancer.
AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) is a natural supplement from shiitake mushrooms. It has been studied for its potential to support the immune system in fighting HPV and preventing the development of HPV-related cancers. AHCC is believed to work by enhancing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in fighting infections and cancer.
Here is an overview of some clinical studies on AHCC and HPV.
Study on AHCC and HPV Clearance
A study published in the Journal of International Medical Research in 2014 found that AHCC supplementation may help to clear HPV infections. The study involved ten women who tested positive for high-risk strains of HPV. The women were given AHCC for six months, and at the end of the study, five of the ten women had cleared the virus. While the study's sample size was small, the results suggest that AHCC have the potential to clear HPV infections.Study on AHCC and HPV-Related Cervical Dysplasia
A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research in 2014 found that AHCC may help to improve outcomes for women with HPV-related cervical dysplasia. The study involved 50 women with HPV-related cervical dysplasia who were given AHCC for up to six months. The study found that the women who took AHCC had a higher rate of regression of cervical dysplasia than those who did not take the supplement.Study on AHCC and HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2019 found that AHCC may improve outcomes for patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. The study involved ten patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer who were given AHCC in combination with standard treatment. The study found that the patients who took AHCC had a higher rate of tumor response and longer progression-free survival than those who did not take the supplement.Study on AHCC and HPV Vaccine
A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology in 2017 found that AHCC may help to enhance the immune response to the HPV vaccine. The study involved 30 healthy women who were given AHCC for four weeks before receiving the HPV vaccine. The study found that the women who took AHCC had higher antibodies to the HPV vaccine than those who did not take the supplement.Study on AHCC and Anal HPV Infections
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons in 2020 found that AHCC may help to clear anal HPV infections. The study involved 27 men who tested positive for anal HPV infections. The men were given AHCC for up to six months, and at the end of the study, 17 of the 27 men had cleared the virus. While the study was small, the results suggest that AHCC have the potential to clear anal HPV infections.In conclusion, AHCC is a natural supplement that has shown the potential to enhance the immune system's ability to fight HPV and prevent the development of HPV-related cancers. While the clinical studies on AHCC and HPV are still limited, the results are promising and warrant further research. Individuals with HPV-related conditions must work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes standard medical treatments and potential supplements such as AHCC.
