Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is an extract derived from fungi in the Basidiomycetes family. AHCC is a mixture of polysaccharides, amino acids, lipids, and minerals. AHCC is commonly used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for cancer and liver damage. It can also be used to keep your immune system balanced and strong.
Also known as: Basidiomycetes Extract, Composé Corrélé d’Hexose Actif, Compuestos Activos Correlacionados Hexosa, Extrait de Basidiomycètes, Extrait de Champignon, Fungi Extract
Diseases and Conditions
AHCC is used in cancer and liver patients. AHCC improved CD8+T cell lymphocyte levels in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments. This significantly improved patient’s perceived quality of life.
Safety
AHCC is possibly safe when taken orally and medicinally in appropriate amounts. There is insufficient evidence in the use of AHCC for children as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women and should thus be avoided.
Possible side effects of AHCC include:
- Mild itching
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Foot cramps
Patients with autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis should avoid taking AHCC as it may exacerbate symptoms.
Medication Interactions
It can affect the drug levels of CYP2D6 substrates. Some drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 include amitriptyline (Elavil), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), flecainide (Tambocor), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), ondansetron (Zofran), paroxetine (Paxil), risperidone (Risperdal), tramadol (Ultram), venlafaxine (Effexor), and others.
It can also decrease the effects of immunosuppressants, since AHCC stimulates immune function. Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), and other corticosteroids (glucocorticoids).
AHCC Supplement
Supplement and Food Interactions
There are no known supplement or food interactions.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of AHCC depends on what it is used for.
For cancer, the recommended dosage is 3 grams of AHCC daily for up to twelve years. It may be taken as 6 grams of AHCC in three divided doses after meals (two grams per dose) daily for six months. Divided doses of 1 gram of AHCC three times daily (a total of three grams daily), 2 grams three times daily (a total of six grams daily), and 3 grams three times daily (a total of nine grams daily) have also been recommended for unspecified durations.
For chemotherapy side effects reduction, the recommended dosage is 3 grams of dried AHCC extract daily three days prior to chemotherapy and for up to one week after the end of chemotherapy. A total of 9 grams of AHCC daily can been taken in divided doses of three grams three times daily.
For diabetes, the recommended dosage is 3 grams of AHCC daily for six months.
For idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, the recommended dosage is 1.5 grams of AHCC daily.
For immune function, the recommended dosage is 3 grams of AHCC daily for periods of three weeks to six months.
For liver function, the recommended dosage is 1-3 grams of AHCC daily for 12 weeks.
Foods
AHCC, or active hexose correlated compound, is extracted from Basidiomycota mushrooms. AHCC is a dietary supplement which is rich in amino acids, and it has been shown to help fight infections.
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