AHCC, The Miracle Of The Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) is a fungus native to Japan, China, and Korea. Although these mushrooms are cultivated worldwide as of 2004, Japan is still the largest producer of shiitake mushrooms, producing 80% of the total supply. Used in Asian cuisine for over 2,000 years, cultivation of shiitake began almost 700 years ago in Japan.

The Japanese consider the shiitake not only a flavorful food but also “the elixir of life.” During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the shiitake was reserved only for the emperor and his family and it became known as the emperor’s food. The word shiitake comes from shii (a type of chestnut tree) and take (mushroom). Shiitake is an excellent source for amino acids; vegetable proteins; iron; thiamine (vitamin B1); riboflavin (vitamin B2); niacin; and vitamins B6, B12, and D2. Shiitake is known as hsaing ku (fragrant mushroom) in China.

Perhaps shiitake’s most beneficial ingredient is an activated hexose-containing compound AHCC (also known as 1,3-beta glucan). Japanese studies of this compound have supported evidence that it has anticancer properties in humans as well as in animals. The compound is already produced by a private company as a nutritional supplement and is available in Europe, Japan, and the United States.

Long known to activate the natural killer cell activity, it is also regularly used in hospitals in Asia and Japan in conjunction with allopathic treatments of several kinds of cancer. According to a Hokkaido University School of Medicine study of cancer patients taking the supplement on a daily basis, the compound may slow tumor growth and decrease the side effects caused by allopathic cancer treatments.

The University of California Davis School of Medicine is conducting the first human trial outside of Japan to determine the antitumor effects that the activated hexose-containing compound AHCC may have on cancer patients.

The focus of the study will be on patients with prostate cancer because the characteristic symptom of the cancer elevated PSA levels in the blood are easily detected and monitored for change.
Activated hexose-containing compound AHCC is isolated from partially grown mushroom spores that have undergone a treatment that releases the compound.

It is not abundant in the mushrooms that are readily available in grocery stores, but the overall health benefits from shiitake mushrooms have been corroborated by research.

Shiitake mushrooms can be prepared and eaten in the same way the more common white mushrooms are, by grilling, sautéing, and stir-frying. Dried shiitake mushrooms are used in soups, stews, and sauces. Eat one to two fresh mushrooms or 1–2 tsp of dried shiitake daily.

Shiitake supplements are also available in gel-cap form, as well as powders, extracts, and tea at health food stores. Shiitake is also an ingredient in compound formulas to boost the immune system. The newest product of this type is a mixture of dried shiitake, reishi, and maitake mushrooms that have been grown on a base of therapeutic herbs.

AHCC is available in capsule, powder and tablet forms, two companies that use the patented and authentic raw material they are Now Foods and Planetary Herbal.

Consumers who use these products should follow the recommended daily dosage on the label.

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