AHCC
At its core, AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a unique, patented extract derived from the Shiitake mushroom, which can be read about here. However, the extract itself is not obtained from mushroom fruiting bodies or from the mycelium itself, but rather from substances secreted by the mycelium into a proprietary liquid growth medium. The details of the patent can be found here; the implications of this patented process are explained in this article
AHCC - The Extraction Method:
AHCC was developed at the University of Tokyo and is considered one of the most extensively documented mushroom-derived extracts. Unlike most mushroom extracts, which are produced from fruiting bodies or from mycelium biomass, AHCC consists of molecules secreted by the mycelium into its liquid growth medium. The mycelium is grown under controlled, sterile fermentation conditions, using a nutrient-poor liquid medium. During this process, the mycelium secretes soluble molecules into the surrounding liquid. After approximately two months, the mycelium is separated from the liquid medium. The liquid is then sterilized and dried, resulting in AHCC powder.
The final composition of AHCC consists of approximately:
~74% oligosaccharides (short-chain carbohydrates)
~20% alpha-glucans (a specific type of oligosaccharide)
Oligosaccharides commonly function as prebiotics, serving as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria and thereby supporting microbiome balance.
Alpha-glucans have the ability to rapidly activate the immune system.
In medicinal mushrooms, polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, are well known for their biological activity. Polysaccharides may also act as prebiotics, while beta-glucans support immune function.
The key difference between compounds extracted directly from mushrooms and those obtained from mycelial secretions lies in molecular size.
The molecules in AHCC are smaller, allowing them to enter cells more rapidly and induce a faster biological response, whereas mushroom-derived polysaccharides tend to be larger and therefore act more slowly. This point is expanded upon below.
Researched Activities of AHCC:
1. Immune modulation, and effects on T cells and NK cells. immune cells responsible for eliminating abnormal cells and regulating immune responses to infection.
2. Enhanced immune response against viral infections.
3. Anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity.
4. Support during chemotherapy treatments.
5. Activity against infections and bacteria.
Additional activities have also been described.
Differences Between AHCC and Standard Shiitake Extracts:
Source of active compounds:
AHCC: Active compounds are secreted by the mycelium into the liquid growth medium, which is then dried to obtain the powder.
Standard extracts: Derived directly from mushroom parts (fruiting bodies or mycelium), followed by extraction and drying.
Primary active molecules:
AHCC: Alpha-glucans and small carbohydrate molecules.
Standard extracts: Beta-glucans and larger polysaccharides.
Solubility and bioavailability:
AHCC: High solubility and rapid cellular uptake.
Standard extracts: Relatively lower solubility and slower biological activity.
Mode of action:
AHCC: Rapid activation of the immune system, producing an acute and immediate response.
Standard extracts: Gradual immune strengthening and long-term immune modulation.
Typical therapeutic applications:
AHCC: Acute infections, situations requiring a rapid immune response, and support during intensive treatments.
Standard extracts: General immune support, recovery after treatment, and long-term protection and disease prevention.
Summary
AHCC is a unique extract derived from the liquid growth medium in which Shiitake mycelium is cultivated. During this process, the mycelium secretes specific compounds into the medium, which is then concentrated and dried into a powder.
The primary active components are alpha-glucans and oligosaccharides, relatively small bioactive molecules that the body can utilize efficiently.
Studies show that AHCC rapidly activates the immune system, particularly T cells and NK cells, and supports the body’s ability to cope with infections, chemotherapy, and acute immune challenges.
In contrast, conventional Shiitake extracts are derived from the fruiting body or mycelium itself and provide long-term immune support. They assist in immune recovery, support the gut microbiome, and promote digestive health over time.
Each extract type offers distinct advantages: AHCC is suited for fast, targeted immune activation, while classical mushroom extracts provide stable, sustained immune support. Depending on the clinical context, they may be chosen individually or used in combination.