Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that has been linked to several types of cancers. According to the CDC (1), about 80 million Americans are currently infected by some strain of the HPV virus. Despite the high prevalence rates, there is no known cure for the infection.
Researchers have identified over 100 subtypes of HPV virus in humans. In general, human papillomaviruses can be grouped into two groups: low-risk infections and high-risk infections. While in the majority of cases HPV infections are naturally suppressed within about two years, some high-risk subtypes can linger for more extended periods, leading to more serious complications such as genital warts and cervical cancer (2).
While there are treatments for HPV-related health issues, there’s no treatment or cure available for the virus itself. However, a AHCC supplement has shown promising results as a natural solution to HPV.
What Is AHCC?
There has been a lot of noise in the scientific research community about a natural substance called AHCC for HPV treatment, a cultured extract of several species of medicinal mushroom mycelia (roots). One of the medicinal mushrooms contained in the supplement is shiitake, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years mainly to support the immune system (3). It is one of the most researched immune supplements on the market today, with 30 human clinical studies supporting its positive effects on human health.
How Does AHCC Help With HPV?
AHCC is thought to be effective against the HPV virus by stimulating the immune system and strengthening the body’s natural defenses to suppress the infection. This effect of AHCC on immune health is important as the immune system is the first line of defense against pathogenic invaders, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. A robust immune function is essential so that we can function at our full capacity. A weakened immune system is at the root of many chronic and acute conditions. AHCC seems to boost our immune function, which assists in fighting off all kinds of threats to our health.
What Does Science Say?
AHCC has shown promising results in long-term suppression of the HPV virus in both preclinical and animal studies. In a 2014 pilot study (4) including 10 women, the supplement appeared to be potentially effective in combating the virus. Five of the 10 patients achieved a negative HPV test result.
There aren’t any definitive conclusions about the effect of AHCC supplement HPV, but it appears that this supplement could potentially help to boost your immune system so your body has a better chance of suppressing the infection naturally.
Sources
- About HPV: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019.
- Human papillomavirus: clinical manifestations and prevention: National Institutes of Health, 2010.
- Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults: National Institutes of Health, 2015.
- Mushroom extract, AHCC, helpful in treating HPV: ScienceDaily, 2014.
