AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound)
Also called AHCC, active hexose correlated compound, shiitake mycelia extract, Lentinula edodes mycelia extract, cultured shiitake mycelia extract.
Best grade C across 11 graded outcomes Mushroom Last checked
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The short answer
From 14 sourcesAHCC trials are small but include two placebo-controlled studies in patients. In 50 women with persistent high-risk HPV, 63.6% of those finishing AHCC cleared the virus vs 10.5% on placebo. In 98 pancreatic cancer patients on chemotherapy it reduced taste problems but not anaemia. Healthy-volunteer studies measured immune cells only.
Quick pick
From a partner brand · paid link
Source Naturals AHCC, 500 mg, 60 Veg Caps
from HerbsPro
Label: 2 capsules: 1 g AHCC proprietary blend (mushroom mycelia extract, candelilla wax, cyclodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose).
Label says contains gluten.
Best for trying one bottle: $94.85 one-time (checked Oct 15, 2026).
Every graded outcome on this page
11 rows · line = participants- CGrade CTaste disorders and anaemia during chemotherapyCancer caren 98
- CGrade CClearance of persistent high-risk HPVHPVn 50
- DGrade DWart recurrence after cauterisation of genital wartsHPVn 133
- DGrade DChemotherapy side effects in pancreatic cancer (non-randomised)Cancer caren 75
- DGrade DLiver enzymes in alcohol-related mild elevationLiver enzymesn 62
- DGrade DImmune cells during an antibiotic courseImmune markersn 40
- DGrade DImmune markers through early winterImmune markersn 34
- DGrade DAntibody response to flu vaccineVaccine responsen 30
- DGrade DLiver cancer recurrence after surgery (single arm)Cancer caren 29
- DGrade DDendritic cells in healthy volunteersImmune markersn 21
- DGrade DHPV clearance in two pilot studiesHPVn 20
Key facts
- What it is
- A standardised extract of cultured Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mycelia from Amino Up, Sapporo, Japan43
- HPV trial (50 women)
- 3 g a day for 6 months: 63.6% HPV-negative vs 10.5% on placebo3
- Chemotherapy trial (98 patients)
- Fewer taste disorders; no difference in anaemia4
- Blood thinners
- Health Canada's mushroom monograph: ask a practitioner before using shiitake products with blood thinners1
What it is
AHCC is a standardised extract of cultured shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushroom mycelia, made by a Japanese company.
Forms
Form
| Form | Elemental % | Absorption (human data) | GI tolerance | Studied for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHCC capsules or powder | Varies3Not applicable (a mushroom mycelia extract) | Not measured in the cited trials; effects were tracked through immune cells, antibodies and HPV tests.53 | In the HPV trial no patient had more than grade 1 side effects and none stopped because of them (full text).3 | Persistent HPV, taste disorders during chemotherapy, immune markers |
What the human research says
Human trials only, one row per outcome. The form line shows what each trial actually tested. Grades follow our evidence-grading policy.
Trial map
11 graded outcomes, largest study first11 graded outcomes: 6 improved, 4 mixed, 1 no effect. The largest, a 2025 observational study of 133 people on wart recurrence after cauterisation of genital warts, found mixed results.
1Wart recurrence after cauterisation of genital warts
Mixed · Grade D · Observational, 133 people, 2025
133 patients treated for genital warts (condyloma acuminata), reviewed retrospectively
Dose, result and source| Outcome | Found | People | Study | Who was studied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wart recurrence after cauterisation of genital warts | Mixed | 133 | Grade D · Observational, 2025 | 133 patients treated for genital warts (condyloma acuminata), reviewed retrospectively |
| Taste disorders and anaemia during chemotherapy | Mixed | 98 | Grade C · RCT, 2023 | 98 patients with pancreatic cancer on chemotherapy in Japan (55 AHCC, 43 placebo) |
| Chemotherapy side effects in pancreatic cancer (non-randomised) | Improved | 75 | Grade D · Open-label trial, 2016 | 75 patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer starting gemcitabine in Japan (35 AHCC, 40 no AHCC), not randomised |
| Liver enzymes in alcohol-related mild elevation | Mixed | 62 | Grade D · RCT, 2014 | 69 Korean adults with mildly raised liver enzymes linked to alcohol; 62 completed |
| Clearance of persistent high-risk HPV | Improved | 50 | Grade C · RCT, 2022 | 50 women over 30 with high-risk HPV for more than 2 years; 41 completed |
| Immune cells during an antibiotic course | No effect | 40 | Grade D · RCT, 2019 | 40 healthy men, 10 per arm (placebo, probiotic BB536, AHCC, or both), given azithromycin from day 7 |
| Immune markers through early winter | Improved | 34 | Grade D · RCT, 2015 | Thirty-four healthy subjects in Japan |
| Antibody response to flu vaccine | Improved | 30 | Grade D · RCT, 2013 | 30 healthy adults |
| Liver cancer recurrence after surgery (single arm) | Mixed | 29 | Grade D · Open-label trial, 2022 | 29 patients after curative surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (BCLC stage A or B); 25 followed without stopping |
| Dendritic cells in healthy volunteers | Improved | 21 | Grade D · RCT, 2008 | Twenty-one healthy volunteers |
| HPV clearance in two pilot studies | Improved | 20 | Grade D · Open-label trial, 2019 | Two pilot studies of 10 women each with persistent high-risk HPV |
Every graded row
11 rowsShowing 11 of 11 outcomes. Human trials only.
CGrade CTaste disorders and anaemia during chemotherapyCancer careFewer taste problemsRCT
n 98 · 2023
Mixed Taste disorders were less frequent with AHCC (risk difference 28.6%, 95% CI 7.5% to 47.8%) and nutrition markers improved; grade 2-3 anaemia did not differ (-3.1%).
- Design
- RCT, n = 98, 2023
- Population
- 98 patients with pancreatic cancer on chemotherapy in Japan (55 AHCC, 43 placebo)
- Form
- AHCC
- Dose
- Dose not stated in the abstract
- Duration
- During chemotherapy
- Source
- Reference 4 · PubMed 35950537 (opens PubMed)
CGrade CClearance of persistent high-risk HPVHPV63.6% vs 10.5% clearedRCT
n 50 · 2022
Improved 14 of 22 (63.6%) on AHCC were HPV RNA/DNA negative after 6 months, and 64.3% of them stayed negative 6 months later; 2 of 19 (10.5%) on placebo were negative at 12 months.
- Design
- RCT, n = 50, 2022
- Population
- 50 women over 30 with high-risk HPV for more than 2 years; 41 completed
- Form
- AHCC (standardised extract of cultured shiitake mycelia)
- Dose
- 3 g once daily on an empty stomach
- Duration
- 6 months, then 6 months off
- Source
- Reference 3 · PubMed 35814366 (opens PubMed)
DGrade DWart recurrence after cauterisation of genital wartsHPVSmaller recurrences onlyObservational
n 133 · 2025
Mixed Among patients whose warts returned, AHCC users had fewer (p = 0.019) and smaller (p = 0.042) warts; the authors say AHCC is not expected to stop recurrence in all patients.
- Design
- Observational, n = 133, 2025
- Population
- 133 patients treated for genital warts (condyloma acuminata), reviewed retrospectively
- Form
- AHCC vs no AHCC
- Dose
- Dose not stated in the abstract
- Duration
- Follow-up every 3 months
- Source
- Reference 9 · PubMed 40282913 (opens PubMed)
DGrade DChemotherapy side effects in pancreatic cancer (non-randomised)Cancer careTaste disorder 17% vs 56%Open-label trial
n 75 · 2016
Improved Taste disorder was less frequent with AHCC (17% vs 56%, P = 0.0007); CRP rise and albumin fall were smaller, and grade 3 of the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score was less frequent (14% vs 53%).
- Design
- Open-label trial, n = 75, 2016
- Population
- 75 patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer starting gemcitabine in Japan (35 AHCC, 40 no AHCC), not randomised
- Form
- AHCC
- Dose
- 6.0 g a day
- Duration
- 2 months
- Source
- Reference 11 · PubMed 26847832 (opens PubMed)
DGrade DLiver enzymes in alcohol-related mild elevationLiver enzymesLarger ALT fall, levels similarRCT
n 62 · 2014
Mixed The percentage fall in ALT was larger with AHCC than placebo (p = 0.04) and TNF-alpha and IL-1beta fell; liver enzyme levels at 12 weeks did not differ between groups (full text). No adverse events in either AHCC group.
- Design
- RCT, n = 62, 2014
- Population
- 69 Korean adults with mildly raised liver enzymes linked to alcohol; 62 completed
- Form
- AHCC capsules
- Dose
- 1 g or 3 g a day
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Source
- Reference 10 · PubMed 25744424 (opens PubMed)
DGrade DImmune cells during an antibiotic courseImmune markersNo difference between groupsRCT
n 40 · 2019
No effect T-cell cytokines did not differ between groups; only the AHCC plus BB536 combination shifted dendritic cells toward myeloid types vs baseline (80% vs 61%, p = 0.006).
- Design
- RCT, n = 40, 2019
- Population
- 40 healthy men, 10 per arm (placebo, probiotic BB536, AHCC, or both), given azithromycin from day 7
- Form
- AHCC alone or with Bifidobacterium longum BB536
- Dose
- Dose not stated in the abstract
- Duration
- 12 days
- Source
- Reference 13 · PubMed 31618905 (opens PubMed)
DGrade DImmune markers through early winterImmune markersMarkers held steadyRCT
n 34 · 2015
Improved NK cell activity rose in both groups; NK cell numbers held steady on AHCC but fell on placebo, and an immune vigor score was maintained.
- Design
- RCT, n = 34, 2015
- Population
- Thirty-four healthy subjects in Japan
- Form
- AHCC
- Dose
- 1.0 g a day
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Source
- Reference 7 · PubMed 25376719 (opens PubMed)
DGrade DAntibody response to flu vaccineVaccine responseBetter influenza B titresRCT
n 30 · 2013
Improved Protective antibody titres to influenza B improved with AHCC but not significantly in controls; CD8 T cells rose (P < .05).
- Design
- RCT, n = 30, 2013
- Population
- 30 healthy adults
- Form
- AHCC started right after vaccination
- Dose
- 3 g a day
- Duration
- 3 weeks
- Source
- Reference 6 · PubMed 23351405 (opens PubMed)
DGrade DLiver cancer recurrence after surgery (single arm)Cancer careNo control groupOpen-label trial
n 29 · 2022
Mixed 2-year recurrence-free survival was 48% in those who did not stop and 55.2% in all treated; no toxicity or adverse events were seen. With no control group, the effect on recurrence cannot be judged.
- Design
- Open-label trial, n = 29, 2022
- Population
- 29 patients after curative surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (BCLC stage A or B); 25 followed without stopping
- Form
- AHCC
- Dose
- 1 g three times a day (3 g a day)
- Duration
- 2 years
- Source
- Reference 12 · PubMed 35075934 (opens PubMed)
DGrade DDendritic cells in healthy volunteersImmune markersMore dendritic cellsRCT
n 21 · 2008
Improved Total dendritic cells and the mixed-leukocyte reaction rose vs controls; NK cell activity, T-cell response and cytokines did not differ.
- Design
- RCT, n = 21, 2008
- Population
- Twenty-one healthy volunteers
- Form
- AHCC
- Dose
- 3.0 g a day
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Source
- Reference 5 · PubMed 18791928 (opens PubMed)
DGrade DHPV clearance in two pilot studiesHPVAbout half clearedOpen-label trial
n 20 · 2019
Improved 4 of 6 (66.7%) cleared HPV after 3-6 months of 3 g, and 4 of 9 (44%) after 7 months of 1 g.
- Design
- Open-label trial, n = 20, 2019
- Population
- Two pilot studies of 10 women each with persistent high-risk HPV
- Form
- AHCC
- Dose
- 3 g or 1 g a day
- Duration
- Up to 8 months
- Source
- Reference 8 · PubMed 30949451 (opens PubMed)
Lab studies: drug metabolism
1 noteCell work, not tested in people; not an interaction finding.
- CYP2D6 (human liver cells)
- In lab enzyme tests AHCC did not inhibit CYP3A4, 2C8, 2C9 or 2D6 but was a CYP2D6 substrate, and in human liver cells it induced CYP2D6; the authors raise possible interactions with CYP2D6 drugs such as doxorubicin and ondansetron. No human study has tested this.14
What the numbers add up to
Each point is worked out from the data and the sources numbered on this page, with the arithmetic shown under it. It adds no new data and is not medical advice.
HPV is where the data are strongest
Immune markers are not infections
Studied doses
Doses used in research, shown against the official limits. They describe the studies, not a recommendation for you.
Studied doses in research, not advice. These are amounts used in research, not personal advice. Your clinician or pharmacist can say what fits you.
Doses studied in human trials
When trials measured an effect
2 outcomes| Outcome | Measured at | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| HPV clearance | 3 to 6 months in the pilots; tested at 6 months in the phase II trial | HPV RNA/DNA tests in women with persistent high-risk HPV83 |
| Immune markers | 3 to 4 weeks | Dendritic cells at 4 weeks and influenza B antibodies at 3 weeks in healthy adults56 |
Interactions and safety
Published interactions only: each row cites a source. No row means none was found in our sources, not that a combination is safe.
What AHCC meets
1 cited rowMedicines 1
Supplements and foods 0
No supplement rows in our sources.
- Drug label or FDA notice
Choose a medicine or supplement above to read its cited rows here.
Also cited:
Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
Drug labelDrug label or FDA notice
Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Health Canada's mushroom monograph directs people taking blood thinners to ask a health care practitioner before using shiitake (Lentinula edodes) products, including those made from cultured mycelium.
Source 1, Health Canada, Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (2025)
Interactions
1 agent| Agent | What the source says | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Medicines1 | ||
| Blood thinners (anticoagulants) | Health Canada's mushroom monograph directs people taking blood thinners to ask a health care practitioner before using shiitake (Lentinula edodes) products, including those made from cultured mycelium.1 | Drug label |
Check with what you take
Kept on this device onlyAdd what you take. We list every interaction our evidence profiles cite between AHCC and your picks, and between your picks.
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Add a supplement or medicine you take to check it against AHCC.
Starting from one medicine? The interaction checker rates how serious each pair is, on a curated list of 19 entries for 11 medicines. This cabinet has no severity rating: it lists every interaction row our supplement pages cite.
Who should be careful
4 groups- Blood thinners
- Health Canada: ask a health care practitioner before use if you are taking blood thinners.1
- Mushroom allergy
- Health Canada: stop use if hypersensitivity or allergy occurs.1
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding and children
- No AHCC trial enrolled pregnant or breastfeeding women or children, and LactMed has no AHCC entry. NCCIH notes that many dietary supplements have not been tested in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children.2
How to read the label
What to check on the Supplement Facts panel.
How to read the label
1 checksWhere to buy AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound)
Products from brands we partner with that contain AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound). Check the amount per serving against the doses studied above, and the label for other ingredients.
AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) products from partner brands
1 product Paid links · we earn a commission- Quick pickHerbsProSource Naturals AHCC, 500 mg, 60 Veg Caps
2 capsules: 1 g AHCC proprietary blend (mushroom mycelia extract, candelilla wax, cyclodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose); label says contains gluten
$94.85one-timeChecked Oct 15, 2026
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common questions; the numbers link to the sources below.
Common questions
6 answersDoes AHCC clear HPV?
In a 50-woman placebo-controlled trial, 63.6% of those completing 6 months of AHCC tested HPV-negative vs 10.5% on placebo; it has not been confirmed in a larger trial.3
Does AHCC help during chemotherapy?
In 98 people with pancreatic cancer it reduced taste disorders and improved nutrition markers, but did not reduce anaemia.4
Does AHCC boost immunity in healthy people?
Is AHCC safe?
Is AHCC safe for the liver?
Sources
14 sources: trial abstracts, NIH fact sheets and reference databases. Numbers in the text link here.
Sources cited on this page
14 sources- 1Mushrooms (Natural Health Product monograph, October 31, 2025)Guideline Health Canada, Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate, 2025 · webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca
- 2Using Dietary Supplements WiselyFact sheet National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), 2019 · nccih.nih.gov
- 3AHCC(®) Supplementation to Support Immune Function to Clear Persistent Human Papillomavirus Infections.RCT Front Oncol, 2022 · PMID 35814366
- 4Efficacy of Lentinula edodes Mycelia Extract on Chemotherapy-Related Tasted Disorders in Pancreatic Cancer Patients.RCT Nutr Cancer, 2023 · PMID 35950537
- 5Immunological effect of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) in healthy volunteers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.RCT Nutr Cancer, 2008 · PMID 18791928
- 6Short-term supplementation with active hexose correlated compound improves the antibody response to influenza B vaccine.RCT Nutr Res, 2013 · PMID 23351405
- 7Effects of active hexose correlated compound on the seasonal variations of immune competence in healthy subjects.RCT J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med, 2015 · PMID 25376719
- 8From Bench to Bedside: Evaluation of AHCC Supplementation to Modulate the Host Immunity to Clear High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections.Open-label trial Front Oncol, 2019 · PMID 30949451
- 9Evaluation of the Efficacy of Active Hexose Correlated Compound as an Adjuvant in Reducing Recurrence After Condyloma Cauterization.Observational Medicina (Kaunas), 2025 · PMID 40282913
- 10Effect of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) in alcohol-induced liver enzyme elevation.RCT J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 2014 · PMID 25744424
- 11Alleviating Effect of Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) on Chemotherapy-Related Adverse Events in Patients with Unresectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.Open-label trial Nutr Cancer, 2016 · PMID 26847832
- 12Preventing Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Hepatectomy With Active Hexose-correlated Compound Derived From Lentinula edodes Mycelia.Open-label trial Integr Cancer Ther, 2022 · PMID 35075934
- 13Modulation of T Regulatory and Dendritic Cell Phenotypes Following Ingestion of Bifidobacterium longum, AHCC(®) and Azithromycin in Healthy Individuals.RCT Nutrients, 2019 · PMID 31618905
- 14Evaluation of active hexose correlated compound hepatic metabolism and potential for drug interactions with chemotherapy agents.Lab study J Soc Integr Oncol, 2008 · PMID 19087767
What changed
Every dated change to this page: what changed, who made it and why.
Change log
2 entries| Date | Change | Who and why |
|---|---|---|
| evidence, studied doses, interactions, who should avoid, FAQ, questions | Added four graded rows: a 62-person RCT of liver enzymes in alcohol-related elevation, a 75-patient non-randomised chemotherapy side-effect study, a 29-patient single-arm study after liver cancer surgery and a 40-person RCT during antibiotics. Studied doses now run to 6 g a day and 2 years. Added a lab note on CYP2D6 from a human liver-cell study (in the research notes, not the interaction table: not tested in people), a liver note (LiverTox has no AHCC or shiitake entry; LactMed has none either), a pregnancy note stating no trial data and no LactMed entry, time-to-effect rows, a liver FAQ item, page questions and a link to the immune goal hub. PubMed searched for AHCC meta-analyses and RCTs through 2026: none newer than the 2025 condyloma study; the 2022 pancreatic cancer survival RCT is a protocol only. | Writer: Kymata Health EditorialTrigger: A–Z audit against docs/supplements/AUDIT-STANDARD.md |
| all | Initial editorial evidence review. Every PMID checked against NCBI E-utilities esummary (title, year, journal; none retracted) and each cited abstract read; numbers taken from the abstracts (full text used only where noted for participant counts or funding). Funding: the HPV phase II trial was funded by an NIH-NCI small grant and its lead author earlier received Amino Up research grants (full text); the 2015 study's authors are affiliated with Amino Up Chemical; the NCI grant is listed for the HPV pilots; the condyloma study's authors declare no conflicts; other abstracts name no funder (disclosed as not stated). Safety from Health Canada's Mushrooms monograph (October 31, 2025; covers Lentinula edodes cultured mycelium; blood-thinner and allergy statements as on our shiitake page) and NCCIH's general guidance. Where to buy: Source Naturals AHCC 500 mg (label checked 2026-10-15). | Writer: Kymata Health EditorialTrigger: new page |
Supplement & Nutrient Encyclopedia. Educational information only; it is not medical advice and does not replace a clinician. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Statements about supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA.