ABSTRACT
Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) contains the components that have been assimilated from the culture medium by the various enzymes that are produced by basidiomycete mycelia using this property of the mycelia of basidiomycetes. It is manufactured through enzyme reaction, separation and concentration, sterilization, and freeze-drying. AHCC may improve the immune response of cancer patients. Studies have been conducted with AHCC investigating its ability to suppress excessive immunity and inflammation. There are a number of reports on the effectiveness of AHCC in experimental infection models. AHCC affects both natural and acquired immunity, and has been reported to be effective not only against fungi and bacteria, but also against viral infections. Nitric oxide (NO) is produced in bacterial and viral infections, indicating bactericidal and antiviral activity. However, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is induced along with liver inflammation, injuries, and cancer. This increases NO production and aggravates symptoms.
