Sarah Brown
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to treat various diseases. HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical cancer and other cancers. While there is currently no effective medicine or supplement to treat HPV, medicinal mushrooms and mushroom extracts like AHCC have shown promising results in combating HPV and boosting the immune system. AHCC is a Japanese mushroom extract made from shiitake mushrooms that has been clinically proven to help clear HPV infections. Other medicinal mushrooms such as Coriolus versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum have also been studied for their potential benefits in treating HPV and associated cancers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal mushrooms that may help with HPV | Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes (Shiitake), Cordyceps militaris, Laetiporus sulphureus, AHCC |
| AHCC full name | Active hexose correlated compound |
| AHCC composition | α-glucan components |
| AHCC source mushroom | Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) |
| AHCC source mushroom native region | Asia |
| AHCC effectiveness in clearing HPV infections | 58% effective in a Phase II study, 63.6% effective in another study |
| AHCC effectiveness in eradicating HPV | Confirmed in 3 out of 10 patients in a pilot clinical trial |
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What You'll Learn
Shiitake mushrooms and HPV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection that affects 60% to 80% of women and men at some point in their lives. While the infection usually produces no symptoms and often goes undetected, it can sometimes lead to abnormal cells developing on the cervix, which may progress into cervical cancer.
HPV infections can be challenging to clear, and current treatment options are often invasive or localised, leaving individuals vulnerable to recurrence or infection in other areas of the body. However, a promising development in the fight against HPV is the use of AHCC supplementation, a proprietary extract of cultured lentinula edodes mycelia derived from the shiitake mushroom.
AHCC has been clinically proven to support immune function and aid in clearing persistent HPV infections. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 50 women over 30 years of age with persistent high-risk HPV infections were given either a daily placebo or 3 grams of AHCC supplementation for 6 months followed by 6 months of placebo. The results showed that 14 out of 22 patients (63.6%) in the AHCC arm were HPV RNA/HPV DNA negative after 6 months, with 9 of these patients (64.3%) achieving a durable response, even after discontinuing supplementation.
The shiitake mushroom extract's effectiveness is attributed to its rich content of alpha-glucans and other immune-modulating polysaccharides, which enhance the activation of T cells and increase natural killer cell activity. This immunomodulation is key to clearing HPV infections and reducing the long-term risk of associated cancers.
While the findings are encouraging, it is important to note that AHCC supplementation is not a substitute for established medical protocols, such as cervical screening and vaccination. However, it offers hope for individuals with persistent HPV infections, providing a potential tool to prevent the progression of the infection to cancer.
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AHCC supplement and HPV eradication
AHCC (short for Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a natural supplement derived from a specific subspecies of shiitake mushrooms. It has been used for decades in Japan and has been shown to have unique immune-boosting benefits.
AHCC has been studied for its potential to treat various conditions, including cancer, liver disease, and HPV infections. While it is not intended to replace standard HPV treatment, research suggests that it may play a role in supporting the immune system to clear persistent HPV infections and prevent the development of HPV-related cancers.
One Phase II clinical trial found that 63.6% of participants taking 3 grams of AHCC daily for six months tested negative for HPV RNA/HPV DNA after treatment, with 64.3% achieving a durable response, remaining HPV-negative six months after discontinuing supplementation. Another smaller study of 41 females with persistent high-risk HPV infections showed that daily AHCC supplementation for at least six months effectively treated nearly 60% of participants, compared to only 10% in the placebo group.
Additionally, a preclinical study presented by Associate Professor Judith A. Smith at the University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School in 2014 suggested that AHCC can eliminate HPV infections in vivo and in vitro. The study found that treating cervical cancer cells with AHCC led to the eradication of HPV and a decrease in tumor growth rates.
While these findings are encouraging, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of AHCC supplementation for HPV eradication. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as they can provide individualized recommendations and ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your specific needs.
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Coriolus versicolor extract and HPV clearance
Coriolus versicolor, also known as turkey tail mushroom, is a mushroom of the Basidiomycetes class. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic and has been studied for its potential benefits in cancer treatment. Polysaccharide-K (PSK), a proprietary product derived from Coriolus, was developed for cancer treatment in Japan. Other Coriolus extracts, such as polysaccharide-peptide (PSP) and VPS, are available as dietary supplements with potential immunostimulant and antitumor properties.
While the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Coriolus extracts as additional cancer treatments, research has explored their potential benefits in cancer management. One area of interest is the use of Coriolus versicolor in human papillomavirus (HPV) management, specifically in treating HPV-dependent cervical lesions.
Several studies have investigated the therapeutic efficacy of a Coriolus versicolor-based vaginal gel in treating cervical uterine high-risk HPV infections. These studies have found that the vaginal gel can help repair low-grade cervical lesions and enhance HPV clearance. One such study is the PALOMA study, which evaluated the efficacy of Papilocare®, a Coriolus-versicolor-based vaginal gel, in women with HPV-dependent cervical lesions. The results showed that Papilocare® treatment led to the repair of cervical lesions and clearance of HPV, with good tolerability, adherence, and satisfaction rates.
Another study, the Papilobs Real-Life Prospective Study, evaluated the effect of a multi-ingredient Coriolus-versicolor-based vaginal gel in women with HPV-dependent cervical lesions. The results showed that 77.1% of participants repaired their cervical lesions, and 71.6% achieved HPV clearance throughout the study. The vaginal gel was well-tolerated, with only three mild-to-moderate product-related adverse events reported, all of which were resolved by the end of the study.
In summary, Coriolus versicolor extract, in the form of a vaginal gel, has shown promising results in repairing cervical lesions and clearing HPV in women with HPV-dependent cervical lesions. However, further multicenter prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and fully understand the role of Coriolus versicolor extract in HPV clearance.
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Ganoderma lucidum and HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the major causative agents for cervical cancer. Mushrooms of the genus Ganoderma have long been used traditionally as an immunomodulating and antitumor agent, with recent studies validating their use in chemotherapeutics.
Ganoderma lucidum, also known as Lingzhi or Reishi, is a medicinal mushroom that has been studied for its effects on HPV. In a preliminary clinical trial, the efficacy of G. lucidum, in combination with Trametes versicolor, was investigated for the clearance of oral HPV (serotypes 16 and 18). The study included 41 patients who underwent oral swabs for gingivitis, and among them, 61 were positive for HPV16 or HPV18. The patients were treated with Trametes versicolor and G. lucidum for 2 months, and the results showed an 88% clearance rate, indicating the potential effectiveness of this combination in treating oral HPV.
In another study, the aqueous extracts of G. lucidum from China and Mexico were examined for their effects on cervical cells transformed by HPV. The extracts demonstrated inhibitory activity on the transformed cells, suggesting their potential in combating cervical cancer caused by HPV.
Additionally, G. lucidum has been found to have antiviral effects against HPV. In a clinical trial, the fruit body powder of G. lucidum exhibited HPV-inhibiting activity. This indicates that G. lucidum may be a promising natural medicine for treating HPV infections and preventing the development of associated cancers.
The antitumor properties of G. lucidum are attributed to its polysaccharides and triterpenes, which activate the host immune system to mount an effective antitumor response. The mushroom's ability to induce the expression of immunomodulatory cytokines further contributes to its therapeutic potential. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully understand the mechanisms and efficacy of G. lucidum in the treatment and prevention of HPV and related cancers.
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Medicinal mushrooms and HPV
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to prevent and treat various diseases. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, rectal, and oropharyngeal cancers. While there are vaccines available to prevent HPV infections, there are currently no effective treatments for the virus once it has been contracted.
However, recent studies have shown that certain medicinal mushrooms may be effective in treating HPV infections. One such mushroom is the shiitake mushroom, a Japanese mushroom native to Asia. An extract from this mushroom, called AHCC (active hexose correlated compound), has been found to help clear HPV infections in some cases. In one study, five out of ten women who took AHCC orally once a day for up to six months tested negative for HPV after three months, and three of those women had completely eradicated the virus after stopping AHCC use. Another study found that 63.6% of participants taking 3g of AHCC daily for six months cleared persistent high-risk HPV infections. AHCC is available as a nutritional supplement and is known for its immune-boosting properties. It is important to note that AHCC is not interchangeable with other medicinal mushrooms, as it has been specifically developed and processed to maximize its immune-boosting capacity.
In addition to AHCC, other medicinal mushrooms have been found to have potential benefits in treating HPV infections. Coriolus versicolor, also known as turkey tail, is a mushroom that contains glycoproteins called polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharopeptide (PSP), which are effective in fighting against a variety of cancers. Studies have shown that Coriolus versicolor extract can improve cervical cytology abnormalities in patients who locally applied a Coriolus versicolor-based vaginal gel. When combined with another medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, it leads to improved HPV clearance in HPV cervical or oral-positive patients.
Furthermore, medicinal mushrooms have been found to increase the effectiveness of vaccinations, which could be beneficial in preventing HPV infections. While more research is needed, the potential of medicinal mushrooms in treating HPV infections and associated cancers is promising.
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Frequently asked questions
HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. It is the most commonly transmitted sexual infection in the US and is responsible for more than 99% of cervical cancer cases.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used as a therapeutic tool for many centuries and are now used in the prevention and therapy of various diseases, including as an adjunct to cancer treatment.
Medicinal mushrooms have immune-boosting effects, which are particularly beneficial when dealing with viral infections such as HPV. They also reduce inflammation and activate the defence cells in the body.
AHCC, a mushroom extract native to Asia, has been clinically proven to help clear HPV. Coriolus versicolor, also known as Trametes versicolor or turkey tail, is another mushroom that has shown effectiveness in fighting HPV. Shiitake mushrooms are also known to have immune-boosting effects and are the most well-known ingredient of AHCC.
Medicinal mushrooms can be taken as nutritional supplements or applied locally as a vaginal gel.
