Evidence supporting the use of: AHCC
For the health condition: Colds (antiviral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a standardized extract derived from the mycelia of certain species of medicinal mushrooms. Its use as an immune support supplement, including for colds and other viral infections, is primarily supported by early scientific research rather than longstanding traditional use. Several preclinical and limited clinical studies have investigated AHCC's immunomodulatory and antiviral properties. For example, animal studies and in vitro research have shown that AHCC can enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, and cytokines—all components of the immune response relevant to fighting viral infections, including those causing the common cold. Some small human clinical trials have suggested that AHCC supplementation may enhance immune cell function and reduce the duration or severity of cold symptoms, but these studies are generally limited by small sample sizes and methodological weaknesses.
Overall, while there is a scientific rationale and preliminary evidence supporting the use of AHCC to help the immune system respond to viral infections like the cold, the body of evidence remains limited and not definitive. Larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials in humans are needed to confirm efficacy. Thus, the evidence rating is moderate but not strong, and its use for colds is not based on traditional medicine but rather on modern scientific investigation.
Other ingredients used for Colds (antiviral)
allspicealoe vera
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
waterhyssop
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
bilberry
bisabolol
black cumin
black currant
black garlic
blueberry
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
catechins
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactoferrin
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lemon
licorice root
luteolin
mastic gum
monolaurin
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin D
wasabia japonica
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
hyssop
papaya
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
commiphora
buckthorn
pau d'arco
morus
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
morinda
oriental arborvitae
zanthoxylum
fulvic acid
goji berry
indigo leaves
soursop
Ash
Agastache
Autumn elaeagnus
Alpha-terpineol
Apigenin
Allicin
Anamu
AHCC
Andrographolide
Amentoflavone
Asam gelugor
Acacetin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Atractylone
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bee hive
Basidiomycota
berry
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Caffeic Acid
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Curry leaf
Chinese Mountain Ant
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Coriolus mushroom
Carrageenan
Carvacrol
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cistus
Common madia
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Celosia
Chondrus
Deoxyandrographolides
David's Milkberry
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Flavonoids
Flavonones
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Sandalwood
Other health conditions supported by AHCC
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAutoimmune Disorders
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Colds (antiviral)
Epstein Barr Virus
Fatigue
Hepatitis
Herpes
Infection
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Liver Detoxification