Evidence supporting the use of: AHCC
For the body system: Female Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is a proprietary extract derived from the mycelia of shiitake mushrooms and other species of Basidiomycetes. Its use to support the female reproductive system, particularly for immune modulation related to persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, is based on emerging scientific evidence. Several clinical studies and pilot trials have investigated AHCC’s potential to enhance immune responses in women with persistent HPV infections, which are associated with the development of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.
One notable randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 2019 (Smith et al., Frontiers in Oncology) found that daily supplementation with AHCC for up to 6 months led to a significantly higher rate of HPV clearance compared to placebo. The proposed mechanism involves AHCC’s ability to modulate immune parameters, including increased interferon-gamma and natural killer cell activity, which may help the body clear HPV infections more effectively. Additional in vitro and animal studies support these immunomodulatory effects.
While these results are promising, the number of high-quality, large-scale clinical trials remains limited. AHCC is not traditionally used for female reproductive health—its application in this area is a recent development based on scientific investigation rather than historical or traditional use. Thus, the evidence base is moderate but growing, and more robust clinical trials are needed to fully establish efficacy and optimal dosing protocols in the context of female reproductive system health.
Other ingredients that support Female Reproductive System
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)amino acids
ashwagandha
basil
black cohosh
borage oil
broccoli
chaste tree
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
genistein
ginger
goldenseal
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
inositol
jujube
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
marine lipid
motherwort
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
raspberry
rose oil
saffron
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tribulus
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
squawvine
mugwort
anise
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
yarrow
dioscorea
dodder
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
shepherd's purse
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
8-Prenylnaringenin
Angelica
Anamu
AHCC
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Bugbane
Bethroot
Barbasco
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calochortus
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Cramp Bark
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chlorophytum
Casticin
Ceylon Leadwort
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Erythrina
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Folic Acid
False Unicorn Root
Isoflavones
jasmine
Pennyroyal
Rose
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other body systems supported by AHCC
Female Reproductive SystemGastrointestinal Tract
Hepatic System
Immune System
Intestinal System
Lymphatics