Evidence supporting the use of: AHCC
For the body system: Lymphatics
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is a standardized extract derived from the mycelia of shiitake and related mushrooms. Its primary mechanism of action appears to be immunomodulation, with several studies demonstrating increased activity of natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and dendritic cells in both animal models and some human trials. The lymphatic system, while not directly studied in most AHCC research, plays a central role in immune cell trafficking and function. Thus, AHCC is sometimes promoted for lymphatic support based on its effects on immune parameters.
However, direct scientific evidence for AHCC's effects specifically on the lymphatic system (e.g., lymph flow, lymph node health) is limited. Most research focuses on immune enhancement, particularly in the context of cancer, viral infections, and general immune status. A few small clinical studies and in vitro data suggest AHCC may enhance immune surveillance, which could indirectly support lymphatic function as part of the broader immune system.
In summary, while there is modest scientific evidence that AHCC can modulate immune responses relevant to the lymphatic system, direct evidence for its efficacy in supporting the lymphatic body system is lacking. Thus, a moderate evidence rating is appropriate, with the caveat that most findings pertain to the immune system broadly rather than the lymphatic system specifically.
Other ingredients that support Lymphatics
AescinAHCC
Ajuga
Alfalfa
Alkylglycerols
Andrographis
Asteraceae
astragalus
bayberry
bee products
berry
bindweed
bittersweet
black-eyed Susan
blackberry
blue flag
boneset
Brassica
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
Calendula
castor oil
cat's claw
Ceanothus integerrimus
chamomile
chaparral
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Citrus
citrus pectin
cleavers
Codonopsis
coriolus mushroom
coumarin
cowslip
cruciferous
culvers Root
cypress
cytokines
dandelion
deerbrush
dyer’s woad root
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
elecampane
escin
figwort
fruit
fruit blend (proprietary)
Galium
ganoderma
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
gotu kola
green tea
heal-all
Herb Robert
herbal blend (proprietary)
horse chestnut
Immortelle
Indian sarsparilla
jiaogulan
joe-pye
Kachnar
Laminaria
lemon
Lentinan
licorice root
Ligustrum
lingzhi
lobelia
Lomatium
maitake mushroom
marigold
Marshmallow
Monoterpenes
Mullein
Neem tree
Nettle
New Jersey Tea
noni
Ocotillo
onion
oregon grape
parsley
pau d'arco
Pluchea
Pokeweed
Polyporus
polysaccharides
punarnava
Queen's Delight
red clover
red root
reishi mushroom
rockweed
rosemary
Rubia cordifolia
Rubus
Ruscogenins
Ruscus
Sanicle
sarsaparilla
scrophularia root
Self-Heal
serratiopeptidase
sheep's sorrel
Spanish Needle
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
Stillingia
Sulfated polysaccharide
Sweet Clover
Taraxacum
Tayuya
Tea
Terpenoids
Thymus
Triterpenes
turmeric
typhonium
Typhonium flagelliforme
Watercress
Watermelon
Witch Hazel
Yarrow
Yellow Dock
Other body systems supported by AHCC
Female Reproductive SystemGastrointestinal Tract
Hepatic System
Immune System
Intestinal System
Lymphatics
