For many years, traditional medicine practiced in different regions of the world has considered that mushrooms may be good for health and disease. AHCC® is a standardized extract of cultured shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mycelia (ECLM), which contains a mixture of nutrients including oligosaccharides, amino acids, and minerals obtained through liquid culture. Natural killer (NK) cells are large granular lymphocytes that are considered to be the first line of defense against viral infections and possible malignancies by secreting cytokines and expressing cytotoxic molecules. T cells are a part of adaptive immunity, and they are very important in protecting the host from microorganisms and malignancy.

Researchers reviewed the in vivo and in vitro effects of AHCC® on NK and T cells in humans and animals in health and disease. It was found that AHCC® modulates the number and function of immune cells, including NK and T cells, which play an important role in host defense (as shown in the table below); furthermore, the effects of AHCC® on NK and T cells appear to have biological implications, as suggested by the results of clinical studies and in vivo animal studies on infections, inflammations, and tumors.

In conclusion, supplementation with AHCC® may defend the host against infections and malignancies by modulating the immune system.

Shin, M. S., Park, H. J., Maeda, T., Nishioka, H., Fujii, H., & Kang, I. (2019). The effects of AHCC®, a standardized extract of cultured lentinura edodes mycelia, on natural killer and T cells in health and disease: reviews on human and animal studies. Journal of immunology research, 2019. [Link]