AHCC^® Supplementation to Support Immune Function to Clear Persistent Human Papillomavirus Infections

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Virology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections pose a significant health challenge.
• Current management strategies for HPV infections are limited.
• Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is a nutritional supplement with known immune-modulatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and durability of AHCC supplementation in clearing high-risk HPV infections.
• To assess AHCC's impact on host immune markers.
• To determine the optimal duration of AHCC supplementation for sustained HPV clearance.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 50 women with persistent high-risk HPV infections.
• Participants received either 3g of AHCC daily for 6 months or a placebo for 12 months.
• Immune markers, including interferon-beta (IFN-β), were monitored every three months.

Main Results:

• 63.6% of patients receiving AHCC achieved HPV RNA/DNA negativity after 6 months, with 64.3% maintaining this response.
• A significant overall response rate of 58.8% for HPV clearance was observed in patients who received AHCC.
• Suppressed IFN-β levels (<20 pg/ml) correlated with increased T lymphocytes, IFN-γ, and durable HPV clearance.

Conclusions:

• AHCC supplementation is effective and well-tolerated for supporting the immune system in clearing persistent HPV infections.
• Further research is needed to optimize AHCC supplementation duration for durable outcomes.
• Monitoring IFN-β levels may serve as a clinical tool for assessing HPV infection clearance.