Japanese mushroom may help prevent HPV-related cancers, study finds

01 Jul 2022 --- Consuming 3 g of AHCC, an extract from the Japanese shiitake mushroom may clear human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a study by the University of Texas has revealed.

The research notes that most people’s immune systems can clear an HPV infection naturally within two years. But for those whose HPV persists, this discovery could go a long way.

“Our results showed that AHCC supplementation helped most patients in the AHCC arm of the trial become HPV-negative, therefore decreasing the long-term risk of HPV-related cancers,” says Dr. Judith A. Smith, lead researcher, department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, McGovern Medical School, at the University of Texas.

The study says the importance of its findings cannot be overstated as HPV affects over 80% of sexually active adults and is the most common sexually-transmitted infection in the US, noting that AHCC was able to do this with no detectable side effects. 

This discovery could go a long way for those suffering from persistent HPV.The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study included 41 women over 30 years of age who had been diagnosed with persistent HPV for over two years. 

The researchers split the pparticipants into two groups, where one was given a placebo for 12 months. Meanwhile, the other was given three grams of AHCC for the first six months and the placebo for the last six months. 

Exciting results
The researchers found that almost two-thirds of the participants given the AHCC became HPV-negative, significantly reducing their chances of developing HPV-related cancers. AHCC is extracted from the cell walls of the mushroom’s mycelia or roots. 

The AHCC Research Association notes that AHCC is also one of the most researched “immune-modulating compounds” in the world, citing 20 human clinical trials and over 50 published medical papers.

“Importantly, through multiple studies, we have shown that the AHCC supplement is safe and readily available, so patients can ask their clinicians about using it to support their immune system in clearing persistent HPV infections.”This announcement comes on a wave of interest in the properties of mushrooms, designated the “shroom boom.”

Magical mushrooms
The study follows a slew of research into the healing properties of mushrooms and an increasing range of products tapping into the space. Recent launches include a new capsule aimed at clearing brain fog and boosting immunity and a cola-flavored gummy geared toward brain health. There is even a push to move psychedelic mushrooms to the mainstream by including them in the supplement industry. 

Moreover, a factory was recently opened in India to help keep up with what industry leaders are calling the “shroom boom.” Adding the ability to clear HPV and prevent its related cancers can only heighten mushrooms’ growing popularity.

The study concludes with the reminder that vaccination is still the most effective way to prevent the spread of HPV; it cautions that “a person could contract an infection early in life but not have it manifest until years later, long after they’ve been in a monogamous relationship with an HPV-free partner.” 

Edited by William Bradford Nichols