Study Demonstrates AHCCs Effectiveness Against the West Nile Virus

PURCHASE, N.Y. -- A recently completed study from researchers at Colorado State University supported by the Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has demonstrated that AHCC(R) (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) enhances host resistance by boosting protective immune responses specific to the West Nile virus.

Since its discovery in the United States in 1999, infections caused by the West Nile Virus have become a major public health concern. West Nile virus is caused by people being bitten by mosquitoes infected with the virus. According to the CDC, there have been 28,018 reported cases with 1,092 deaths since 1999. In 2003, the highest number of cases was reported at nearly 10,000. Currently there is no effective treatment for the disease.

The West Nile Virus study utilizing AHCC examined its effect in both young and aged mice infected with a potent strain of West Nile virus. AHCC was administered both prior to and post infection at specific intervals. Blood was drawn and analyzed for key parameters such as IgM (Immunoglobulin M) and IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibody levels as well as West Nile virus-specific T cells. Increasing these responses helps the body protect itself from the virus.

Results from the study demonstrated that AHCC increased the production of West Nile virus-specific IgM, IgG and T cells in young mice. Producing higher levels of these critical antibodies and lymphocytes is essential in helping the immune system protect itself from infection. AHCC also had an effect in aged mice but it was not as strong as on young mice. This initial study suggests that AHCC enhances protective immune responses against West Nile virus infection in young and aged mice. Although additional studies are needed, these results are promising for individuals living with the disease as well as West Nile virus susceptible populations such as the elderly and those individuals with a weakened immune system.

"This study demonstrates how AHCC can provide benefits against the West Nile virus and further demonstrates its essential role for maintaining a healthy immune system," said Fred Pescatore, MD, MPH, of the Center for Integrative and Complementary Medicine, and medical director for the U.S. AHCC Research Association.

Completed findings of the study were presented at the International AHCC Symposium held in Sapporo, Japan. The study is currently being submitted for publication. Studies of significance presented at this year's symposium included a Yale School of Medicine clinical study demonstrating that AHCC enhances the immune system in healthy elderly subjects as well as a newly published study completed at Drexel University that reviewed the research on the effect of AHCC against a number of infectious agents such as the influenza (flu) virus.

AHCC has been the subject of over 80 research studies worldwide. Research has demonstrated that AHCC enhances the immune system proving beneficial for a number of diseases that include flu, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

AHCC is derived from the hybridization of several subspecies of    medicinal mushroom, cultivated in Japan and then produced from a specialized manufacturing process. AHCC is the leading immune-enhancing supplement in Japan and is utilized by more than 700 healthcare facilities worldwide as a standard preventive supplement for incoming patients to help reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections as well as supporting the body's fight against the formation of abnormal cells.*

AHCC is manufactured by Amino Up Chemical Company in Sapporo, Japan and is distributed in the United States by Maypro Industries. Maypro sells AHCC to a number of leading supplement companies including Quality of Life Laboratories, a subsidiary of Maypro.

The AHCC Research Association was founded in 1986 to promote further study. Each year since 1994, over 300 medical doctors and researchers have gathered in Sapporo, Japan for the AHCC Research Association Symposium to share and discuss the latest developments.

To learn more about AHCC, visit the AHCC Research Association.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or mitigate disease.

Source: AHCC Research Association