Lentinula Edodes Mycelia Extract
Also known as: Shiitake mushroom mycelia extract, AHCC®, Active Hexose Correlated Compound, L.E.M. extract, Lentinula edodes mycelia extract
Overview
Lentinula edodes mycelia extract is derived from the cultured mycelium of the shiitake mushroom, typically through hot water extraction. It is rich in bioactive compounds, including acetylated α-1,4-glucans and adenosine. Primarily utilized as an adjunctive supplement, it aims to enhance immune function, improve quality of life in cancer patients, and offer hepatoprotective benefits. Research indicates its potential in mitigating chemotherapy side effects. The scientific evidence base includes multiple randomized controlled trials and mechanistic studies, though comprehensive systematic reviews are still emerging. It is classified as a functional food supplement with immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective properties.
Benefits
Lentinula edodes mycelia extract offers several evidence-based benefits. It acts as an immunomodulator and cancer adjunct, with a large randomized controlled trial (RCT) showing that AHCC supplementation significantly improved recurrence-free survival (HR 0.639) and overall survival (HR 0.421) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients post-surgery by enhancing natural killer (NK) cell activity. It also helps mitigate chemotherapy side effects; a double-blind placebo-controlled study in colorectal cancer patients found that L.E.M. extract prevented oxaliplatin-induced taste disorders and peripheral neuropathy, maintaining quality of life. Furthermore, experimental models suggest hepatoprotective effects by suppressing inflammatory mediators and nitric oxide production in liver injury. The extract also exhibits antimutagenic and antitumor properties, inhibiting breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro and demonstrating antigenotoxic effects in vivo, likely due to its polysaccharide content.
How it works
The primary mechanisms of action for Lentinula edodes mycelia extract involve its acetylated α-1,4-glucans and adenosine components. These compounds inhibit NF-κB activation, which in turn reduces inflammatory cytokine signaling and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, thereby modulating inflammation and oxidative stress, particularly in the liver. The extract significantly enhances natural killer (NK) cell activity and modulates broader immune responses, contributing to its observed antitumor effects and improved immune surveillance. Its polysaccharides function as biological response modifiers, stimulating both innate and adaptive immunity. While detailed pharmacokinetics are still under investigation, the water extraction process supports oral bioavailability of its soluble polysaccharides.
Side effects
Lentinula edodes mycelia extract, including its standardized form AHCC, is generally well tolerated with a strong safety record in clinical trials. Reported side effects are rare and typically mild, primarily involving occasional gastrointestinal discomfort. There have been no documented instances of significant hepatotoxicity or immunotoxicity; conversely, hepatoprotective effects have been observed. While no major drug interactions have been definitively documented, caution is advised when combining the extract with immunosuppressants or certain chemotherapy agents until more comprehensive data are available. Due to its immunomodulatory effects, individuals with specific immune-related conditions should exercise caution. Contraindications are not extensively defined, but its impact on the immune system warrants consideration in such cases.
Dosage
Clinical trials have utilized Lentinula edodes mycelia extract, particularly standardized forms like AHCC, at daily doses ranging from 1 to 3 grams. For immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects, a minimum effective dose appears to be around 1 gram daily. In cancer adjunct studies, doses of 3 grams daily have been used and were well tolerated. The optimal dosage may vary depending on the specific indication. Administration is typically oral and daily, often timed alongside chemotherapy or post-surgery. Standardized water extracts are preferred for consistency in bioactivity. While no specific cofactors are required, absorption may be enhanced when taken with food. Upper limits and safety thresholds are generally high given its good tolerability.
FAQs
Is it safe during chemotherapy?
Yes, studies indicate it is safe and may help reduce chemotherapy side effects like taste disorders and neuropathy, improving patient quality of life.
How soon do benefits appear?
Immune effects and improvements in quality of life have been observed within weeks to months of consistent supplementation, depending on the individual and condition.
Does it cure cancer?
No, it is an adjunctive supplement that may improve immune function and survival outcomes, but it is not a standalone cancer treatment.
Can it cause allergic reactions?
Allergic reactions are rare but possible, particularly in individuals who are sensitive or allergic to mushrooms.
Research Sources
- https://cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/35/NCT07118735/Prot_000.pdf – This document outlines the protocol for a Phase 2 randomized controlled trial investigating AHCC in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. It details the study design, objectives, and methodology, aiming to assess the efficacy of AHCC in improving recurrence-free and overall survival post-surgery, with a focus on its immunomodulatory effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12376294/ – This article describes a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on L.E.M. extract's role in mitigating oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy and taste disorders in colorectal cancer patients. It concludes that L.E.M. extract safely improved quality of life by preventing these common chemotherapy side effects, highlighting its potential as a supportive therapy.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10820669/ – This preclinical study investigates the hepatoprotective effects of AHCC in liver injury models. It demonstrates that AHCC inhibits NF-κB activation and reduces inflammatory mediators, thereby protecting the liver from ischemia-reperfusion injury and supporting regeneration, providing mechanistic insight into its liver-protective properties.
- https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=47339 – This review summarizes the pharmacological effects of Lentinula edodes compounds, including their antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antigenotoxic properties. It synthesizes existing research on how various components of the mushroom extract contribute to these health benefits, offering a broad overview of its therapeutic potential.