Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is the name used to indicate the polysaccharide extract obtained from the liquid culture of Shiitake mycelia.
The AHCC production process involves cultivating shiitake mycelia submerged in a liquid medium, where saccharolytic (cellulase and glucosidase) and proteolytic (protease) enzymes act to modify the mushroom's initial composition. After a fermentation phase and an extraction process that includes separation, concentration, and sterilization, the AHCC is obtained, which is immediately freeze-dried for perfect preservation.
Regarding its composition, we know that it contains a mixture of carbohydrates, amino acids, lipids, and minerals, and that its polysaccharide content is significantly higher than that of Shiitake or Sun Mushroom. AAHCC differs from other mushroom-derived food supplements because it only contains 2% beta-glucans, while alpha-glucans are abundant. In fact, one of the most important substances it contains is α-α-1,4-glucan, a compound partially acetylated by the enzymatic action to which the mycelia are subjected. The difference between the two is the type of bond that links their glucose molecules. Our bodies do not contain enzymes to digest beta-glucans, but they do secrete the enzyme alpha-amylase, which digests alpha-glucans. Furthermore, the latter have a low molecular density (5,000 Daltons) that favors their assimilation at the intestinal level much more effectively than other glucans, which would justify the systemic immunopotentiating action observed after being digested and absorbed.
Therefore, this low molecular density of alpha-glucan appears to be responsible for the product's improved absorption and its unique properties. AHCC stimulates the innate and adaptive immune response, helping to eradicate infections, especially viral ones.
