Japanese mushroom extract may be helpful in treating HPV

A new study has revealed that a Japanese mushroom extract may be helpful in treating human papillomavirus (HPV).

The study at The University of Texas Health Science Center found that out of ten HPV-positive women, who were treated orally with the extract AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) once daily for up to six months, five achieved a negative HPV test result, three with confirmed eradication after stopping AHCC and the remaining two responders continues on the study.

Currently, there is no effective medicine or supplement to treat HPV, which is associated with more than 99 percent of cervical cancer cases.

Principal investigator Judith A. Smith said that the results are very encouraging as they were able to determine that at least three months of treatment is necessary, but some need to extend that to six months.

Smith added that since AHCC, which is a readily available nutritional supplement that works to improve the innate immune system, is a nutritional supplement with no side effects and other immune modulating benefits, they will be planning on using six months of treatment in their phase II clinical study to have consistent study treatment plan.