Friday, November 24, 2006

AHCC - Immune System Enhancer Helps Fight Cancer

When it comes to cancer prevention and treatment, your bodys first defense is your best. A type of white blood cell called Natural Killer cells, may hold the key to the growth and spread of cancers. First discovered in the 1980s, cells are recognized as the immune systems front-line defense against cancer, viruses and other pathogens. In healthy individuals, Natural Killer cells routinely kill cancers while tumors are microscopic and before they are detectable.

Stimulating NK cell function and supporting the immune systems front-line defense has become one of the most promising avenues of cancer treatment and prevention. Since 1986, there have been 29 published scientific studies showing that the use of a proprietary natural compound called AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), can increase natural Killer cell cancer killing function by several hundred times. Made from a hybrid of mushrooms used in traditional Japanese medicine, AHCC also is sold in the U.S. under the brand name ImmPower.

Among the benefits of using AHCC, as experienced by a majority of cancer patients in several human clinical trials, is substantial improvement in the functioning of macrophages, another type of cytotoxic white blood cell that clears debris from cell damage, directly attacks disease causing cells, and displays antigens which stimulate antibody production by B-cell white blood cells. AHCC also helps increase the production of specific cytokines, immune system chemical messengers, that include:
Interferon, which directly inhibits the replication of viruses and other parasites and increases natural Killer cell activity.

Tumor Necrosis Factor, a group of proteins that help destroy cancer cells by triggering apoptosis.

There are many studies that show the benefits of AHCC Active Hexose Correlated Compound, but the most impressive is also the most recent, a study of patients with liver cancer presented. A treatment group consisting of 70 patients received 3 grams of AHCC per day; the balance were a matched control group that had surgery only. The object of the study was to see how AHCC would effect the over-all survival of patients with liver cancer and the pattern of reoccurrence.

How AHCC works?

AHCC is not battling cancer or a cancerous tumor directly. It is strengthening the immune system, so it can do what it is supposed to do - destroy cancer cells! This helps explain why the compound is effective for more than just liver cancer. A 1995 study published in the International Journal of Immunology showed that AHCCs beneficial effects are not cancer type specific. Three prostate, three ovarian, two multiple myeloma and three breast cancer patients had their tumor associated antigen markers measured before, during and after taking AHCC.

Most cancer patients use natural therapies to complement conventional anti-cancer therapies, so a study published in the journal Anti-Cancer Drugs showing how AHCC worked in combination with a widely used form of oral chemotherapy is particularly important. This study demonstrated that AHCC enhanced the beneficial effects of the chemotherapy, while reducing detrimental side effects. This studys findings showed that AHCC combined with UFT (an oral form of 5-FU). The Japanese have traditionally used natural compounds from mushrooms to support the immune system. The makers of AHCC, Amino-Up Chemical Company of Sapporo, Japan, have improved on tradition by creating a proprietary hybrid of Shiitake and other types of medicinal mushrooms with historically proven health benefits.

The safety of this new compound has been well established, both by itself and in combination with other therapies. In fact, AHCC is used in more than 700 hospitals worldwide in their treatment of cancer patients. There is even an AHCC research association that meets every year in Sapporo. This group records the details of hundreds of case histories and small studies that are reviewed and published annually. Even after years of use, this natural extract caused no toxicity, adverse reactions, or unwanted side effects. Furthermore, the effects of (AHCC) Active Hexose Correlated Compound dont appear to decline with extended use. Patients have been followed for up to 8 years, and after discontinuing use, the immune system doesnt crash from exhaustion or hyperstimulation.

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Homeherb offers Nutritional Supplements, Weight Loss, Vitamins, Health Care, Anti aging, Vision Care, Herbal Teas, Natrol, Twin Lab, Now Foods, St. John's Wort, American Ginseng, Black Cohosh, Sports at Homeherb.com
Added: 13 Jun 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/29355.html

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