*[[beta glucan]]
* [[alpha glucan]]
* [[Shiitake]]
AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) is a natural substance extracted from certain species of basidiomycetes (a class of mushrooms that includes [[shiitake]]). Polysaccharides comprise 40% of the composition of AHCC. These include [[beta glucan]] (β-glucan) and acetylated α-glucan. Acetylated α-glucan, produced by culturing the mushroom mycelia, is unique to AHCC. Glucans are polysaccharides and these polysaccharides are known to have immune stimulating effects While research on AHCC's health effects is fairly limited, proponents claim that taking AHCC can produce a variety of health benefits.
==Special Precautions of AHCC==
*AHCC may affect the risk of bleeding when taken with agents that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).
*Use cautiously in patients with autoimmune diseases or those who are using drugs that affect the immune system. Also use cautiously in patients with skin disorders, muscle or joint disorders, or fever.
*AHCC may interfere with agents metabolized by the CYP450 2D6 enzyme system.
==The benefits of AHCC are==