Shiitake Mushroom Extract Shows Potential for Preventing Liver Fibrosis

A study conducted by the Graduate School of Medicine at Osaka Metropolitan University has explored the potential of AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), an extract derived from the mycelia of the Lentinula edodes (shiitake) mushroom, in preventing liver fibrosis. The findings, published in the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, suggest that AHCC may inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells, slowing the progression of the disease. Liver fibrosis is a condition characterized by the accumulation of collagen and other fibrous tissues in the liver. This process occurs in response to chronic damage, often due to viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, or metabolic diseases. If left untreated, fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, an irreversible condition associated with serious complications, including liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, there are no effective medications to cure cirrhosis, making the prevention of liver fibrosis a priority in medical research. The research team, led by Associate Professor Hayato Urushima, administered AHCC to murine models, preclinical studies conducted on mice, to assess its impact on liver fibrosis. The shiitake extract exhibited an inhibitory effect on the activation of hepatic stellate cells through two distinct pathways: These findings indicate that AHCC could act as a modulator of the inflammatory response and the hepatic fibrotic process, with potential applications in preventing the progression of fibrosis. AHCC is already known for its immunomodulatory properties and is used as a supplement in some support protocols for cancer patients. However, its use in preventing liver fibrosis requires further investigation. "We aim to conduct clinical trials to confirm the efficacy of AHCC in patients with liver fibrosis and obtain more robust scientific evidence," said Professor Urushima. Clinical trials represent a crucial step in evaluating the safety and efficacy of AHCC in humans. If confirmed, these findings could offer a new strategy for managing liver fibrosis in the early stages of the disease. According to estimates, one in three or four people worldwide suffers from fatty liver disease, a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat in the liver. Fatty liver disease is considered a risk factor for fibrosis and, in some cases, can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an inflammatory condition that increases the risk of cirrhosis. Research on natural compounds like AHCC could offer a preventive option to counter the progression of liver fibrosis, particularly in the early stages of the disease. Identifying non-invasive and effective strategies to reduce the risk of progression is a priority for public health, given the growing impact of chronic liver diseases globally. The study conducted by Osaka Metropolitan University expands the understanding of potential alternative approaches to counter liver fibrosis. While further clinical studies are needed, the findings suggest that this shiitake mushroom extract could modulate inflammatory and fibrotic processes in the liver. If validated clinically, AHCC could complement existing strategies for managing liver fibrosis, contributing to the modulation of inflammatory and fibrotic processes in the liver. While research on pharmacological therapies for this condition is evolving, the integration of natural compounds like AHCC could expand intervention possibilities, especially in the early stages of the disease. Future research developments will determine the role of this extract in the prevention and management of chronic liver diseases.