For related articles and more information, please visit OCA’s Health Issues page.


Mushrooms contain incredibly effective all-natural immune boosters. Long-chain polysaccharides, particularly alpha- and beta-glucan molecules, are primarily responsible for the mushrooms’ beneficial effect on your immune system.

In one study, for example, eating one or two servings of dried shiitake mushrooms daily for 28 days was found to have a beneficial, modulating effect on immune system function.1

Now new research has also revealed that a shiitake mushroom extract may help to eliminate infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) – a finding that makes perfect sense, since a strong immune system is typically all that is needed to clear up an HPV infection.

Shiitake Mushroom Extract May Eliminate HPV Infection

The new study, which was presented at the 11th International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology, involved a shiitake mushroom extract known as active hexose correlated compound, or AHCC. It’s often sold as a nutritional supplement for boosting immune function.

Ten women with HPV were given the mushroom extract. Three of the women took the extract daily for three months and eliminated the virus completely. They remained clear of HPV even one month later. Two other women taking the extract had declining levels of HPV, so they are continuing to take the substance for up to six months.2

The five remaining women, meanwhile, were assigned to take the extract for less than three months, which proved not long enough to clear the infection. The researchers are hopeful that all of the women will respond after six months of treatment. The study’s lead investigator, Judith Smith, PharmD, told Medscape Medical News:

“Now we know that we need to give it at least 6 months to realize the full effect  This study confirms our preclinical findings, that it can eradicate HPV  We would also like to investigate at some point if AHCC can actually prevent infection, or prevent re-infection  We’d like to see if it can help build up the immune system to the point of resisting infection with HPV.”

Interestingly, Dr. Smith has had inquiries from people asking if the mushroom extract might work to clear up genital warts caused by HPV as well. Since the extract has no side effects, she suggested they could go ahead and try it.

At least several people have confirmed so far that their lesions cleared up and have not returned.3 In addition to immune-boosting effects, shiitake mushrooms also demonstrate antiviral (including HIV, hepatitis, and the “common cold”) activity, which explains why they may be a near-perfect natural treatment for HPV.