Can mushrooms protect us against deadly viruses?

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one the most infectious sexually transmitted diseases, and it is suspected to cause cancer as well. The infection is considered incurable - but scientists have recently discovered a mushroom that could change this, reports the German website Praxisvita.de.

For the recently published pilot research from the University of Texas, HPV positive subjects were given three grams of active hexose (AHCC) daily - an extract from the Shiitake mushroom - for a period of six months. This study showed that Shiitake mushrooms, which have been used for medicinal purposes in Asia for thousands of years, have a stunning efficacy against HPV. After completing this study circa 50% of the participants were HPV negative - they were considered cured - and 30% had improvements in their blood levels.

The researches explained the effect as follows: the administered active hexose (AHCC) increased the number (and the activity) of lymphocytes (killer cells). The same also applies for the formation of the new so-called dendritic cells (a cell type that is responsible for the production of antigens) and cytokines (proteins that identify enemies, such as viruses). This makes the body's immune system stronger, and therefore combats both HPV and the growth of new tumours.