Study to Investigate AHCC and the Swine Flu Virus

Prior studies published in peer-reviewed journals have shown the benefits of
AHCC against influenza, avian flu, west nile virus and MRSA.

BEAVERTON, Ore., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- A study evaluating the effect of AHCC
(Active Hexose Correlated Compound) on supporting the immune system in
response to the swine flu virus will be conducted at the Southern China
Agricultural University, one of the few research centers in China that have
been approved to conduct studies on highly infectious diseases such as the
swine flu. This controlled study will examine the effects of AHCC when
supplemented to a group of mice infected with the virus.

Two years ago, following the avian flu outbreak, the same university conducted
a study in mice on the effect of AHCC on the bird flu (H5N1) virus. The
findings, published in the Japanese Journal of Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (Vol. 4, (2007), No. 1 pp. 37-40), demonstrated that AHCC enhanced
host resistance against bird flu. Other papers published in peer-reviewed
journals include studies on AHCC and the common influenza (H1N1), the West
Nile Virus and hospital-borne infections including MRSA.

"The animal study published by my group in the recent issue of Journal of
Nutrition suggested that dietary supplementation with AHCC may be
immunotherapeutic for the West-Nile Virus potentially susceptible
populations." said Tian Wang, Assistant Professor at the Departments of
Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology at the University of Texas Medical
Branch at Galveston. "So in light of our findings and similar conclusions of
Drexel University's study on influenza, I think that a study on AHCC and the
swine flu is very timely and likely to yield useful information on the value
of AHCC in combating this virus".

Published human clinical studies have shown that AHCC activates NK cells and
DC Cells, which are the body's frontline defense against viruses and
infections. A recent study at the Yale Medical School also showed that AHCC
increases the production of cytokines which act as chemical messengers that
activate the immune system when the body comes under attack.

"AHCC is the only natural compound that I know of which has been studied not
only for influenza but also for several other important virus strains." said
Fred Pescatore, MD, MPH of the Center for Integrative and Complementary
Medicine. "The combination of the animal research on those specific strains
and the significant clinical data on the efficacy of AHCC in humans makes this
compound a very compelling target for further research specifically against
the swine flu."

What is AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound)?
AHCC is a natural compound derived from the hybridization of several
subspecies of medicinal mushroom. AHCC is used by hundreds of healthcare
facilities around the world and by hospitals as a part of a standard regimen
for incoming patients to reduce the risk of hospital infections. AHCC is
supported by more than 20 studies published in major peer-reviewed medical
journals (key term "active hexose correlated compound" at www.PubMed.org).

To learn more about AHCC, please visit the AHCC Research Association Website
at www.AHCCresearch.org.

SOURCE AHCC Research Association

AHCC Research Association, +1-888-808-AHCC (2422), Info@AHCCresearch.org