THE ULTIMATE SYNERGY AGAINST CANCER: FUCOIDAN AND AHCC

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The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC Chapter 1

Learn about two nutrients that can precisely target and kill cancer cells by modulating the immune system

THE ULTIMATE SYNERGY AGAINST CANCER: FUCOIDAN AND AHCC

Dr. Susana trujillo THE ULTIMATE SYNERGY AGAINST CANCER:

Fucoidan and AHCC Learn about two nutrients that can precisely target and kill cancer cells by modulating the immune system

The purpose of this book is to educate. It is not intended to serve as a replacement for professional medical advice. Any use of the information in this book is at the reader’s discretion. This book is sold with the understanding that neither the publisher nor the author has any liability or responsibility for any injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the book’s content should not be constructed as medical advice.

To obtain medical advice on your individual health needs, please consult a qualified health care practitioner.

Copyright © 2015 Martha Susana Trujillo Frias All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication in any format, electronic or physical, may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system without the prior written permission of the publisher.

ISBN: 978-1-4951-4033-4 Editor: Sherry L. Granader Cover and editorial design: Carol Rodriguez Neither the publisher nor the author is engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book.

While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers and Internet addresses at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors, or for changes that occur after publication. Further, the publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

contents INTRODUCTION

1

Fucoidan CHAPTER 1: What is Fucoidan?

CHAPTER 2: Fucoidan and its anti-cancer effects CHAPTER 3: Alleviating the chemotherapy side

effects with Fucoidan CHAPTER 4: Fucoidan´s effectiveness on other

diseases

6 8 14 17

AHCC CHAPTER 5: What is AHCC? CHAPTER 6: AHCC and liver function CHAPTER 7: Enhancing the immunce system

with AHCC CHAPTER 8: Alleviating the chemotherapy side

effects with AHCC CHAPTER 9: Clinical Trials on AHCC

23 28 30 33 44

Fucoidan and AHCC CHAPTER 10: Fucoidan and AHCC anti-cancer

synergy

54

references

67

about the author

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introduction Chapter 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

INTRODUCTION

I

mproving your quality of life and supporting good health can be achieved with the powerful benefits and unique properties of Fucoidan and AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound). They are a powerful team that must be taken together to keep your immune system in good condition. Fucoidan contains water-soluble fiber and polysaccharides, which have a high molecular weight that comes from large amounts of brown seaweed. It supports the body’s natural defense system by priming the immune system for the best defense against mutation of cells and infections.

Seaweed is the most nutrient-dense sea vegetable in the marine environment serving up invaluable health benefits. It is abundant in vitamins, minerals, iodine, calcium, manganese, zinc, iron and potassium. Seaweed absorbs the minerals that are dissolved in the seawater as it grows, giving you all the beneficial goodness in the sea. Plants, such as seaweed, grow by photosynthesis, using light and chlorophyll and when ingested, can replenish the body with necessary vitamins and minerals.

Still, the natural goodness of sea vegetables is not the only secret to longevity and good health. For thousands of years, Eastern cultures have received great health benefits from mushrooms as well. The use of medicinal mushrooms dates back to the ancient Egyptians and ancient Chinese cultures that used them to promote general health and longevity. Maitake, Shiitake and Reishi mushrooms have many overlapping properties: all boost up immune function, support cardiovascular health, and show promise in lowering the risk of and treating cancer.

They are a good source of B-vitamins, including riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid, which help provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Mushrooms are also a good source of important minerals, like selenium, copper and potassium. Beta-glucans, which are also found in

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The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC INTRODUCCIÓN Chapter 1

mushrooms, have shown to be great immune stimulators and contribute to resistance against allergies and metabolism.

More importantly, with Shiitake, AHCC can be obtained, which appears to be more effective than other mushroom extracts.

AHCC is detected faster in the body due to its low molecular weight and provides a strong immune-modulating activity and liver support.

THE SECRET TO LONGEVITY AND VITALITY COULD BE AS SIMPLE AS HAVING A SYNERGISTIC COMBINATION OF TWO AMAZING INGREDIENTS – FUCOIDAN AND AHCC. THE FUSION BETWEEN THESE TWO INGREDIENTS MAKES PERFECT SENSE, AS THEY BOTH ARE CREATION OF A HEALThY, LONG LIFE IN DIFFERENT CULTURES.

Chapter 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

Fucoidan

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chapter 1

what is fucoidan?

F

ucoidan is the key ingredient found in brown seaweeds such as Mozuku, Wakame, and Kombu and has been studied extensively for its bioactive functions and incredible health benefits. The sliminess found in brown seaweeds is where fucoidan is found. It contains water-soluble dietary fiber and polysaccharides, a complex carbohydrate that is the key ingredient in brown seaweed. Fucoidan has a unique molecular structure that makes it an effective and unique ingredient for natural health.

Okinawa is touted as having the highest longevity in Japan with the lowest mortality rate from cancer. The unique dietary habits of the people in Okinawa are one of the reasons for their longevity that include a wide variety of sea vegetables including Mozuku, Wakame and Kombu. For example, Mozuku is used in making miso soup and zosui, a Japanese porridge of vegetables and rice.

chapter Chapter 1 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

Sea vegetables absorb all the goodness from the sea as they grow including calcium, iodine, manganese, zinc, iron, potassium and other minerals. However, the wholesome goodness of sea vegetables is not the whole story behind the longevity of Okinawans. The secret is found in Fucoidan that allows the immune system to operate at optimum levels. Brown seaweed Fucoidan is made up of molecular polysaccharides and fiber that support your body’s natural defense system, providing the best protection against cell mutation and infection.

The medical community has taken notice because Fucoidan offers an anti-cancer effect by inducing apoptosis (death of cancer cells). Recent studies show that polysaccharides, found in brown algae, offer amazing health benefits. The slippery and glue-like substance is Fucoidan that is bonded by a sugar known as ‘fucose.’ However, the main difference between Fucoidan and other polysaccharides is that Fucoidan contains quite a few sulfate groups that cause cancer cells to weaken and shrink naturally.

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chapter 2

FUCOIDAN AND ITS ANTI-CANCER EFFECT

C

ancer is a devastating, often debilitating disease that affects people from all walks of life, all over the world.

Resistance to chemotherapy treatments is more noticeable with tumors not responding or growing back at a faster rate. More anti-cancer drugs are often given that brings considerable side effects to the human body including hair loss, bleeding, diarrhea and suppression of the immune system.

People often use complementary therapies to help them feel better and cope with having cancer and treatment.

There is also increasing evidence that certain natural ingredients can help control some of the symptoms and side effects of cancer and treatments. For example, several species of brown seaweeds have shown to have anti-tumor, anti-Angiogenic, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects (immune system modification during treatment). These effects are brought about by stimulating the natural killer cells. Specially, Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide found in the cell walls of many species of brown seaweeds have shown to be very effective in treating cancer because it offers three important anticancer effects including: • Activating Apoptosis or the programmed death of cancer cells • Suppressing the formation of blood vessels that feed tumors (Angiogenesis) • Modulating the immune system

FUCOIDAN’S THREE FUNCTIONS CAUSE CANCER CELLS TO NATURALLY SHRINK, WEAKEN AND EVENTUALLY die.

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CELLS DIE IN MORE THAN ONE WAY: NECROSIS VS. Apoptosis There are two ways that cells die. One is when a cell is damaged and dies known as necrosis, which may result in the damage to the plasma. The cell membrane collapses causing inflammation and heat in the surrounding tissues. Necrosis is caused by external factors, such as infection, toxins or trauma.

This is in contrast to apoptosis, which is a naturally occurring cause of cellular death. This process is referred to as a ‘programmed cell death’ because the cells undergoing apoptosis show characteristic features like the shrinkage of cells becoming smaller and eventually breaking into smaller pieces. The broken pieces are swallowed up and processed by cells that remove unwanted substances. As a result, inflammation or other damage does not occur to the surrounding tissues.

All cells are programmed to die, however this process is an important part of nature and is in our DNA. For example, when a fetus is formed in the womb, the hands and feet are web-like.

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Apoptosis

(programmed cell death)

normal cell cell shrinkage chromatin condensation

apoptotic body formation

membrane blebbing

nuclear collapse continued blebbing

lysis of apoptotic bodies

As the fetus grows, the webs are separated and form individual toes and fingers. These changes occur in the body every single day involving a process where the body discharges old cells that are no longer needed.

On the other hand, cancer cells are mutated forms of normal cells. If the apoptosis process is working normally, these cells die naturally, like normal cells. Cancer cells do not die by themselves because the apoptosis system no longer functions properly. In other words, normal cells have a specific lifespan while cancer cells continue to split and grow, traveling throughout the body where they can take root and create new lesions.

ACTIVATION OF APOPTOSIS (PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH) Apoptosis is of great importance because a failure to undergo apoptosis is a common feature of many cancers. The ability of cancer cells to evade engagement of apoptosis plays a significant role in their resistance to conventional treatments. One of the major modes of action of chemotherapeutic drugs is to damage the DNA of cancer cells. However, the major obstacle with chemotherapy drugs is that despite the progress made in their development, they continue to cause toxicity and damage to normal tissues and adverse side effects in multiple organs.

chapter Chapter 2 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

For this reason, many natural extracts have been researched due to their ability to serve as a promising anti-cancer treatment. One of the main reasons why Fucoidan is so amazing is that it can lead the ‘cancer’ cells to apoptosis without damaging the normal cells. While side effects from drugs and other supplements that are unsuccessful, Fucoidan is safely absorbed, very effective and is all-natural. Fucoidan causes cancer cells to self-destruct by activating the Apoptosis mechanism.

Traditional cancer therapy involves surgery to remove cancerous lesions and drugs to weaken and destroy cancer cells; however they also damage normal cells to a certain degree.

The side effects are nausea, hair loss, fatigue, loss of appetite and reduced quality of life. The apoptosis process of Fucoidan causes cancer cells to kill themselves without any of the side effects of traditional cancer treatments. Fucoidan issues a cue that triggers a self-destruction switch on the surface of the cancer cells that leads them to self-destruct. In particular, the Fucoidan extracted from Mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus), which is most commonly sourced from Okinawa, has shown to have a greater Apoptosis activation effect on cancer cells.

SUPPRESSION OF NEW BLOOD VESSELS (ANGIOGENESIS) Cancer has the ability to spread to nearby or distant organs, which makes it life threatening. Tumor cells can penetrate blood or the lymphatic system, circulate and then proliferate, which is referred to as metastasis. In order for a metastasis to occur, the growth of a network of new blood vessels is important. This process is known as Angiogenesis.

For some malignant tumors, surgery offers the potential to remove it, but radiation and chemotherapy are also used to enhance its effectiveness. Despite these advances, in patients with advanced cancers, the results of the treatment are disappointing and continue to affect their overall health and quality of life. Therefore, a new approach is needed to control the spread of the malignancy and damage caused to other organs in the body.

Cancer cells require access to blood vessels for growth and metastasis. One class of Angiogenic inhibitor that is natura-

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The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC Chapter chapter12

lly found in brown seaweeds is Fucoidan. Studies have shown that sulfated Fucoidan has the ability to limit new blood vessel formation by reducing the blood flow; therefore, it limits the growth of the tumors and ability to metastasize. Fucoidan stops the growth of tumor tissue with its Angiogenic potency.

In particular, Fucoidan extracted from Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) has shown to have a greater Angiogenesis suppression effect compared to other Fucoidan seaweed extracts. The mechanism for these effects appears to be the interaction with vascular endothelial growth factor via surface receptors called neuropilins. It is for this reason that considerable research on Fucoidan is being undertaken in this area.

MODULATION OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM Macrophages play an important role in regulating innate immunity as well as adaptive immune responses by production of cytokines such as IL-1β, Il-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ and various types of chemokines. Splenocytes, mainly composed of many types of immune-related cells such as T-cells, B-cells, dendritic cells and macrophages, regulate humoral and cellular immune responses against foreign antigens like bacteria and viruses, and tumors. The immunomodulating activity of splenocytes is partly associated with the production of cytokines and chemokines. Therefore, it is likely that active substances to enhance the ability of these immune cells to produce cytokines and chemokines can act as potent immunomodulators.

Fucoidan from various brown seaweeds, including Mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus) and Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida); have shown to have a strong immunomodulatory activity.

In addition to preventing the growth of tumor cells, Fucoidan can restore the functions of the immune system. Many sulfated polysaccharides like Fucoidan, obtained from natural sources, enhance immune system responses. Fucoidan affects the immune cell activity and cytokine production and it has also shown in research to enhance the killer activities of T-cell mediated NK cells. NK cell activation was associated with an increased production of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-12.

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Fucoidan has shown to modulate the immune responses against different cancer cell types and help the body with cellular communication. This enables the body to function better and will enable the immune system to be more efficient. It has also been found to help with cell regeneration by helping to increase stem cells, which enables the body to be stronger and resistant to diseases. In addition, Fucoidan has an immune-modulatory effect on cancer patients, which allows them to restore their health and quality of life.

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chapter 3

ALLEVIATING THE CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS WITH FUCOIDAN

T

o prolong the survival rate of cancer patients, it is essential to effectively continue with the treatments for as long as possible. Unfortunately, a great number of patients discontinue these chemotherapy treatments due to toxicity.

Thus, the prognosis of patients with advanced cancers remains low despite the advances in chemotherapeutic agents. Cancer cells are so dangerous because they replicate quickly and can resist being destroyed.

Chemotherapy and radiation are often used to destroy cancer cells but can have adverse effects on the body. Most of them are temporary and can be managed including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, general fatigue and bone marrow suppression. They tend to gradually disappear once the treatment has stopped and the normal healthy cells have recovered.

Therefore, many patients look for natural alternatives that can offer a possibility to reduce the toxicity and to restore their immune system.

There are over 200 known forms of cancer that can affect people; however they all share the same characteristics. Cancer causes cells to replicate uncontrollably by dividing and growing much faster than healthy cells. The result is often a tumor that is treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Unfortunately, attacking cancer cells in this way also brings with it the risk of attacking the entire body.

Because most conventional treatments damage healthy cells and tissues while they destroy cancerous cells, they can cause a series of unpleasant side effects.

The side effects can be more severe including damage to the organs causing infertility, fibrosis and other issues later in life.

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High-dose chemotherapy directly destroys the bone marrow’s ability to produce white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Patients experience side effects caused by low numbers of white blood cells (neutropenia), red blood cells (anemia) and platelets (thrombocytopenia). Patients usually need blood and platelet transfusions to treat anemia and thrombocytopenia until the new graft beings producing blood cells. The duration of bone marrow suppression can be shortened by promoting stem cell proliferation.

Brown seaweeds contain Fucoidan, which is a beneficial ingredient that can reduce the damage caused by chemotherapy and radiation by healing and protecting bone marrow cells such as white blood cells and stem cells. Fucoidan can decrease the number of cell deaths in bone marrow cells while increasing the number of cell signals responsible for the immune system response. In other words, Fucoidan can modulate the immune system and has been shown to increase the number of adult stem cells in circulation, helping them migrate and adhere to where they are needed.

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The effects of chemotherapy and radiation can be quite debilitating but Fucoidan can also help treat the cancer itself by alleviating the damage from cancer and protect the body.

Studies continue to show that Fucoidan consistently increases the number of viable bone marrow cells while decreasing the death of bone marrow cells. Medical radiation decreases the potential of the mitochondria in the cells however Fucoidan can help them successfully recover. The results are reduced toxicity levels.

Many patients discontinue chemotherapy due to high toxicity levels that cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia and liver dysfunction. Fucoidan can reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs, allowing a patient to stay on them longer, if needed. Fucoidan can also relieve and help prevent the side effects from getting worse caused by chemotherapy including: • Fatigue • Hair loss • Impaired liver and spleen function • Loss of appetite Fatigue reduces a patient’s reserve in their body that also affects their nutritional health and well-being, increasing the occurrence of a disease and presents a negative impact on the cancer therapy dosage. Patients who take Fucoidan are able to endure prolonged chemotherapy without fatigue and less side effects.

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chapter 4

FUCOIDAN’S EFFECTIVENESS ON OTHER DISEASES

F

ucoidan exists in brown seaweed, algae and very few forms of sea animal life such as sea snails and sea cucumbers. The purified chemical properties of Fucoidan are sulfated polysaccharides composed of fucose and other essential sugars. Fucoidan is not fully digested in the gastrointestinal tract, however this benefits the body by triggering the immune system in such a way that it retains its chemical structure without being broken down and absorbed.

In addition to Fucoidan’s anti-tumor, anti-cancer and neuroprotective actions, it has also shown to offer other health benefits. Fucoidan also seems to provide anti-coagulant and anti-thrombotic effects that improve blood circulation. The substance offers actions that modulate the immune system and antioxidant actions as well. As a result, Fucoidan offers different defense mechanisms including: • Inhibitory effects on Helicobacter pylori infections • Inhibitory effects on the symptoms of osteoarthritis • Protection to brain function • Inhibitory effects on viruses like influenza, herpes and dengue • Anticoagulant and antithrombotic activity that improve blood circulation • Antioxidant activity • Antiviral and antibacterial activity • Reduction of blood cholesterol levels

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INHIBITS H. PYLORI INFECTIONS Helicobacter pylori are the only bacteria that can survive the stomach’s acidic environment. Its infection is associated with gastrointestinal defects such as peptic and duodenal (first section of small intestine) ulcers and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining). Fucoidan has shown to inhibit the effects on Helicobacter pylori infections, largely by inhibiting (preventing) adhesion to mucosal surfaces. Fucoidan extracted from Mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus) has shown to have an inhibitory effect on the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human gastric cells.

REDUCES THE SYMPTOMS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS Joint health, and in particular osteoarthritis, is the most common form of arthritis experienced by an increasing number of people as the population ages. The main ingredient used in most products is glucosamine sulfate with a few other nominal competitors. There has been a modest decline in joint care supplements due to a lack of new candidates. The use of Fucoidan in a dietary supplement may ignite interest from the consumer either as a stand-alone product or within a matrix of ingredients. Several studies have indicated that Fucoidan can successfully inhibit pain.

PROTECTS THE BRAIN FUNCTION Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes significant and highly distressing loss of function. It is characterized by the accumulation of beta amyloid plaques in the brain tissue.

Fucoidan shows promise in protecting brain function in a number of ways. Fucoidan has the ability to protect several enzyme functions and glutathione levels. It has also shown to inhibit the amyloid-induced microglical clustering effect that gives rise to the plaques.

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INHIBITS THE EFFECTS OF THE INFLUENZA, HERPES AND DENGUE VIRUS The inhibitory effects of fucoidan on viruses like influenza, herpes and dengue have been researched. Fucoidan has no direct pathogen killing activity, but rather, it inhibits infection via receptor entry blocking and interference with replicative processes. Pathogens targetable from the lumen of the gut, such as viruses harbored in the gut immune structures, have been well targeted by fucoidan. Particularly, Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) has shown to have an inhibitory effect on the H1N1 influenza A virus. In addition, Fucoidan from Wakame also showed to be highly effective in inhibiting the Herpes virus. Moreover, Fucoidan from Mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus) has been shown to inhibit type 2 dengue in vitro.

IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION Fucoidan’s anti-coagulant activity is by far the most researched action. Every Fucoidan species has shown remarkable anticoagulant and antithrombotic activity, but Mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus) exhibited the highest anticoagulant activity. Many studies showed that the anticoagulant activity of Fucoidan may have some relation with sulfate content and position, molecular weight and sugar composition. The higher content of sulfate groups, the higher the anticoagulant activity of fucoidan.

DESTROYS HARMFUL FREE RADICALS Free radicals are toxins, chemicals and pollutants that can compromise the integrity and function of cells. Too many free radicals in the body can lead to disease and other health disorders including cancer, heart disease and dementia. There are many sources of antioxidants including organic berries, green tea and nuts; however Fucoidan brings an enormous amount of antioxidants to the body. Prevention is the key when it comes to keeping healthy and taking in plenty of antioxidants is a great way to reduce the risk of developing severe diseases or illness.

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ANTIVIRAL EFFECTS Reducing the chances of getting a cold or flu is another added benefit of Fucoidan. Plus, it can help repress the effects of oral and genital herpes simplex virus strains, HIV and Hepatitis C and D. These viruses can actually hide inside healthy cells, helping the immune system pursue and hinder the viral cells. With the help of Fucoidan, these viruses are extremely limited in their ability to replicate and infect other cells. Studies continue to show that Fucoidan can reduce the number of outbreaks and lessen the length of time that it takes to heal after an outbreak.

HELPS LOWER CHOLESTEROL Lowering cholesterol can be a challenge for many people and cholesterol-lowering drugs can produce side effects and block the body’s ability to produce CoEnzymeQ10 needed for energy in the cells. Your body creates enough cholesterol to survive in a healthy way, however many foods we consume are loaded with cholesterol that can lead to clogged veins and decreased blood flow. Heart disease and stroke are often the result.

Since the body cannot fully digest Fucoidan, cholesterol binds to it and is carried out of the body instead of begin digested and reabsorbed through the small intestine. Fucoidan can help lower cholesterol naturally without any side effects.

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ahcc

chapter Chapter 5 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

chapter 5

what is AHCC?

A

HCC stands for Active Hexose Correlated Compound derived from a species of mushrooms that strengthen the immune system. It has been developed as a functional food for supportive therapy of those dealing with a suppressed immune system, liver problems, diabetes, and cancer. AHCC is considered a functional food that has achieved pharmacological reliability for modulating the immune system while boosting the functioning of the entire body. In fact, it is a health food that has equivalent quality controls as pharmaceutical drugs. Though classified as a health food, medical experts use it for their patients to improve and enhance their overall health.

AHCC is derived from Japanese edible mushrooms that have long been recognized for their healing properties. AHCC is different from all the rest of the numerous mushroom products available on the market today. This potent, versatile gift from nature modulates the immune system, acts as an anti-inflammatory with other healing properties.

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A strong immune system is the key to fighting off bacterial, parasitic and viral infections to keep our bodies healthy. The immune system also plays a role in restricting tumors and cancerous growths inside the body. It’s important to keep your immune system strong and healthy. AHCC can make your immune system stronger and it can help protect the body against serious chronic diseases such as: • Arthritis • Autoimmune diseases • Heart disease • Liver diseases • Cancer All of the above share one common thread – they may be controlled by or strongly associated with the immune system. Although inflammation is the body’s natural response to attack, reducing inflammation is a key element in many serious disorders. An effective and safe functional food supplement like AHCC helps treat, manage and reduce inflammation.

AHCC continues to be studied extensively with scientists learning more about it every day. What has been discovered thus far is life changing in so many ways, big and small. AHCC can make a difference in your life. When your immune system is healthy, it uncovers the presence of cancer cells and tumors throughout the body. This is a critical function because cancer cells can hide, avoiding detection by the immune system. AHCC is helpful in this effort to modulate the immune system so that it can attack any foreign cells.

chapter Chapter 5 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

CHEMOTHERAPY AND YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM More than half of patients that are diagnosed with cancer undergo chemotherapy that involve drugs designed to kill cancer cells, however these drugs also kill healthy cells, causing unpleasant side effects and often complications resulting from the medication. Fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss, and impaired liver function, low levels of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets are common. White blood cells are needed to fight infections, however if levels drop too low, patients must stop chemotherapy for a while.

At one point, while undergoing chemotherapy, the blood work will show that the white blood cell count hits a low point, or nadir, between treatments. The cell count improves as the marrow in the bones rebuilds the immune system by producing new white blood cells, also known as leukocytes.

The immune system includes several types of white blood cells, including granulocytes and lymphocytes, whose job is to seek and destroy dangerous germs or cells that are damaged or abnormal because of an infection or mutation.

Lymphocyte

Monocyte

Neutrophil

Leukocyte

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Neutrophils, a type of granulocyte, are the most common white cells in the blood; they help ward off the infection that is common to cancer patients. White cells also include B-lymphocytes, or B cells, which produce antibodies and fight infection. T-lymphocytes or T-cells help regulate immune response and attack bacteria and other harmful invaders in the blood.

If the levels are not rebounded before the next round of treatment, the doctor will stop the treatment or prescribe drugs to help the body make more white blood cells. When the white cells are low, a small infection can quickly escalate into a serious health threat.

Patients dealing with various types of cancer have shown to benefit from AHCC, prolonging survival rate, improving quality of life, mental stability, general health and the ability to perform normal activity. AHCC is a health food that has equivalent quality controls as pharmaceutical drugs. Medical experts and patients use it as a functional food, aimed at influencing the body’s physical functions, to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy. The focus in producing AHCC is on extracting the main part of the fungus where the source of active ingredients is located in the mushrooms for maximum benefit.

WHOLE MUSHROOMS ARE BENEFICIAL, BUT AHCC IS EVEN MORE VALUABLE Mushrooms have a spongy consistency and are composed of large molecules that are not fully digested or absorbed by the body. By breaking them down through a culturing process, the nutrients are more absorbable and readily available to the body. The consistent quality of AHCC is one of the factors that set it apart from other health foods to help alleviate the side effects of treatments.

The acetylated alpha-glucans are the active elements in AHCC that play an important role in regulating various body functions. They modulate the immune system and offer a beneficial effect on a wide range of diseases including alleviating side effects from chemotherapy. Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that are digested and absorbed more gradually than simple sugars that can sometimes cause adverse effects due to their sudden impact on blood sugar regulation. There

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is no reason to be concerned about adverse effects from consuming AHCC. THE ROLE OF AHCC AS A SUPPLEMENTAL ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AHCC has been extensively researched and the number of health care professionals and doctors with a deeper understanding of the benefits of AHCC continues to increase. On the other hand, there are many doctors who use only conventional pharmaceuticals and do not consider alternative remedies. It is important to respect the desires of the patient to help alleviate side effects of chemotherapy. There are no side effects of AHCC and demonstrates the ability to control the side effects of chemotherapy while enhancing the efficiency of treatments.

AHCC is an excellent choice to restore and build immunity.

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chapter 6

AHCC AND LIVER FUNCTION

M

illions of people are living with chronic hepatitis that includes several types of the virus – A, B, C and D. Chronic dysfunction of the liver as well as Type C and B hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and degenerate to HCC (Hepato-Cellular Carcinoma), a disease that is difficult to treat with modern medicine. In addition, there is a direct correlation between the development of chronic hepatitis and a decrease in the number of blood platelets that are important for the blood-clotting process. Liver cancer is one of the complications from cirrhosis of the liver.

The effect of AHCC on the liver is very positive, especially for those dealing with hepatitis and liver cancer. The decrease in the number of platelets is controlled, the viral burden is decreased or eliminated altogether and deterioration of liver function is halted. It is possible to prevent deterioration of the liver with AHCC in patients with hepatitis. Here is a list of factors that will enhance your life: • Maintain a healthy lifestyle • Get a minimum of 7-9 hours of sleep • Commit to regular exercise • De-stress before, during or after working hours • Eat a healthy diet that includes breakfast • Enjoy mini-meals throughout the day that keep blood sugar stabilized • Make use of antioxidants • Do not smoke – if you do smoke, do all you can to quit • Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum All of the above helps the body increase its NK (natural killer) cell activity. Antioxidants also help offset damage to the immune system caused by stress. Stress suppresses the immune system’s response causing secretion of epinephrine (adrenaline), which acti-

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vates the nervous system, raising blood sugar levels. In addition to activating NK cell function, AHCC also acts against stress by preventing the production of adrenaline.

LESS TOXICITY IN THE LIVER The liver is susceptible to toxic chemicals like chemotherapy and research continues to show that AHCC can protect the liver against injury from chemicals like pharmaceutical drugs. AHCC can help prevent liver damage in those receiving chemotherapy.

It can also be helpful in treating serious liver diseases, such as hepatitis and acute liver failure. Hepatitis translates to inflammation of the liver and also refers to a group of viruses that affect the organ. AHCC can protect a patient against drug-induced liver failure.

Hepatitis C is a chronic viral infection that is characterized by elevated liver enzymes, inflammation, scarring of the liver and high virus-related burdens. If left untreated, it can result in cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. AHCC can reduce liver enzyme levels and other chronic disease issues.

AHCC AND QUALITY OF LIFE Taking AHCC is a safe and natural way to improve quality of life when facing the battle of cancer. It all comes down to the quality of life (QoL) defined as individual perception of life, objectives, values, standards and interests of which illness can affect the outcome.

When curative treatments no longer work, the shift goes from prolonging life to optimizing quality of life. AHCC can help prolong the survival of patients dealing with advanced liver cancer.

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chapter 7

ENHANCING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH AHCC NK CELL ACTIVITY AND CHRONIC DISEASES A decrease in immunity in aged populations causes an increase in influenza morbidity and mortality as well as decreased vaccine efficacy. NK cell activity is an important part of mind-body medicine and is a key factor in chronic disease. The breakdown of the immune system and more specifically, the ability of the NK cells to scavenge free radicals (toxins, chemicals and pollutants) from the food we eat, air we breathe and water we drink, may be the cause of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, chronic infections and autoimmune diseases. Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) has reported to increase immunity; it has been previously shown that it increases the natural killer (NK) cell activity in both humans and mice.

AHCC IS A POWERFUL NUTRIENT FOR BOTH NK CELLS AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM. Health problems are diseases of the whole system, not just one. The inability of the body to dispose of abnormal cells plays a role in the development of life-threatening diseases.

NK cells play a major role in preventing congestion, growth of tissue (neoplasm) and tissue destruction. The abnormality of NK cell function is associated with a wide spectrum of health problems including cancer, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases.

The ability of NK cells to kill microbes is an important deterrent to chronic disease including heart disease, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple

chapter Chapter 7 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

sclerosis, IBS (inflammatory bowel disease) and psychiatric disorders. Chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, hepatitis, diabetes and other diseases are the result of the dysfunction of the immune system.

The natural killer (NK) cell activity blood test is useful in predicting the prognosis of a cancer patient. One, in-office, nonrandomized open-label trial was done to determine whether four different dietary supplements commonly sold in health food stores and over the Internet, consistently and statistically affected NK cell activity in cancer patients.

Thirty-four patients were assigned to one of four groups: Group A was given 1-3g/day of modified arabinoxylane with meals. Group B was given 6000mg/day of coriolus mushroom.

Group C was given 4g/day of antigen-infused dialyzable bovine colostrum/whey extract and group D was given 3-6g/day of active hexose correlated compound - AHCC. NK cell activities were assessed before treatment and after an average of 16 weeks of therapy. AHCC was the only supplement that consistently and statistically increased NK cell activity. The average increase was 249%. Modified arabinoxylane

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statistically increased NK cell activity, but did not consistently help every patient. No side effects were encountered during the study period in any of the four groups.

THE EFFECTS OF AHCC ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM The effects of AHCC on the immune system have a powerful effect on the NK cells. AHCC is the strongest known immune system fighter, capable of modulating the immune system function to prevent liver damage and to reduce the chemotherapy side effects. AHCC is effective in: • Increasing the production and activity of immune cells to stimulate the suppressed immune function.

• Protecting itself from the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea and hair loss.

• Enhancing the liver function to increase survival rate and better quality of life.

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chapter 8

ALLEVIATING THE CHEMOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS WITH AHCC

M

ore than half of the people who are diagnosed with cancer undergo chemotherapy at some point. This means tens of millions of children and adults are treated each year with drugs designed to kill cancer cells, but these drugs also destroy healthy cells and as a result cause some significant side effects. Some cancer cells grow slowly while others grow rapidly. Therefore different chemotherapy drugs are designed to target specific growth patterns of a person’s cancer cells. Whether the drugs taken are designed to attack cancer cells that grow slowly or rapidly, medication-related complications are often a result.

The side effects of chemotherapy range from life threatening to psychologically stressful. Some of the most common side effects caused by the chemotherapy are: • Hair loss • Nausea and vomiting • Damage to liver and spleen • Myelosuppression • Loss of appetite • Poor Quality of Life The effects of the damage caused to the immune system from cytotoxic chemotherapy for cancer are well known. The suppression of the immune system makes the patient extremely susceptible to infection. Low immunity can also create condition for cancer cell to proliferate. One study, at Hokkaido

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University in Japan, showed that AHCC could reverse the suppression of immunity caused by chemotherapy by increasing the macrophage activity and increase the IL-12 levels, although there may be additional mechanisms.

AHCC – AN EFFECTIVE OPTION FOR CANCER PATIENTS Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy are the main tools used at conventional cancer treatment centers. The standard conventional medical treatments for cancer are aimed at eliminating cancer cells.

Progress is measured by how well the treatment kills off malignant cells without destroying too many healthy cells. Unfortunately, attacking the cancer cells in this way also brings with it the risk of attacking the entire body.

Since most conventional treatments damage unhealthy cells and tissues while they destroy cancerous cells, they can cause numerous unpleasant side effects. The debilitating side effects of chemotherapy warrant the need for something to alleviate and perhaps eliminate these issues and enhance quality of life. For example, the immune-modulating and liver-protective effects of AHCC can help chemotherapy patients improve their lives in the following ways:

HAIR LOSS PREVENTION Losing one’s hair because of chemotherapy is not a life-threatening side effect, but it can be very life altering and emotionally devastating. Chemotherapy can also cause hair loss throughout the body including eyelashes, eyebrows and underarms. Both men and women report that hair loss is one of the side effects they most fear after they are diagnosed with cancer. Not everyone who undergoes chemotherapy loses their hair, because it depends on the type and dose of drug used. However, hair root cells grow rapidly and if you have a rapidly growing cancer, chances are you can expect to lose hair and not just from your scalp.

Chemotherapy can cause eyebrow, armpit, pubic, eyelash and other body hair to fall out.

chapter Chapter 8 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

The good news is that in most cases, hair loss from chemotherapy is temporary: hair tends to regrow three to 10 months after treatment ends. The other good news is that AHCC may help reduce hair loss. For example, scientists evaluated the effect of AHCC on hair loss caused by a single dose of the chemotherapy drug cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C). Rats used in the study were administered 500 mg/kg per day of AHCC for seven consecutive days plus a single dose of Ara-C or a single dose of Ara-C. Results of the study, which were published in Cancer Epidemiology in 2009, showed that five of seven rats treated with Ara-C alone had severe hair loss and two had moderate hair loss. Four of the nine rats that received both Ara-C and AHCC, however, experienced mild hair loss while four had moderate hair loss and one had severe hair loss.

LESS NAUSEA AND VOMITING This can significantly disrupt everyday life making it difficult to work or take care of children. While there are anti-nausea drugs available, most people do not want to take additional drugs that can often cause additional side effects.

AHCC can improve patient’s quality of life when it comes to vomiting and nausea, improving quality of life.

According to the American Cancer Society, nausea and vo-

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miting are among the most feared side effects of chemotherapy. Even though these symptoms are not considered life threatening, they can significantly disrupt the lives of those who experience them, making it very difficult or impossible for them to work, care for their children and perform normal, everyday functions.

Although the prevalence and severity of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy have been somewhat alleviated by the introduction of new drugs to treat these symptoms, such drugs are not for everyone. Some patients do not want to take additional drugs along with their chemotherapy. In addition, anti-nausea drugs are not always effective and may also have side effects of their own, which can add to the discomfort cancer patient’s experience.

Clinical studies and case reports show that AHCC can improve patients’ quality of life regarding nausea and vomiting.

In one small study, for example, Dr. G.H. Ahn of Ok-Cherm Hospital in South Korea prescribed AHCC for eight months to 12 patients who had stage II–IV cancer. Over the treatment period Dr. Ahn noted any changes in nausea, vomiting and pain experienced by the patients and found an improvement in all three symptoms, which results in a better quality of life for these patients.

CLINICAL STUDIES AND CASE REPORTS SHOW THAT AHCC CAN IMPORVE PATIENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE REGARDING NAUSEA AND VOMITING.

HELP PREVENT DAMAGE TO LIVER AND SPLEEN In the same study that explored the effect of AHCC on hair loss in rats exposed to a chemotherapy drug, researchers also evaluated the impact of AHCC on modulating liver damage. To accomplish this, they administered a single dose of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) plus methotrexate (MTX), two antimetabolite, cancer-fighting drugs, to two groups of rats: one group received the drugs only and a second group received AHCC for 28 days plus a single dose of 6-MP plus MTX. The researchers then measured the levels of two liver enzymes that are used to determine the degree of liver func-

chapter Chapter 8 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

tion: SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, also called aspartate transaminase) and SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase, also called alanine transaminase).

The higher level of these enzymes, the greater the damage and destruction to liver tissues.

The scientists found that rats given AHCC had normal le-

vels of SGOT and SGPT while the untreated rats had large increases in these enzyme levels. In addition, the rats treated with AHCC along with 6-MP and MTX demonstrated significantly increased body weight and levels of leukocytes and red blood cells. All these factors together indicated that AHCC significantly reduced the side effects associated with the chemotherapy drugs.

The spleen is an organ that people don’t hear much about, but it plays an important role in immune function. This fist-sized organ is part of the lymphatic system, contains white blood cells that fight infections and destroys damaged and old cells. Although it is true that people can live without a spleen, the body loses some of its ability to fight infections if the spleen is removed because of disease or damage. A team of scientists investigated the impact of AHCC on the spleen after it was subjected to chemotherapy.

The researchers used the chemotherapy drug cyclophos-

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phamide, which typically causes the spleen to shrink in size by 50 percent. In mouse models, the researchers noted that the spleens in mice given cyclophosphamide plus AHCC did not shrink as much as they did in mice not treated with AHCC. The AHCC-treated mice also had a lower rate of infection than mice not treated with AHCC.

THE SPLEENS IN MICE GIVEN CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE PLUS AHCC DID NOT SHRINK AS MUCH AS THEY DID IN MICE NOT TREATED WITH AHCC. THE AHCC-TREATED MICE ALSO HAD A LOWER RATE OF INFECTION THAN MICE NOT TREATED WITH AHCC.

INCREASE IN WHITE BLOOD CELLS Chemotherapy can both destroy white blood cells as well as damage bone marrow function, a condition also known as Myelosuppression. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue located inside some large bones that houses stem cells. These stem cells transform themselves into white and red blood cells and platelets. When chemotherapy damages bone marrow, the production and levels of these critical immune system substances decline. The result is that patients become highly susceptible to infections and they may also develop anemia, which exacerbates their lowered resistance.

Overall, Myelosuppression is a very serious and life-threatening state. Several studies have shown that AHCC can have a positive effect on Myelosuppression and improve the white blood cell levels in response to chemotherapy. In South Korea, Dr. G.H. Ahn of Ok-Cherm Hospital administered six grams daily of AHCC to 12 patients who had stage II– IV cancer (two patients each had breast, ovarian, stomach, lung, uterine and lung cancers) and who were undergoing chemotherapy. Over a period of seven months, levels of white blood cells rose from below 6,000 to nearly 8,000.

chapter Chapter 8 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

In animal studies, scientists observed a reduction in damage to bone marrow when AHCC was administered. In one such study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, two chemotherapy drugs (cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil) were given to four groups of mice: one group each received one of the drugs, one group received AHCC plus cyclophosphamide and one group received AHCC plus 5-fluorouracil.

The red blood cell count remained close to normal in the two groups of mice that were treated with AHCC, but it declined in the two groups that received the chemotherapy drugs only. A study in rats given chemotherapy also demonstrated that oral intake of AHCC protected the animals against a loss of red blood cell production.

Similar results were observed in another mouse study reported in AHCC: Research and Commentary that used four groups of mice. Two groups were injected with chemotherapy drugs (5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine) alone and the other two received the drugs plus AHCC. Mice that received AHCC had a normal weight and normal levels of red blood cells, while the mice not treated with AHCC expressed a decline in both

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of these factors. Although the AHCC-treated mice showed some decline in white blood cell counts, it was not as significant as the decline observed in the drug-only groups.

In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Therapeutics & Oncology, scientists evaluated the impact of AHCC in groups of mice that were treated with a variety of chemotherapy regimens, including paclitaxel alone or some combination of paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, irinotecan, doxorubicin and/or cyclophosphamide.

THE MYELOSUPPRESSIVE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY WERE GENERALLY ALLEVIATED IN MICE that ALSO RECEIVED AHCC AND BOTH LIVER AND KIDNEY TOXICITY RELATED TO CHEMOTHERAPY WERE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED BY AHCC.

The ability of AHCC to mitigate Myelosuppression and to enhance immune cell activity and function are critically important benefits for individuals who experience a decline in white blood cell levels as a result of chemotherapy, as well as a potential way to reduce the risks associated with this life-threatening complication.

SEVERAL STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT AHCC CAN HAVE A POSITIVE EFFECT ON MYELOSUPPRESSION AND IMPROVE THE WHITE BLOOD CELL LEVELS IN RESPONSE TO CHEMOTHERAPY.

RESTORED APPETITE Chemotherapy can certainly cause a change in taste that leads to a loss of appetite and lack of nutrients. Those dealing with cancer already have a compromised immune system that is exacerbated by a breakdown in muscle, weight loss, infections and poorer quality of life. AHCC helps im-

chapter Chapter 8 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

prove appetite so patients can maintain or regain lost weight, improve their nutrient intake and support their immune system in the process.

Along with nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy can cause cancer patients to experience changes in taste. These factors often add up to a loss of appetite and poor nutritional intake. Because cancer patients already have a compromised immune system, a poor or inadequate diet can result in weight loss, a breakdown in muscle, increased susceptibility to infection and an overall poorer quality of life.

MANY CANCER PATIENTS WHO TAKE AHCC HAVE REPORTED TO HAVE AN IMPROVEMENT IN LOSS OF APPETITE WHEN TAKING THE SUPPLEMENT WHILE UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY.

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When appetite is restored, patients are better able to maintain or regain lost weight, improve their nutritional intake and support their immune system.

PROLONGING SURVIVAL RATE AND BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE Making the functional food AHCC a part of their treatment plan can provide them with a safe, natural way to improve the quality of their lives while facing the battle of cancer.

The term ‘quality of life’ (QoL) is used to evaluate the general well-being of individuals and societies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), quality of life (QoL) defined as individual perception of life, values, objectives, standards, and interests in the framework of culture. A number of illness-related factors exist that can affect QoL. The amount of symptoms distressed experienced by an individual has been related to QoL in a number of people with cancer.

QoL is increasingly being used as a primary outcome measure in studies to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Patients generally instead of measuring lipoprotein level, blood pressure, and the electrocardiogram, make decisions about their health care by means of QoL that estimates the effects on outcomes important to themselves.

When curative treatments no longer work, or are not an option any more, we have to shift the focus from prolonging life to optimizing the patients QOL (quality of life).

AHCC has proven to help optimize the quality of life of cancer patients. A small group of patients with liver cancer reported improved general health after taking AHCC for three months. The Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology (2006) noted that AHCC might prolong the survival of patients with advanced liver cancer.

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chapter 9

CLINICAL TRIALS ON AHCC

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undamental research and clinical studies into AHCC’s safety and efficacy are being carried out vigorously in over six hundred medical institutions and in more than thirty universities in several countries. All studies and tests are carried out with special priority to the well-being, health and safety of all patients. To further emphasize the safety issue, the mushrooms used to manufacture AHCC are the same ones used as food since ancient times.

AHCC itself has been used by hundreds of thousands of people for over fifteen years, and no severe side effects have been reported at the appropriate level of intake.

The results of the clinical trials have been presented at many domestic and foreign conferences, and have appeared in numerous scientific journals. The expectations of AHCC and trust in its use are increasing day by day. Published results can be found on the AHCC Research Association website (www.ahccresearch.org).

LIFE-EXTENDING EFFECT ON AHCC Since 1994, Professor Yasuo Kamiyama, chief of surgery at Kansai Medical University, has prescribed 3–6g of AHCC per day to hundreds of cancer patients, dividing it into three doses, and has observed the effects for over a decade. Most of these patients were liver cancer patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, or both. This study has helped attract significant scientific and professional recognition to AHCC internationally including an article published in the prestigious Journal of Hepatology (2002), a well-respected, peer- reviewed journal.

chapter Chapter 9 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

The research was of exceptionally high quality, and has been carried out over an extended period with significant follow-up and monitoring of large numbers of cancer patients. This procedure was then carried out on other cancer patients and the collective results were reported to the European Surgical Academy.

OBJECTIVE To administer AHCC to people who requested it after undergoing liver resection surgery and being histologically diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between February 1992 and December 2000 in the Primary Surgery Department of Kansai Medical School.

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METHODOLOGY AND OUTCOME AHCC-administered group: 107 patients (3g/day) Group receiving no AHCC: 101 patients (control group) The results of detailed statistical analysis carried out after the tests showed that the survival rate of the AHCC-administered group was significantly higher that the survival rate of the group who received no AHCC. A follow-up survey was conducted for five years after the surgery for ten parameters to study the changes in the serological test data related to liver function. The results showed that there was a significant improvement in three parameters (AST, γGTP, and cholinesterase) in the AHCC-administered group.

CONCLUSION These results suggest the possibility that intake of AHCC after HCC surgery may lead to improvement in hepatitis, prevention of relapse, and improvement in the survival rate. The five-year survival rate is the percentage of patients from the population of a certain kind of cancer who survive for five years from the first detection of cancer. Although it also depends on the type of cancer, patients are usually considered “cured” if there is no metastasis or relapse over a period of five years.

In an overall impression of this report, Professor Kamiyama identified the possibility of a decrease in hepatitis virus and a suppression of the liver cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis.

When 6g of AHCC per day were administered orally in patients

chapter Chapter 9 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

with a large amount of fluid from ascites (fluid in abdomen) and an increase in the level of tumor markers associated with HCC, four cases were reported in which a decrease in the peritoneal fluid, a decrease in the bilirubin levels, and a decrease in the tumor markers (PIVKA-H) were seen. It is believed that AHCC can be used as a symptomatic treatment for ascites, which does not respond well to most types of diuretic drugs, albumin drugs, or drainage.

AHCC CLINICAL TRIALS IN USA AHCC was tested with healthy volunteers in a recent study conducted by a team of researchers from Harvard, Yale and MD Anderson. A group of volunteers were given a higher-than-normal dose of the supplement in liquid form. A small number of the subjects experienced temporary stomach discomfort and headache, but these effects were mild and lasted only a short time. There were no abnormalities found in any of the subjects, according to blood tests.

AHCC enhances immune function in a way that can prevent cancer in elderly people. The research showed that the immune-boosting and cancer-preventive cytokines IFN and TNF increased within four weeks of taking the recommended dose of AHCC. This immune-enhancing effect also persisted for at least a month after stopping the daily dose.

Another research study showed that AHCC is unlikely to cause increased toxicity when combined with chemotherapy or supportive therapies, such as antidepressants and anti-nausea medications.

A team of researchers at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center of the University of Texas studied liver enzymes (the cytochrome P-450 family of enzymes) in an important liver detoxification pathway involved in drug metabolism. This is a pathway through which many chemotherapy drugs are metabolized.

The results showed that AHCC is unlikely to cause increased toxicity when combined with chemotherapy or supportive therapies. Since AHCC does increase the activity of the cytochrome P-450 detoxification pathway, further investigation will be needed to see if there is any interaction between AHCC and any type of drug that uses this pathway.

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AHCC IMPROVES THE 5-YEAR SURVIVAL RATES Dr. Yusai Kawaguchi of the Kansai Medical University Department of Surgery performed a clinical study that convincingly showed that the use of AHCC could remarkably enhance the five-year survival rate. He treated 132 stomach cancer patients with AHCC after surgery. Patients at stages I–IV were given 3g a day of AHCC and patients at stage IV were treated with 6g a day.

Patients at stage II and higher were also given low-dose chemotherapy. In addition, he treated 113 patients with colon cancer. Patients at the early stages were treated with 3g of AHCC per day and patients at stages III and IV were given 6g a day in divided doses. Patients at stage II and higher were also given low-dose chemotherapy. An analysis of survival rates revealed that the five-year survival rates were remarkably enhanced.

AHCC INCREASES SURVIVAL TIME IN LATE-STAGE CANCER PATIENTS Any treatment that can help late-stage cancer patients is worth its weight in gold. Researchers at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Patumthani, Thailand, studied the use of AHCC with liver cancer patients at advanced stages. Forty-four patients were randomized and divided into an AHCC group, taking 6g a day, and a control group taking a placebo.

In this study, AHCC clearly significantly increased survival time. In the study, the median patient survival time was twice as high in the AHCC group as in the control group. The results not only suggested that AHCC increased the probability of longer-term survival, but other factors the researchers monitored indicated that it also improved quality of life.

AHCC AND liver CANCER One important Japanese study showed that the rate of survival after five years was 14 percent higher in liver cancer patients following surgery in a group given AHCC compare to the control group. When the study had ended, 79 percent

chapter Chapter 9 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

of the group taking AHCC was alive compared to 51 percent of the control group. The post-operative occurrence of hepatitis and cirrhosis was reduced as shown by laboratory test evidence even five years later. And best of all, fewer patients had recurrence of cancer: 49 percent in the AHCC group compared to 67 percent in the control group. The survival rate among the participants who took AHCC was an average of twenty-three months longer.

AHCC administered to cancer patients also prevents hair loss and Myelosuppression from cytotoxic chemotherapy. The bone marrow is an important part of the immune system and the site for red blood cell production. The result of bone marrow damage is low white blood cell counts, which is a cardinal

sign of impaired immunity, leaving the patient hypersensitive to infections. Another result is anemia, which contributes to the patient’s fatigue and overall loss of resistance.

Research in Korea showed that oral treatment with AHCC raised the white blood cell count remarkably in cancer patients who had received chemotherapy. In seven months white blood cell counts averaging below 6,000 were elevated almost to

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8,000. AHCC has also been helpful in improving appetite in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and helping them to gain weight. Clinical studies in Korea and Japan have indicated that AHCC remarkably improves quality of life of late stage cancer patients, not only in terms of nausea and vomiting, but also in general well-being.

OTHER CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF AHCC AHCC protects the liver from the effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy in cancer, but it can also protect the liver from damage resulting from alcohol intake. AHCC also prevents liver deterioration in chronic viral hepatitis and low blood platelet count, which can deteriorate into cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Fred Pescatore, M.D. has reported marked reductions in liver enzymes in hepatitis patients, and has seen the viral loads in hepatitis C patients drop from 200,000 down to 20,000 in as little as two months at a daily dose of three grams.

Several clinicians and researchers have reported that AHCC reduces the blood glucose levels in diabetics. Diabetes was

chapter Chapter 9 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

induced in rats by injecting STZ (streptozotocin), which destroys the insulin-secreting B cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. In one group oral AHCC was administered. In the STZ group without AHCC, the body weight decreased and even by the second day after STZ administration their general appearance deteriorated. In the group that received STZ plus AHCC, the weight remained steady and the appearance was not affected.

Insulin levels decreased in the STZ-only group, but increased with the STZ-plus-AHCC group. Damage to the B cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas was also minimized in the AHCC group. In humans 13 diabetic patients were given AHCC over a six-month period. Glyco-hemoglobin levels, which change much more gradually than blood glucose levels, as well as blood glucose levels, decreased significantly in all 13 subjects.

This indicates a potential therapeutic use for AHCC in diabetes.

AHCC was originally developed for the treatment for hypertension before its powerful immune enhancing effects were observed. Patients taking AHCC often experience normalization of their blood pressure. Dr. M. Iwamoto of the En-Zan-Kai Medical Corporation reported a beneficial influence of AHCC on ventricular arrhythmias, a type of heart disorder in which the heart rhythm is disrupted.

The problem of resistance to antibiotics by disease-causing microbes has been a great cause of concern by the medical profession in recent years. AHCC can work synergistically with conventional antibiotics and can be used alone at early stages of infection. Since AHCC helps control infections by protecting the immune system’s resources rather than killing microbes, there can be no acquired antibiotic resistance to AHCC.

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AHCC has been shown to be effective in protecting patients from opportunistic infections.

Opportunistic infections occur in patients with suppressed immune systems. Cancer patients are susceptible to pseudomonas infections.

Diabetic patients are susceptible to pseudomonas and staphylococcus infections. AIDS patients are susceptible to infections with candida, herpes, pneumocystis and others. According to reports, AHCC gives protection to candida, aspergillus, pseudomonas and a type of Staphylococcus aureus, that is especially difficult to control (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, sometimes called MRSA).

If the root cause of chronic degenerative diseases like cancer, hepatitis C, and diabetes is immune dysfunction, it is also possible that poor immunity is the root cause of infectious disease. Microbes have long been thought to be causative agents, but if the cause of infections is high susceptibility brought on by poor resistance, as it appears to be in the case of opportunistic infections, then AHCC can address the original cause of infection by bolstering immunity.

There are numerous other applications for AHCC according to research and clinical experience. AHCC has been tested for its efficacy for inflammation at Teikyo University where they found that rats with peritonitis were protected

by AHCC taken orally. AHCC may be useful as an anti-inflammatory agent, but it also has the potential to protect the immune system from the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs, possibly to work with them synergistically and even possibly to improve the underlying cause of the disease by activating cellular immunity.

Clinical trials being carried out in Bangkok will confirm or deny anecdotal reports of the efficacy of AHCC for treating AIDS patients. In almost all HIV cases reported, T cell counts can

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be maintained and even increased. An increase in T cell counts has been observed in as little as one month along with a significant increase in the activity of NK cells, which are weakened by the presence of HIV. Improved stamina and remissions have been reported in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Decreases in intraocular pressure have been reported in cases of glaucoma. Healing of wounds has been accelerated in slow-healing wounds and bedsores. Patients have recovered from stomach and duodenal ulcers. Women with a questionable PAP smear, indicating cervical dysplasia or atypia, have taken AHCC with no other form of treatment, and returned to normal, even with PAP readings indicating stage II and stage III dysplasia. The reports of improvement of a wide variety of complaints continue to accumulate from clinicians using AHCC. The therapeutic limitations of AHCC are not yet known and may be limited only by what can be accomplished by optimizing macrophage and NK cell activity. The range of application of AHCC extends from treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder to chronic and degenerative disease. Future research trials will help to define how this powerful therapeutic “superfood� can enhance the effects of natural and conventional therapies.

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chapter 1 0

FUCOIDAN AND AHCC ANTI-CANCER SYNERGY

I

n this chapter, we will explore how Fucoidan and AHCC’s effectiveness can be maximized to increase the chance of reducing or eliminating the cancer and the various side effects caused by conventional cancer treatments.

Cancer is treated in several ways, depending on each person’s medical condition and type of cancer. There are three conventional methods of treatment for cancer: 1) surgery, 2) chemotherapy, which includes angiogenesis inhibitors and immunotherapy and 3) radiation therapy. For many people with cancer, treatment is a process that is designed to meet their needs.

CONVENTIONAL CANCER TREATMENTS

1. Surgery: Surgery can be used to prevent, treat, stage (determine how advanced the cancer is), and diagnose cancer. In relation to cancer treatment, surgery is done to remove tumors or as much of the cancerous tissue as possible.

It is often performed in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. For those whose cancer is not treatable, palliative surgery may be an option to relieve pain that may be caused by the cancer. Palliative surgery is not intended to treat or cure the cancer, or even to prolong life, but more to lessen discomfort.

2. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to eliminate cancer cells. Unlike surgery, chemotherapy affects the entire body, not just a specific part. It works by targeting rapidly multiplying cancer cells.

Unfortunately, other types of cells in our bodies also multiply at high rates, like hair follicle cells and the cells that line our stomachs. This is why chemo can cause side effects like hair loss and an upset stomach.

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Chemotherapy is most commonly given by pill or intravenously (IV), but can be given in other ways. A single type of chemotherapy, or a combination of drugs, may be prescribed for a specific length of time. Like surgery, chemotherapy can be prescribed alone, in conjunction with radiation therapy or other methods like: a) The use of Angiogenesis inhibitors. Some cancerous tumors are very efficient at creating new blood vessels, which increases blood supply to the tumor and allows it to grow. As researchers gained a better understanding of this process, they have developed several drugs that inhibit angiogenesis and short-circuit cancer development. A number of angiogenesis inhibitors have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are currently being used to treat brain tumors, breast, colon, kidney, lung, rectum, and liver cancers. b) Immunotherapy, also known as biotherapy or biological response modifiers, works on white blood cells - the body’s first line of defense against disease. White blood cells can be stimulated in various ways to boost the body’s immune response to cancer, with little or no effect on healthy tissue. Immunotherapy can also be used to lessen the side effects of other cancer treatments.

3. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses certain types of energy to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. It works by damaging a cancer cell’s DNA, making it unable to multiply. Cancer cells are highly sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. However, nearby healthy cells can be damaged as well. Radiation therapy may be given alone, along with chemotherapy, and/or with surgery. The decision to combine radiation therapy with other types of treatment depends on the stage of cancer and other factors.

For many people with cancer, treatment is a process that is designed to meet their needs. In modern medicine, there are a variety of cancer treatments being offered.

Unfortunately, several of these treatments provide only minimal benefits; moreover, complications and long term side effects of these treatments are very common.

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PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS AFTER CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS Cancer patients need to deal with a series of physical limitations after their cancer treatment. These treatments often affect strength, motion, dexterity (i.e. inability to kneel, to sit for long periods of time, etc.). Conventional treatments also have alarming qualities to them: disfiguring surgery, arduous chemotherapy, and treatment with invisible radiation.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy cannot distinguish between cancer cells and healthy cells; thus, damaging both types of cells and causing serious and often debilitating side effects, frequently forcing patients to abandon treatment. The problem with Angiogenesis inhibitors is the fact that they can cause negative reactions in the body. Some of these symptoms include high blood pressure, headaches, chest pain, wheezing, chills, sweating, etc.

Even other less toxic treatments, like immunotherapy, still cause a series of side effects, including fatigue, a rash or swelling at the injection site, and flu-like symptoms including nausea, diarrhea and fever. These side effects often happen because some of these immunotherapies are developed in a laboratory and then injected into the body. Some examples are interferons, interleukins and monoclonal antibodies.

FUCOIDAN AND AHCC COMPLEMENT CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS It is not surprising that many cancer patients now opt to complement conventional treatments with alternative therapies that may not only temper the adverse side effects of conventional cancer therapy, but also improve its effectiveness via independent anti-cancer effects. This is the reason why more and more people are turning to complementary and alternative therapies, like Fucoidan and AHCC, to augment their conventional cancer treatments.

These two ingredients can be one of the best complementary alternatives the cancer patient can select from, to make the conventional treatments less damaging. Moreover, several synergistic effects can also be expected when Fucoidan and AHCC are used jointly.

chapter Chapter 10 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

FUCOIDAN GUIDES THE CANCER CELLS TO DIE NATURALLY Fucoidan is a unique ingredient that is highly researched because of its immune-modulating properties that enhance an anticancer activity through immune cell activation, influx and stimulation of the production of anticancer cytokines, which limits tumor development. As explained before, Fucoidan is well-known for its Apoptosis-inducing effect on cancer cells. The benefit of Fucoidan is that it can be a much more effective approach that can also support conventional treatments. Some articles have shown that Fucoidan is a potential natural bioactive compound and its function allows it to work against cancer.

The inhibition (prevention) of apoptosis, a universal and efficient cellular suicide pathway, is known as one of the hallmark characteristics of cancer. The inhibition of apoptosis in cancer contributes to tumor growth, promotes neoplastic progression, and is characteristic of resistance to toxic anticancer agents.

FUCOIDAN CONTRIBUTES TO THE CELL DEATH OF CANCEROUS CELLS Fucoidan, a natural ingredient, has the ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and it can be of great support to the conventional treatments, especially chemotherapy. The effect of Fucoidan on prostate, breast, lung, bladder, and liver cancer, as well as the means by which different forms of cancer travel through and metastasize in other parts of the body, have all been researched in multiple studies. In all of the studies, Fucoidan contributed to the cell death of cancerous cells by disrupting and destroying the cancer cell’s mitochondria. The mitochondria are responsible for the cell’s ability to make energy. In spite of Fucoidan’s cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, Fucoidan does not cause any damage to healthy cells and it does not cause any harmful side effects.

THE SULFATE GROUPS IN THE FUCOIDAN MOLECULE CONTRIBUTE TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ITS ANTI-ANGIOGENIC ACTIVITY The research on Fucoidan has been going on for years and recently the focus has been directed toward its ability to encourage

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apoptosis and to inhibit Angiogenesis. It is important to note that apart from cancer treatment by supplementing surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, an important factor for the prevention of a relapse in cancer is the ability to block or to stop the tumor from growing. This is known as Angiogenesis inhibition. In recent studies done by Dithmer, et al. in 2014, Fucoidan showed to reduce the secretion and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the retinal pigment epithelium (thin protective layer of tissue) and reduced angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels) in vitro.

The use of Fucoidan as a possible new anti-Angiogenic and anti-cancer therapy appears to be of great interest. Some of the studies done at the University of Fukuoka showed that Fucoidan appeared to block the blood vessel formation, which usually accompanies the growth of malignant tissue in cancerous tumors. “These results indicate that the anti-tumor action of Fucoidan is due, at least in part, to its anti-Angiogenic potency and that increasing the number of sulfate groups in the Fucoidan molecule contributes to the effectiveness of its anti-Angiogenic and anti-tumor activity,” the Fukuoka University researchers concluded.

Cutting off a tumor’s blood supply is one of the ways to attack cancer cells. Another way, as mentioned above, is to get the cancer cells to undergo Apoptosis or programmed cell death by enhancing the immune system. Fucoidan has the ability to do that without causing adverse effects; consequently, cancer patients can have a better Quality of Life (QoL). With these three mechanisms at work, the chances of being cancer-free greatly increase.

THE MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF POLYSACCHARIDES AFFECT THE IMMUNE RESPONSE Fucoidan and other polysaccharides, from natural sources, are a class of macromolecules that can profoundly affect the immune system and have the potential as immune-modulators. Each polysaccharide will have a different mechanism depending on their molecular weight and structure.

For example, Fucoidan’s properties vary depending on the species and location where the extract is obtained. Usually, it is characterized by having a high molecular weight (HMW)

chapter Chapter 10 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

and its high sulfated groups.

Other polysaccharides that are obtained from mushrooms are known as β-glucans and they are also characterized for having a high molecular weight (HMW) and they are not acetylated. On the contrary, special extracts like AHCC (α-glucan) has a low molecular weight (LMW) and it is characterized by having acetylated compounds. Therefore, each polysaccharide will work differently in the body and the immune system will be modulated in a different way depending on their properties.

FUCOIDAN ACTIVATES MACROPHAGE ACTIVITY TO ATTACK CANCER CELLS Fucoidan has been subject to many scientific studies due to its immune-modulatory activities, which are mainly determined by the amount of sulfate groups and high molecular weight (HMW). The anti-tumor activity of Fucoidan is associated with its ability to enhance the immune system. Compared to other ingredients, Fucoidan can enhance the cytolytic (destruction of cells) activity of NK cells by increased production of macrophage-mediated immune responses, namely interleukin (IL-2), interferon (IFN-γ), and IL-12.

There are two proposed mechanisms responsible for the activity and immune-modulatory effect of Fucoidan that gives an anticancer action: 1) Macrophage activation by Fucoidan is mediated by specific membrane receptors. The major receptors reported for polysaccharide recognition in macrophages are glycoproteins including the Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and others.

2) Activation of macrophages leads to production of cytokines such as interleukin-12 (IL-12) which in turn stimulate the development of T cells. T cells produce interleukin-2 (IL2) that in turn activates NK cell proliferation. The NK cells themselves produce immunological important cytokines, notably IFN-γ, which can further provoke the participation of macrophages in the stimulation of T cells via induction of IL-12.

Macrophages help NK cells to attack tumor cells. Natural killer (NK) cells and their crosstalk with other immune cells are important for innate immunity against tumor.

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FUCOIDAN IS AN EFFECTIVE INGREDIENT, BUT IT WORKS BETTER IN COMBINATION WITH AHCC Even though Fucoidan has the ability to induce Apoptosis, to inhibit Angiogenesis and to modulate the immune system the benefits of these approaches vary depending on the type and stage of cancer and the specific mechanism used to activate the immune cells. Some advanced types of cancer are very difficult to treat because the body is already invaded and the natural immune defenses of the person are weakened.

In some cases, physicians decide to stop all of the treatments because of the inability of their body’s to respond to the treatment and to reinforce their immune system. Fucoidan is a great complementary way of treating cancer, but it also needs to be strengthened by other ingredients, especially with AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), which supports its function and make Fucoidan even more powerful and effective.

FUCOIDAN AND AHCC MODULATE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM MORE EFFICIENTLY AHCC supplementation clearly affects immune outcomes and immune cell populations—especially natural killer cell activity.

Polysaccharides purified from certain mushrooms, like AHCC, also have anti-tumor activities via macrophage activation. Although the exact mechanism by which AHCC boosts NK activity remains under investigation, it is speculated that α-1,4-glucans are recognized by C-type lectins, such as Dectin-1 on NK cells, thus initiating innate immunity. C-type lectins are also expressed on other cell types, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and γδ-T cells, that may further influence NK cells and the inna-

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te immune response through the production of cytokines.

AHCC may help modulate the immunity by significantly increasing the number of dendritic cells (a type of cell involved in the immune response). In addition, research completed at other institutions with AHCC has shown that it activates important immune white blood cells including macrophages, Natural Killer (NK) cells and Lymphokine-Activated Killer (LAK) cells. AHCC also induces the production of cytokines that serve as chemical messengers between cells.

Further, regarding the specific role of AHCC as an agent to prime NK cell responses, studies are needed to establish the mechanism of action by which this compound interacts with cells of the immune system (possibly at the site of the intestinal epithelium) and how such interactions may result in systemic effects affecting immune competency. The activities of ß-glucans derived from mushrooms and yeast cell walls have been investigated and appear to activate innate immunity by binding to innate pattern recognition receptors, such as toll-like receptors (TLRs). It remains unknown whether α-1,4-glucans (AHCC) may mediate immunity through a similar mechanism, although such studies have been proposed.

If macrophages can help activate NK cells to attack tumor cells, then the synergy between Fucoidan and AHCC is more meaningful to allow the immune system to work even better against cancer. Fucoidan is capable of stimulating the macrophage activity, which is greatly needed by the NK cells being produced by AHCC to attack the cancer cells.

AHCC IS THE KEY TO BETTER LIVER FUNCTION When many cancer patients decide to take a natural supplement, especially those patients with advanced cancers, they have already been treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy for a few months. Therefore, their health condition is extremely weak and their internal organ functions are unbalanced and damaged. Among all the organs, the most important one is the liver, which is usually affected after chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The liver has many functions in the body including: • Filtering blood

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• Processing food, drugs and toxins • Adding protein to the blood • Making bile to help digest food If the cancer is located in or metastasized to the liver, it can also damage the liver function because the tumors at this location can infiltrate surrounding tissue and vessels, making their removal difficult. If the liver begins to fail, certain noticeable changes occur in the body, for example, jaundice (yellowing of the skin) and increased abdominal girth (fluid build-up in the abdomen, called ascites), which causes nausea and vomiting.

Therefore, it is very important to keep a strong liver to allow its detoxification function to keep taking place and to restore the energy that it provides to the body. Fucoidan is known to support liver detox. However, if a better option is sought, AHCC will be one of the best alternatives. AHCC has been studied and proven to be effective in stimulating better liver function.

AHCC ENHANCES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CHEMOTHERAPY DRUGS One of the advantages of AHCC is that it lowers the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy by protecting the sick and overworked liver. This helps reduce their side effects without bringing any of its own, like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss and suppression of the bone marrow (Myelosuppression).

Damage to liver function is responsible for many of the systemic effects of chemotherapy. A study in mice that used carbon tetrachloride as a model for drug induced liver injury, showed that co-treatment with AHCC: • Prevented decline in liver function • Enhanced metabolism • Prevented the buildup of carcinogenic compounds • Prohibited the development of hormone disorders that often accompany liver failure The ability of AHCC to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy was demonstrated in a study where rats were implanted with a cell line of spontaneous mammary adenocarcinoma. Three groups were observed for 38 days, a control group, a group treated with UFT, an

chapter Chapter 10 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

oral form of the chemotherapy drug fluorouracil, and a UFT plus AHCC treatment group. Tumor growth was greatest in the control group. There was a slight, but significant enhancement of tumor suppression in the UFT plus AHCC group compared to the UFT only group. From this result, we can see that AHCC is a promising agent that improves the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drugs.

AHCC: BETTER IMMUNITY FOR EVERYONE One of the most promising ingredients that have shown to be helpful in stimulating the immune cells is AHCC. It is a great partner for Fucoidan since both have a very specific way of not only supporting the immune system, but also blocking cancer growth.

Stimulating NK cell function and supporting the immune system’s front-line defense has become one of the most promising avenues of cancer treatment and prevention. Since 1986, there have been 29 published scientific studies showing that the use of a proprietary natural compound called AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), can increase NK cell’s cancer killing function by several hundred times.

Furthermore, among the benefits of using AHCC, as experienced by a majority of cancer patients in several human clinical trials, is substantial improvement in the functioning of macrophages. This is another type of cytotoxic white blood cell that clears debris from cell damage by directly attacking disease-causing cells and displaying antigens that stimulate antibody production by B-cell white blood cells. This function proves that AHCC can offer immune system enhancing benefits.

AHCC also helps increase the production of specific cytokines, immune system chemical messengers that include: • Interferon, which directly inhibits the replication of viruses

and other parasites and increases NK cell activity.

• Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a group of proteins that help destroy cancer cells by triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death).

• Interleukins IL-2 and IL-12, which suppress production of

tumor growth factor (TGF), stimulate still higher NK cell activity, and accelerate the differentiation and proliferation of T-cells.

AHCC can also prevent the cancer from starting in the first

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place. By significantly improving the efficiency of immune cells, AHCC helps destroy rogue cancer cells that lurk inside the body before those cells can multiply and begin to develop a chronic disease. AHCC is highly beneficial in the face of: • Cancers that resist angiogenesis inhibitors (drugs that block the vital blood flow and oxygen that feeds cancerous tumors).

• HPV (human papilloma virus) 16 and 18 infections. Killing these viruses may help prevent cervical cancer.

Either way, it is vital to strengthen the immune system to prevent and battle against cancer, especially if you are getting medical treatments that weaken your immune system. Cancer can develop due to various factors such as a worn out immune system which is unable to kill cancer cells at an average rate. In addition, exposure to a mass of harmful components like toxins, radiation and such can increase the developmental rate of cancer cells to an abnormally high level unable of being sustained by the immune system.

Especially, along with the activation of Fucoidan’s Apoptosis and Angiogenesis inhibition, it is important for AHCC to support the immune system in order to regain equilibrium. Conventional therapy doctors are well aware that cancer patients need immune boosting therapy to build up the body to fight off cancer and prevent harsh radiation or medications from holding back one’s own natural defenses. If the immune system is not strong enough to protect the body, cancer will eventually attack every cell in it.

BY INCLUDING AHCC IN ADDITION TO FUCOIDAN, PATIENTS ARE ABLE TO ENHANCE THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEM TO THE EXTENT THAT IT ATTACKS CANCER.

FUCOIDAN AND AHCC REDUCE THE ARDOUS SIDE EFFECTS Fucoidan and AHCC have been used by some cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy; it is thought to enhance the therapeutic effects and reduce the side effects of select anti-carcinogenic agents.

If surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer

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are unlikely to result in a cure, then cancer patients should be able to seek further treatments. Fucoidan and AHCC are scientifically proven to support and protect the body against the toxicity and damage caused by conventional treatments.

In other words, by providing cancer patients with these functional foods, they can develop a stronger immune system. As a result, they will be more capable of tolerating the side effects as well as maintain a better quality of life to continue with their treatments.

FUCOIDAN AND AHCC: THE ULTIMATE SYNERGY AGAINST CANCER Nowadays more and more people are turning to trusted complementary and alternative therapies with high-quality, evidence-based information such as Fucoidan and AHCC. As the research shows, a Fucoidan and AHCC blend is one of the best synergistic combinations available. It is a well-balanced blend that combines specially processed mushroom and seaweed extracts to deliver unique health benefits.

Each ingredient has unique properties that work synergistically to promote excellent health and increase the Quality of Life (QoL). Fucoidan promotes the induction of Apoptosis and the suppression of Angiogenesis and AHCC support’s its function by enhancing the immune system and by detoxifying and enhancing the liver’s function. These two ingredients combined together can be the great support for the conventional treatments that will help patients maintain a healthy Quality of Life (QoL). The combination of Fucoidan & AHCC will significantly increase the chance of overcoming cancer.

FUCOIDAN AND AHCC SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN OPTIMUM WAYS TO ATTACK CANCER AND TO HAVE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE.

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The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC Chapter about the 1 author

a b o u t the a u th o r

“During my first years of college I felt I could not go on... The limitations imposed on immigrants in the USA, the difficulty of learning and adaptation were my biggest challenges. But thank God now I can tell my story and I have the opportunity to create products that will be of assistance to those most in need”. This is what this doctor and biochemical answers to young people who ask her about the amount of work and economic welfare that could provide to pursue a scientific career, and as she stands, this is a road that runs through sacrifice, but it also finds its reward in the satisfaction of making contributions to the knowledge of life from an innate vocation.

Martha Susana Trujillo Frias was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco on 17th June 1984. When she was just 15 years old she came to the USA in order to study and develop her professional career. Adapting to a new culture and language, she pursued her education while working multiple jobs in order to pay tuition. She managed to obtain three “AA” degrees from Cerritos College in Biology and Natural Sciences before transferring to California State University to achieve a double major in Biochemistry (BS) and Chemistry (BA). The Director of the Chemical Engineering Department invited her to join their Master’s Program and eventually was hired by a company that made Fucoidan-based products while she received a Master’s of Science in Chemical Engineering.

She has always been attracted to chemical composition of the living and the mechanisms that led to life and keep it until today. Also, since she was very young she liked medicine and dentistry, but then she focused mainly on the processes involved in the creation of the universe and the formation of atomic particles, which, according to her perception, should follow the same logic (the logic of God or the creative force, according to each one’s conviction).

Similarly, she was interested in chemistry, she was particularly curious about how some of the many atoms (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen) originated biological macromolecules that sustain life, i.e., proteins, lipids, sugars

about theChapter author 1 The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC

and nucleic acids, and also the magic of water and its known properties as a universal life solvent. Then, when she had to choose a college career she chose Biochemistry as a base as this training combined these three elements (biology, physics and chemistry), but finally she decided to study two careers, Biochemistry as well as Chemistry.

Dr. Susana Trujillo is a person devoted to her work, with seaweed and its unique biological mechanisms, being one of the main passions of her research. Dr. Susan Trujillo has generated successful ideas and projects in developing natural products, she has also focused on human health and therefore continued to conduct research and studying the amazing substance known as Fucoidan and decided to go back to school to pursue an ND (Naturopathic Doctor) so she could help cancer patients interested in taking Fucoidan. She obtained her degree in 2011 and her thesis was based on Fucoidan’s chemical structure and its benefits to health. Later, she studied cancer extensively, learning how it affects people physiologically, mentally and spiritually. Due to limitations to study as an immigrant in the USA, she could not continue with a program of postdoctoral studies, and therefore, she read more than 60 books related to cancer, nutrition, immunology, oncology, angiogenesis and apoptosis, among others.

Nutrition knowledge helped her develop in her a sense of priority to help people dealing with cancer so she pursued more education with a master in herbalism and a certificate as nutritionist and therapist.

After several years, Dr. Susan Trujillo began developing new natural products designed to help more patients with cancer. One of these products is a formula that contains Fucoidan enhanced with AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound). This formulation is supported by solid research.

Fucoidan’s unique formulation powered with AHCC is now a reality that helps people regain their health and quality of life. The main interest of Dr. Susan Trujillo is focused on developing products that help people to achieve an optimal health and vitality.

As Dr. Susan Trujillo says; “Although new generations are developing in more prosperous countries without many limitations, it is important to understand that we must fight in order to conquer our dreams. For those young people who

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The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC sobre Chapter la autora 1

opt for a scientific career and who want to make the science one of their major goal of life, I suggest keep cultivating their passion, as passion for science is not something acquired, is a concern you born with, a concern to find out how all around us works, and that is what bring to us the interest in research, and its unique goal is not only the economic welfare, but to be happy in the world of scientific research and helping others�.

For more information, please visit www.DrSusanaT.com or writer to Dr. Susana Trujillo by E-mail: Susana@DrSusanaT.com

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THE SECRET TO LONGEVITY AND VITALITY COULD BE AS The Ultimate Synergy Against Cancer: Fucoidan and AHCC Chapter 1 SIMPLE AS HAVING A SYNERGISTIC COMBINATION OF TWO AMAZING INGREDIENTS – FUCOIDAN AND AHCC. THE FUSION BETWEEN THESE TWO INGREDIENTS MAKES PERFECT SENSE, AS THEY BOTH ARE CREATION OF A HEALTHY, LONG LIFE IN DIFFERENT CULTURES. Cancer is a devastating, often debilitating disease that affects people from all walks of life, all over the world. Resistance to conventional treatments is more noticeable with tumors not responding or growing back at a faster rate.

More anti-cancer drugs are often given that brings considerable side effects to the human body including hair loss, bleeding, diarrhea and suppression of the immune system. Therefore, many patients seek natural alternatives that can provide the possibility of reducing the toxicity and restore their immune system.

FUCOIDAN AND AHCC SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN OPTIMUM WAYS AND PROVIDE THE SUPPORT NEEDED TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF CANCER PATIENTS. Learn about two nutrients that can precisely target and kill cancer cells by modulating the immune system. Two of these effective, natural and reliable alternatives are Fucoidan and AHCC. It is a well-balanced mix that combines extracts of mushrooms and algae especially processed to provide specific health benefits. These two ingredients combined together can be a great support for conventional treatments.

Dr. Susana Trujillo has a special interest in research and integrative medicine. She received a Naturopathic Doctorate in 2013, a Master’s in Chemical Engineering in 2011 and twin Bachelor’s in Biochemistry and Chemistry in 2009. Dr. Susana has been part of the Formulation and R&D Department of two major Fucoidan companies.

She has more than 6 years of experience in the Fucoidan research area. She is the formulator of an exclusive product containing Fucoidan, which is enriched with AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound).

This product is now a reality to support people to recover their health and to enhance their Quality of Life.