NEW APPROACHES IN HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) TREATMENT: ACTIVE HEXOSE-RELATED COMPOUND (AHCC )

Abstract

Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) poses a serious public health problem as it is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection that can cause warts and cancer on the skin and mucous membranes, depending on its subtypes. Current treatment options only aim to remove warts and improve symptoms, without eradicating the disease. In addition to these treatments, it has been shown that the use of various natural products that support the immune system can be beneficial in the treatment of HPV. Although the pharmacological effects of mushroom extracts on the immune system have not been fully elucidated, they have been used for various health problems in different parts of the world for many years. This review focused on the effects of AHCC , a mushroom extract, on HPV infection. Result and Discussion: AHCC , a standardized, cultured extract of the edible mushroom Lentinula edodes, enriched in acetylated ?-1,4-glucans, is among the prominent alternative treatment options in the treatment of HPV due to its pharmacological effects. Preclinical and clinical studies show that AHCC may be a promising new option for HPV treatment by supporting the immune system. © 2024 University of Ankara. All rights reserved.