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A new study has revealed that a Japanese mushroom extract may be helpful in treating human papillomavirus (HPV). The study at The University of Texas Health Science Center found that out of ten HPV-positive women, who were treated orally with the extract AHCC (active hexose correlated compound) once daily for up to six months, five achieved a negative HPV test result, three with confirmed eradication after stopping AHCC and the remaining two responders continues on the study.
Currently, there is no effective medicine or supplement to treat HPV , which is associated with more than 99 percent of cervical cancer cases. Principal investigator Judith A. Smith said that the results are very encouraging as they were able to determine that at least three months of treatment is necessary, but some need to extend that to six months. (Read: Men who drink alcohol at higher risk of HPV infection)
Smith added that since AHCC, which is a readily available nutritional supplement that works to improve the innate immune system, is a nutritional supplement with no side effects and other immune modulating benefits, they will be planning on using six months of treatment in their phase II clinical study to have consistent study treatment plan. (Read: The story behind the HPV Vaccine)
What is HPV?
HPV or the Human Papilloma Virus is an organism that causes sexually transmitted diseases. Known to cause genital warts, cervical and anal cancer, the virus can also lead to oral cancer. HPV is spread during unprotected sexual contact, mainly through the genitals. One of its most distinctive characteristics is that it has the potential to remain latent within a person s body for a number of years and the symptoms can manifest later. Since HPV was found to cause cervical cancer in women, it has now become a common practice in a number of countries to get them vaccinated at a young age. Made of an attenuated (or weakened) strain of the virus, the HPV vaccine is recommended for all women over the age of 21 and under the age of 30. It helps to prevent infection, but cannot cure pre existing infections or cervical cancer. Doctors therefore recommend that the vaccine be administered before a girl is sexually active. Read more about What is HPV?
With inputs from ANI
Photo source: Getty images
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