Active hexose related compounds are rich in alpha-glucans and are produced from the mycelium of the basidiomycete Lentinula edodes. Basidiomycete mycelia were cultured in a large tank for 45-60 days. Several species of mycelium are initially cultured to form a colony (a group of mycelia). After the cultivation is completed, the product must undergo fermentation reaction, sterilization, concentration and freeze-drying. AHCC is composed of 40% polysaccharides. The polysaccharide component includes β-glucan and acetylated α-glucan. AHCC's unique acetylated alpha-glucan is produced from cultured mushroom mycelium. Glucans are polysaccharides known for their immune-boosting properties. Acetylated alpha-glucans of low molecular weight (approximately 5000 Daltons) are more readily absorbed into the body than beta-glucans of higher molecular weight. Beta-glucans have a molecular weight of approximately 50,000 to 100,000 Daltons. Modern science has found that mushrooms are rich in a varie...