Beta (1/3; 1/6) Glucans

Beta glucans are polysaccharides (sugar molecules) found bound together as a sugar/protein complex. The richest concentrated source of beta glucan is baker's yeast cell walls, but it is also present in lesser amounts in barley, oats, and some seaweeds, mushrooms, and other plants. Beta glucan extract taken from these natural materials does not contain the protein part of the complex, so it is not allergy inducing. Hundreds of scientific reports attest to beta glucans ability to enhance the immune system. Having demonstrated widespread immune enhancing effects, beta glucan has been used to improve conditions ranging from gingivitis and periodontitis to cancer.

Glucans appear to stimulate (irritate) the large white blood cells called macrophages into action. These cells are a primary defense system for our bodies, identifying abnormal conditions and activating the appropriate therapeutic response. They literally devour bacteria, foreign cells, dead and dying cells, mutated cells, cancerous cells, and other negative invaders. Beta glucan’s stimulation of macrophage cells produces a cascade of immune events, boosting immune response, stimulating the production of immune cells and improving host resistance.

History of Beta Glucans

A substance called Zymosan was discovered in the late 1940’s. Research showed that this product had several immune activating properties. These properties were researched one by one until the 1960’s when Nicholas DiLuzio of Tulane University began experimenting with Beta 1,3-D Glucan. The glucan was discovered to be responsible for the immune activating response. Then, Beta 1,3-D glucan was introduced to human subjects in the 1970’s.

Another function of glucan is its ability to act as a strong antioxidant or free radical scavenger. I have a very large clientele of mercury toxic patients and work closely with amalgam-free dentists. Mercury and other heavy metals are free radical producers, initiating a cascade of tissue destruction and impaired function. In retraining the patient’s detoxification mechanisms, one component which has to be addressed is liver phase I detoxification. This process needs vast amounts of antioxidant and glucans can help to provide that, along with the other factors I have the patients take in their protocol.

Glucans can also protect you from various forms of radiation. It scavenges debris and cellular breakdown caused by radiation. Some forms of radiation that glucan can protect you from is airline travel, x-rays, mammograms, high tension power lines, proximity to nuclear facilities, computer terminals and UV rays from the sun.

Beta 1,3-D glucan can also regenerate and repair tissue, thus, speeding up the recovery of damaged tissue as well.

Glucan aids in the lowering of LDL (bad) cholesterol and enhances cholesterol lowering regimes.

Beta1,3-D glucan helps other substances such as antibiotics, antifungals and antiparasitics to work better in the body. However, the most important effect is has on the body is the anti-neoplastic (anti-tumor) effect. With glucan in the system, the macrophages are far more efficient at recognizing and destroying mutated cells.

Beta-Glucan Research Update

Enhancement of radioprotection and anti-tumor immunity by yeast-derived beta-glucan in mice.
J Med Food. 2005 Summer;8(2):154-8.
Department of Radiological Technology, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Japan.
Intraperitoneal injection of beta glucan was shown to greatly delay mortality in mice exposed to whole-body X-ray radiation and tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice. Since the leukocyte and lymphocyte numbers were increased by a single dose of beta-glucan, the radioprotective effect of beta-glucan is probably mediated, at least in part, by a hemopoietic action in irradiated mice. In addition, both natural killer (NK) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activities were significantly increased by repeated doses of beta-glucan. Augmented immunological activity as seen in increased NK and LAK activity by beta glucan seems to play a role in preventing secondary infections associated with irradiation, and probably contributes to the attenuated tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice through enhanced anti-tumor immunity. These results suggest that beta glucan may be a promising adjunct treatment for cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.

Effects of oat beta-glucan on innate immunity and infection after exercise stress.
Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2004 Aug;36(8):1321-7.
To test the effects of oat beta glucan on respiratory infection, macrophage antiviral resistance, and NK cytotoxicity. Mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Ex-H2O, Ex- beta glucan, Con-H2O, or Con beta glucan. Beta glucan was fed in the drinking water for 10 d before intranasal inoculation of HSV-1 or sacrifice. Exercise consisted of treadmill running to volitional fatigue for three consecutive days. Fifteen minutes after the last bout of exercise or rest, mice were intranasally inoculated with a standardized dose of HSV-1. Mice were monitored twice daily for morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Exercise stress was associated with a 28% increase in morbidity and 18% increase in mortality. Ingestion of beta glucan before infection prevented this increase in morbidity and mortality. Exercise stress was associated with a decrease in macrophage antiviral resistance, which was blocked by ingestion of beta glucan. There were no effects of exercise or beta glucan on NK cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that daily ingestion of beta glucan may offset the increased risk of upper respiratory infection associated with exercise stress, which may be mediated, at least in part, by an increase in macrophage antiviral resistance.

Reduced and High Molecular Weight Barley {beta}-Glucans Decrease Plasma Total and Non-HDL-Cholesterol in Hypercholesterolemic Syrian Golden Hamsters.
J Nutr. 2004 Oct;134(10):2617-2622.
Department of Health and Clinical Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Lowell, MA
Consumption of concentrated barley beta-glucan lowers plasma cholesterol because of its soluble dietary fiber nature. The role of molecular weight (MW) in lowering serum cholesterol is not well established. Prior studies showed that enzymatic degradation of beta-glucan eliminates the cholesterol-lowering activity; however, these studies did not evaluate the MW of the beta-glucan. The current study was conducted to evaluate whether barley beta-glucan concentrates, partially hydrolyzed to reduce MW, possess cholesterol-lowering and antiatherogenic activities. The reduced MW fraction was compared with a high MW beta-glucan concentrate from the same barley flour. Concentrated beta-glucan preparations were evaluated in Syrian Golden hamsters fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD) with cholesterol, hydrogenated coconut oil, and cellulose. After 2 wk, hamsters were fed HCD or diets that contained high or reduced MW beta-glucan at the expense of cellulose. Decreases in plasma total cholesterol (TC) and non-HDL-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) concentrations occurred in the hamsters fed reduced MW and high MW beta-glucan diets. Plasma HDL-C concentrations did not differ. HCD-fed hamsters had higher plasma triglyceride concentrations. Liver TC, free cholesterol, and cholesterol ester concentrations did not differ. Aortic cholesterol ester concentrations were lower in the reduced MW beta-glucan-fed hamsters. Consumption of either high or reduced MW beta-glucan increased concentrations of fecal total neutral sterols and coprostanol, a cholesterol derivative. Fecal excretion of cholesterol was greater than in HCD-fed hamsters only in those fed the reduced MW beta-glucan. Study results demonstrate that the cholesterol-lowering activity of barley beta-glucan may occur at both lower and higher MW.

Beta-glucan, extracted from oat, enhances disease resistance against bacterial and parasitic infections.
FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2003 Jan 21;35(1):67-75.
The effect of beta-glucan, extracted from oats, on the enhancement of resistance to infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Eimeria vermiformis was studied in mice. In vitro study using macrophages isolated from the peritoneal cavity showed that beta-glucan treatment significantly enhanced phagocytic activity. In vivo study further demonstrated that beta-glucan treatment induced a significant protection against the challenge with S. aureus in mice. Fecal oocyst shedding in the C57BL/6 mice infected with E. vermiformis was diminished by beta-glucan treatment by 39% in intraperitoneal and 28% in intragastric group compared to non-treated control. Patency period was shorter and antigen (sporozoites and merozoites) specific antibodies were significantly higher in beta-glucan-treated group compared to non-treated control group. There were an increasing number of splenic IFN-gamma-secreting cells in glucan-treated group via intraperitoneal route, which might be responsible for the enhancement of the disease resistance. In conclusion, the oral or parenteral oat beta-glucan treatment enhanced the resistance to S. aureus or E. vermiformis infection in the mice.

Sweeteners and beta-glucans improve metabolic and anthropometrics variables in well controlled type 2 diabetic patients.
Am J Ther. 2003 Nov-Dec;10(6):438-43.
To compare metabolic and anthropometric improvements elicited by a diet based on the American Diabetic Association's nutrition recommendations with a modified, low-energy diet incorporating fat replacers and non-sucrose sweeteners. DESIGN: A total of 16 male, well controlled type 2 diabetes patients were divided into two groups of eight; one group received the diet based on the American Diabetic Association's nutrition recommendations, and the other was fed a modified, low-calorie diet containing a fat replacer (beta-glucans derived from oats) and the sweeteners, sucralose and fructose. Both groups were maintained on their respective diets for 4 weeks. All patients performed daily aerobic exercise consisting of walking for 60 minutes. Body weight, body mass index, basal glycemia, hemoglobin HbA1C, and lipid profile were determined in each patient before starting the diets and after 4 weeks of dietary intervention. RESULTS: Both diets produced significant improvements in weight, body mass index, lipid profile, basal glucose, and HbA1C. However, the beta glucan diet was superior to the American Diabetic Association's diet in improving metabolic and anthropometric profile: greater increase in HDL cholesterol and larger decreases in HbA1C, weight, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: A diet incorporating a beta-glucans and non-sucrose sweeteners produced a greater improvement in metabolic and anthropometric variables in well controlled type 2 diabetic patients when compared with a diet based on American Diabetic Association's nutrition recommendations.

Beta 1,3-D glucan has been extensively researched and documented by some of the most prestigious universities in the world. To quote some of the involved scientists:

M. L. Patchen, PhD
Department of Experimental
Hematology and Radiation Sciences
Armed Forces Radiobiology Institute

" Glucan has been shown to enhance macrophage production dramatically, and to increase nonspecific host resistance to a variety of bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections."

William Browder M.D.
Department of Surgery
Tulane University School of Medicine

" Beta 1,3-D glucan is a potent macrophage stimulant and is beneficial in the therapy of experimental bacterial, viral and fungal diseases."

Joyce K. Czop, M.D.
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology
Harvard Medical School

“ A cascade of interactions and reactions initiated by the macrophage regulatory factors can be envisioned to occur and to eventuate in conversion of the glucan treated host to an arsenal of defense.”

P. Mansell, M.D.
McGill University Cancer
Research Center
Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada

" Glucan was found to be an effective drug in inducing macrophage-mediated destruction in malignant lesions in animals and humans."

Dr. Peter Mansell conducted a study where beta glucan was injected into subcutaneous (under the skin) nodules of malignant melanoma. Biopsies of these sites revealed that no evidence of melanoma could be found, only a collection of activated macrophages.

DiLuzzio N.R. "Immuneo-pharmacology of glucan: a broad spectrum enhancer of host defense mechanisms," Trends in Pharmacol. SCI, 4:344-437.1983. Dept. of Physiology, Tulane U. New Orleans, LA. Quote: "The broad spectrum of immunopharmacological activities of glucan includes not only the modification of certain bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections, but also the inhibition of tumor growth."

Di Luzzio N.R. Williams D.L., et al. "Comparative tumor inhibitory and anti-bacterial activity of soluble and particulate glucan," Int. J Cancer. 24(6):773-779. Dec 1979. Quote: " These studies demonstrate that a soluble glucan preparation exhibits significant anti-tumor and anti-staphylococcal activity."

Other research studies have shown the positive effects of beta glucan on an array of conditions such as malignant ulcers of the chest following a mastectomy, HIV infections, severe trauma complications, and radiation exposure. Beta glucan has also been shown to enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics and antiviral medications.

There are researchers who believe that Beta 1,3-D glucan is the only true defense against aging.

The presence of Beta potentiates the receptors on the surface of the macrophage. Only the presence of non-self (virus, bacteria, fungi, cancer, parasites, etc.) causes the macrophage to become stimulated. Beta alone does not stimulate.

Beta-1, 3-D glucan does not create a danger in over expansion of the immune system. Considerable peer reviewed data indicates just the opposite.

There are no adverse effects known when Beta-1, 3-D glucan is taken in conjunction with pharmacological drugs. Beta-1, 3-D glucan enhances the effect of many anti-infective drugs, cholesterol reducing drugs and chemotherapeutic agents.

People often wonder why this product has not been available before. For nearly three decades, Beta-1, 3-D glucan has been available to laboratories and medical schools. However, to purchase 1 (one) 100-mg sample of Beta-1, 3-D glucan, cost was close to $200.00! This made it highly prohibitive from a commercial standpoint. Finally that has changed and we are able to bring this highly effective, highly researched product to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beta Glucan 1, 3 D Glucan

What is beta 1, 3 d glucan?
 
Beta 1, 3 d glucan is the sole active ingredient in beta glucan. It is derived from the cell walls of baker's yeast (saccharomyces cerevisiae).  Beta glucan is known by immunologists for its amazing immune enhancing properties.

How does beta 1, 3 d glucan work?

Beta  Glucan stimulates the macrophage, a white blood cell that is responsible for a multitude of actions which protect and enhance the immune system, and provide optimum resistance to any possible health assailants.  Macrophage cells are one of the principal cell types involved in natural immunity. They swallow up foreign particles and destroy them. Macrophages produce chemicals that signal other immune cells to move to the site of infection and produce such effects as fever.  Macrophages also produce growth factors for cells that repair injured tissues. 

All immune functions are improved, including phagocytosis (ability to engulf foreign cells and particles) release of certain cytokines (intercellular hormones) IL-1, IL-6, GM-CSF, interferons, and the processing of antigens. Macrophages are involved in everyday detoxifying processes, intestinal flora maintenance, anti-infective and anti-tumor protection and maintenance of overall health integrity.

Beta Glucan taken orally differs from other food substances. This type of glucan is acid resistant so it passes through the stomach virtually unchanged. Macrophages in the mucous lining of the intestinal wall pick up the beta glucan particles through beta glucan receptors. Immediate activation of these cells follows, and they are later able to travel back to the local lymph nodes (Peyer’s Patch) as part of their natural antigen-presenting function, to release cytokines and induce systematic immune activation.

I  am allergic to yeast . . . will taking beta 1, 3 d glucan cause an allergic reaction?
 
No.  Yeast proteins cause your allergic reactions to yeast products.  Although beta glucan are derived from baker's yeast (Saccharomyces ceravisiae), beta 1, 3 d glucan is a pure isolate and does not contain enough yeast proteins to cause an allergic reaction.
 
I am concerned about over-stimulating my immune system . . . is this a possibility with beta 1, 3 d glucan?
 
No . . . only the presence of non-self (virus, bacteria, fungi cancer, parasites, etc.) cause the macrophage to become alert.
  
Will beta 1, 3 d glucan cause or increase an autoimmune condition?
 
Beta 1, 3 d glucan does not pose a danger for people with autoimmune problems. Considerable peer reviewed data indicates that it actually helps people's immune systems to lessen the effects of autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, psoriasis, etc.   

Is beta 1, 3 d glucan safe . . . can I suffer any adverse reactions?
 
Baker’s yeast extracts have been given a G.R.A.S. Rating (Generally Regarded As Safe) Rating by the FDA.  To achieve this rating a substance must have no known adversity or toxicity. 
 
Who should take beta 1, 3 d glucan?

Are there any drug reactions that occur when taken with beta 1, 3 d glucan?
 
There are no adverse effects known when beta 1, 3 d glucan is taken in conjunction with pharmacological drugs. Beta 1, 3 d glucan enhances the effect of many anti-infective drugs, cholesterol reducing drugs and chemotherapeutic agents.  Please advise your health practitioner of this benefit so that your drugs can be reduced as needed.

If beta 1, 3 d glucan is so wonderful . . . why haven't I heard about it before?
 
For nearly three decades, beta 1, 3 d glucan was available only in laboratories and medical schools. To purchase 1 (one) 100-mg sample of beta 1, 3 d glucan, cost was close to $200.00!  Unfortunately, this made it very unaffordable to the general public. 
 
Are glucan from barley, oats, or other grains as effective as the beta glucan derived from bakers yeast?
 
They have been shown to be ineffective as an immune modulator.  Only beta 1, 3 d glucan from the cell wall of baker's yeast has been shown to have a potent effect on the immune system in an economical manner.


Beta Glucan and the Immune System

The immune system is very complex and nutritionally it is a nightmare to understand. Vitamins and minerals are important components of many of the chemical messengers produced by immune cells.  Basically there are two parts of the immune system one is called the humoral immune system the other is called the cellular immune system.  The humoral part is responsible for the production of antibodies and memory (acquired immunity), and the cellular part (natural immunity) protects without prior exposure to foreign substances. By convention, immunology is the study of acquired immunity and "immune response" refers to responses that are induced by antigens or foreign substances.

The other side, the natural or innate system includes, skin, mucous membranes, complement, phagocytes, and macrophage-derived cytokines (chemicals from cells). The Phagocytes make up the second major cell population of the immune system.  The macrophage is a principle form of phagocyte. In the 1970's it was observed that macrophages infiltrate tumors and speculated that this infiltration was the first line of defense against metastatic spread (Birbeck and Carter 1972, VanLoveren and DenOtter 1973, Mansell et al. 1975). Tumor associated macrophages have been identified in several species and there is little doubt that the macrophage plays an important role in the host-tumor relationship. Since macrophages infiltrate tumors it is likely that they are the first line of defense against the spread of tumors. These cells take up other particles and foreign invaders such as microbes and represent the clearest example of cells that are critical for natural immunity (they also play a role in acquired immunity). Macrophages are one of the principal cell types involved in natural immunity, they swallow-up foreign particles and destroy or process them.  These cells release enzymes, and other substances that kill microbes, and tumor cells and control the spread of infection.  Often the release of these chemicals can damage normal tissues in the immediate area, leading to inflammation.  Macrophages produce chemicals that signal other immune cells to the site of infection and produce such effects as fever. Macrophages also produce growth factors for cells that repair injured tissues. These cells do play various important roles in the progression of acquired immune responses as well. However, explanation of acquired antibody responses is also beyond the scope of this writing, here we will focus on cellular or natural immunity, and the macrophage.

Bacteria are capable of growing outside of cells, in circulation, in connective tissue, and in spaces and airways in the human body.  These microorganisms can cause disease in two basic ways.  First, they induce inflammation that damages surrounding tissue.  Second, bacteria produce toxins with differing effects.  Such toxins may be endotoxins, which are parts of the broken bacterial cell wall, or exotoxins, which the bacteria make and release. One type of endotoxin, a polysaccharide (similar to beta glucan) called lipopolysaccharide or LPS is a potent stimulator of immune cells. Immune cells respond to LPS in an effort to eliminate the bacteria producing it. Because bacteria, and tumor cells are rapidly killed by macrophages and  the resistance of bacterial and tumor cells to phagocytosis is an important factor in how successful they are. Both cell types succeed by multiplying rapidly and overwhelming the immune system. For bacteria, toxins such as LPS are released as old bacteria die, and these stimulate the production of chemicals by macrophages that end up destroying the bacteria that released the toxin.

Both nutrient and non-nutrient compounds that have been shown to affect the immune system. Beta glucan polysaccharides are capable of stimulating macrophages (and other immune cells) and are capable of acting as dietary immunological response modifiers. Beta glucan carries a rating from the FDA, Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS), which means that there is no known toxicity for an oral dose of the purified form.  There is much evidence in scientific literature over the past 70 years indicating that beta glucan stimulates the macrophage to engulf foreign particles more efficiently, fight the growth and spread of tumors and is effective as a preventive treatment in promoting health.


Anthrax Research Presented at American Chemical Society National Meeting

BOSTON, August. 22, 2002 — A compound from baker’s yeast (BETA GLUCAN), used to make bread rise, may one day help protect people against deadly anthrax infections, according to researchers.

In laboratory tests, the compound, called WGP Beta Glucan, significantly increased the survival rate of mice infected with lethal anthrax spores. Researchers believe the compound can be developed into a potent drug that has a similar effect on humans. Their findings were presented today at the 224th national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society.

WGP Beta Glucan is a patented form of beta 1,3-glucan, a polysaccharide derived from the cell wall of baker’s yeast and other natural sources. Beta 1,3-glucan’s potential health benefits, particularly its immune-enhancing properties, have been the subject of numerous scientific studies.

The current study represents the first demonstration that a specific form of beta 1,3-glucan can enhance the immune system’s ability to kill anthrax spores, and that it can do so orally, says Gary R. Ostroff, Ph.D., vice president of research and development at Biopolymer Engineering Inc., in Eagan, Minn. 

The study involved 80 mice, all of which were infected with a lethal dose of deadly anthrax spores. Of the 20 that received a placebo treatment, 30 to 50 percent survived. Of the 60 mice given beta glucan, 75 to 100 percent survived, the researcher said.

Although the mechanism of the glucan compound is not completely understood, it appears to work by binding to and strengthening macrophages, immune cells that are the first line of defense against bacterial infection. As a result, the cells fight harder against infection. In the case of anthrax, the fortified macrophage cells appear to kill the bacterial spores before they have a chance to germinate and spawn the deadly toxins that can quickly overwhelm a less-protected immune system, the researcher explained.

Studies are planned to determine the level of immune system protection that glucan offers specifically against anthrax spores, Ostroff said. The compound could potentially be developed into a drug that would work synergistically with existing anthrax therapies, including vaccines and antibiotics and antibodies to the anthrax toxin, he added.
 
Funding for this study was provided by Biopolymer Engineering Inc.; the Defense Research Establishment Suffield, Alberta, Canada; and Biophage Pharma Inc., Montreal, Canada.

The paper on this research, CARB 99, will be presented at 1:20 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, at Sheraton Boston, Republic B, as part of the topic “General Contributed Papers: Biochemistry of Carbohydrates.”

—          Mark T. Sampson
—          Senior Science Writer
—          American Chemical Society
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Beta Glucan and Radiation

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer often lead to  myelosuppression, a compromised ability to create new blood cells. In this suppressed immune state, patients are more susceptible to infections and other pathogenic challenges.

Research by the U.S. Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute and others have found that systemic beta glucan reduces the time of recovery from radiation-induced myelosuppression, synergizing with endogenous cytokine and growth factor stimulation of hematopoeisis (formation of blood cells) in the bone marrow. In a preclinical study, white blood cell counts recovered 4 days faster than control animals following a sublethal dose of radiation (Figure 1). The importance of this faster recovery is evidenced by an increase in survival from 0% in control animals to 50% in beta glucan treated animals following a lethal dose of radiation (Figure 2).

Furthermore, beta glucan's unique mechanism action enhances the microbial killing activities of the macrophages and neutrophils. This important benefit provides the body with additional protection as it struggles to restore its immune system defenses. There is significant animal research demonstrating beta glucan's ability to enhance the innate immune response against bacterial and viral infections, and also demonstrating a synergistic effect when used in conjunction with antibiotics (Figure 3).

(Figure 1)	(Figure 2)
(Figure 3)

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