Beta Glucan

In recent years, attention has been focused on immunomodulators of natural origin, which are present in the cell walls of cereals, yeasts, and some bacteria and fungi. Beta-(1,3/1,6)-D-glucan represents structural polysaccharide that stimulates natural immunity response by activation of immunity system, especially macrophages, neutrophil granulocytes and NK (natural killer) cells.

Adsorption of beta-glucans into the organism is carried out by enterocytes in intestinal mucosa; beta-glucan is transported through cell walls of intestinal tract into the lymph. There is a reaction with immunity cells by linkage with beta-glucan receptor. Receptor is located on leucocytes (monocytes and macrophages) and lymphocytes. Thus, the local cell activation takes place, as well as systematic reaction of organism, which results in increased specific and non-specific immunity reactions of the organism. Activated macrophages absorb and destroy foreign substances in the body, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. Lymphocytes are able recognize and destroy tumor cells or cells attacked by viruses.

Molecule of Beta-(1,3/1,6)-D-glucan has been studied intensively for about 40 years. The application of results of the research started only in the last decade. In addition to exploitation in the area of dietary supplements, beta-glucans have great perspective as adjuvant (effect intensifying agent) in the pharmaceutical industry, functional foods, cosmetics and veterinary medicine. Effects of glucans were subject of wide range of studies with various focuses.

Beta glucans have significant effect on functionality of immunity system; increased immunity provides better protection against viruses, parasites, bacteria, physical and mental stress on the organism, as well as prevention and treatment of cancer. In addition to mentioned immunomodulation effects, beta-glucan decreases level of cholesterol, helps during the treatment of hypertension, has positive influence on growth of probiotic phyla of bacteria in the intestinal tract, and improves profile of blood fats.