β-D-glucan

 Understanding the polysaccharides, β-D-glucan
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β-D-glucan is a carbohydrate comprising a string of glucose molecules. Traces of β-D-glucan can be found in a variety of plant and fungal cell walls. Foods containing β-D-glucan include yeast, cereals, including oats, grain and barley; and those in the fungi category, including mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum, Antrodia camphorate, cordyceps, Schizophyllum, seaweed, Natto etc. Usually, the β -D-glucan structure contains mainly the (1,3)- β -D and (1,6)- β -D β-glucan chain. Thus, it can be called β-(1,3)/(1,6)-glucan.

The β-D-glucan in food cannot be easily broken down and utilized by the digestive organs. The real active ingredient is the β-(1, 3) / 1; 6-glucan that is inside the polysaccharides. The general polysaccharides do not undergo highly purified refining process whereby cell walls are broken down, and the amount of impurities in the product is greater than the active ingredient, thus inhibiting the polysaccharides from stimulating the immune system, and also increases the product's weight while reducing cost. β -D-glucan has a wide range of applications in healthcare; it can be applied in anti-aging, anti-radiation exposure (including UV radiation), anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory etc. It can also be used as cosmetics additives，such as lotion, cream, anti-UV lotion. β -D-glucan can stimulate the skin cells to break down fibrin on the skin surface. It can also treat excessive burns, sunburn, and increase the whitening effect. β -D-glucan can also be added into beverages, such as sports drinks, yogurt drinks etc. thereby enhancing the immune system with a dietary pattern.
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β-D-glucan Historical Overview

β -D-glucan functions has been under medical studies for more than 50 years. During 1940s, Dr. Pillemer discovered an element, which has the ability to improve the immune function, in a yeast cell. At that time, he did not understand what this substance was. Further research findings by Dr. Di Luzio at the University of Tulum, revealed that this substance that increases immunity is a type of polysaccharides-β-D-glucan. This substance was isolated from baker’s yeast. From the 1970s onwards, more scientists began in-depth studies of β-D-glucan physiological functions on humans. The scientist, Peter Mansell used beta-D-glucan in the treatment of malignant melanoma skin nodules. He found that the biopsy of the tissue injected with beta-D-glucan did not show any sign of melanoma. Also, the stimulated macrophages (white blood cells) have significantly increased. Ever since findings from this study had been reported, other scientists have confirmed that beta-D-glucan can stimulate macrophages and the  immune cells. In the 1980s, the Harvard University reported that the beta-D-glucan can enhance the body's defense system. A beta-D-glucan receptor was discovered on the surface of the macrophage. Dr. Czop’s study determined that the receptor is in the macrophages protein complex. The β -D-glucan receptor size is approximately one micron. The β -D-glucan is like a type of nutritional supplement. When injected into the receptor location, it is absorbed and can then stimulate the macrophages to improve the immune system. Later research also points out that the highly pure form of β -D-glucan, is able to activate macrophages and neutrophils, thereby raising the level of leukotrienes, cytokinin and specific antibodies content and stimulate the body's immune system. The body’s defense system would then be more prepared to fight diseases caused by microorganisms.

The Absorption Mechanism of β-1, 3/1, 6-glucan Generally, the simple and water soluble Polysaccharides will break down into glucose in the digestive tract to provide energy for the body or organism. However, the long-chain polysaccharides such as the β-glucan, is not water soluble. The surface of the digestive tract is lined with a viscous material known as glycocalyx or villus. On this glycocalyx, there are long chain polysaccharides-binding receptors. There are two kinds of receptors. One type is known as non-specific receptor, it can combine with most polysaccharides to form another structure, and is involved with the protection of the digestive tract from being destroyed by gastric acid，and prevents the invasion of foreign antigen. The other type is known as specific receptors. It has special features that allows polysaccharides-specific binding with β-1, 3/1, 6-glucan. The structure of β-1,3/1,6-glucan is not the same with most polysaccharides (such as Starch、Glycogen、Dextrin etc)，because most polysaccharides has α- saccharide chain, β-1,4- saccharide chain link, whereas β-1,3/1,6-glucan uses β-1,3 binding as the main body. There are some β-1, 6- branches, that are conducive to the formation of spiral-shaped molecular structure. Due to the special molecular structure (regardless of whether it is the single spiral or triple helix structure), it can bind to specific receptors. The β-1, 3/1, 6-glucan binds to specific receptors, through the endocytosis function (or pinocytosis function) so that ultimately the β-1, 3/1, 6-glucan will enter into the lymphatic system through intestinal epithelium，and then enter into the blood system through the lymphatic system. The physiological role of β-1, 3/1, 6-glucan The body's immune system against external intruders will generally undergo a two-stage reaction, firstly it would produce a non-specific inflammatory reaction to eliminate, neutralize, or by other means, avoid cells from being harmed. At this stage, macrophages play a very significant role. Macrophages will not only engulf intruders, it will swallow them for decomposition，and then send them to the cell surface to be presented as another kind of leukocyte (T-helper lymphocytes). In this way, when the macrophages and T-helper lymphocytes are combined, it would cause a series of reactions, and produce specific immune response to counter the intruders. During the first stage of non-specific inflammatory reaction， β-1,3/1,6-glucan will stimulate the generation of：interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6) , interleukin-10 (IL-10) , Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and Interferon and such kinds of cytokines. As shown in illustration 1-2，interleukin can activate B Lymphocytes and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (Cytotoxic T cell). B Lymphocytes can secrete antibodies specifically against the invader，and then generate antibodies. Upon combining with the intruder，it makes it easier for macrophages to engulf this intruder and destroy it. The T lymphocytes will then secrete other chemical substance, to destroy cancer cells or virus-infected cells. When the intrusion of pathogens had been eliminated，the activation of B lymphocytes will be controlled by Suppressor T cell. Since the immune system has characteristics for memory，when the same intruder invades again，the body’s immune system will quickly combat and eradicate the pathogen. However, faulty immune system may lead to the occurrence of autoimmune diseases, such as Rheumatoid arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Allergic reactions may also cause adverse immune system or risk of certain types of cancer or anything that could cause an overreaction of the macrophages activity that are meant to be conducive to the function of the immune system. Areas of Application for β-(1,3)/(1,6)-glucan β-(1,3)/(1,6)-glucan’s solubility, structural arrangement, molecular weight and polybranches, are affecting the biological activity in β-1,3-glucan (Dr Yadomae，in year 2000). Due to the differences in chemical structure, their displayed functions are also different. Thus, it can be widely used in feeds, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, etc. Functions of Polysaccharides _______________________________________________________________ 【1】 Is Anti-cancer、Anti-tumor and prevents the metastasis of tumor cells The main goal of current research in the study of anti-cancer is to strengthen the presence and activity of macrophages and phagocytes. One of the functions of β-glucan, is to enhance the ability of macrophages. In 1981, the Norwegian Cancer Research Center and Sweden’s Uppsala University compared the immunity strength for 42 kinds of natural polysaccharides, and found out that the glucan in yeast can increase the phagocytic activity for more than 10 times. Subsequent studies also showed that other mammals, including humans, have the same immunity effect and results too. ________________________________________________________________ 【2】 Increases non-specific immunity and natural defences β- glucan could effectively increase immunity. This had been confirmed in many animals including humans. For example, in 1982 Tulum University School of Medicine, studies have shown that white mice has acquired β-glucan immunity within a few hours after they had been injected with high concentration of Escherichia Coli. The mortality rate or bacterial concentration in the blood treatment were much lower. Therefore, it proves that β-glucan does possess the immune protection. ________________________________________________________________ 【3】 Removes excess free radicals Dr. MaraPatchen reported that β-glucan can effectively remove free radicals from the body. It protects and free macrophages from free radical attacks, during and after radiation exposure. Thus, it continues to play an important function for these macrophages. ________________________________________________________________ 【4】 Acts against radiation, ultraviolet rays or damage from other pollutants U.S. Air Force Institute of Radiation Biology exposed white mice to lethal doses of radiation and found that 70% of those animals that had been given β-glucan orally were not affected by radiation. ________________________________________________________________ 【5】 Acts as an Effective Oral Immunostimulating agent During the early 1990s，Dr. Wyde of the Baylor College of Medicine reported that orally administered β-1,3-D-glucan stimulates non-illness specific immunity. Subjects showed significant improvements in macrophage phagocytic activity，with almost the same effect as clinically proven injected immunologic enhancers. ________________________________________________________________ 【6】 Cleanses the intestines and assists beneficial intestinal microbial growth β-glucan possesses polysaccharides of a certain viscosity which are harder to digest by the digestive organs in the body. There should be dietary fiber for it to carry out its function. It can help in gastrointestinal motility by promoting the excretion of harmful intestinal substances. ________________________________________________________________ 【7】 Lowers cholesterol β-glucan has the function of promoting bile acid absorption and excretion. It promotes cholesterol conversion to bile acid to maintain normal inherent cholesterol metabolism for effective inhibition of the rise in serum cholesterol. ________________________________________________________________ 【8】 Lowers blood sugar Polysaccharides can stimulate the IL-1 Cytokines，promoting secretion of insulin to lower blood glucose. This is currently being used in diabetic patients. ________________________________________________________________ 【9】 Acts as an Anti-aging agent Polysaccharides can enhance the immunologic system and combat onset of environmental aging factors，and gives full vitality to the body. ________________________________________________________________ 【10】 Acts as a Detoxification agent Polysaccharides protect human cells from toxicity of undesirable substances and cleanse the body of free radicals. ________________________________________________________________ 【11】 Activates the macrophages, NK cells, T cells and Fibroblasts In order for the defense to be effective，Macrophages are activated, through a process which includes changes in the form and increase in the production of Cytokines IL-1 and IL-2. ________________________________________________________________ 【12】 Reduces alcohol, coffee and nicotine toxicity Apart from extended studies on the removal of free radicals with the use of polysaccharides, scientists have also discovered that the substance has a detoxification function. This protects the human body from being harmed by many types of harmful substances, more specifically, the toxic effects of alcohol hangover, coffee and nicotine. ________________________________________________________________ 【13】 Normalizes blood pressure 【14】 Strengthens the function of tissues and organs in the body 【15】 Can enhance the secretion of human cytokines or interferon 【16】 Prevents surgical wounds and complications，accelerates wound healing and protects the skin and muscles from physical and chemical injury Calcium is of major importance according to the expert opinion. ________________________________________________________________ The β-glucan Health Protection Pathways   _______________________________________________________________ yLifeXtra Concentrated Active Compound Presciption β-glucan's (1,3;1,6), Effect on the skin   ______________________________________________________________ Connection of β-glucan with Langerhans cells and Firoblasts in the skin  __________________________________________________________ Activates Langerhans cells （1） Skin aging prevention （2） UV damage defense （3） Defence against bacterial infection （4） Accelerating skin repair （5） Acne prevention ___________________________________________________________ Activates Fibroblasts （1） Activates NF-1 to enhance collagen forming, smoothes and firms the skin, reduces wrinkles. （2） Activates NF-KB to enhance cytokine for regulating skin immunity. β-glucan   Langerhans cell （1） A skin macrophage, able to identify invading substances and germs, mainly responsible for the immunity of the skin. （2） Effectively remove dead cells from the surface of the skin, promoting cell regeneration. Firoblast （1） Produces collagen for making skin bouncy and plump, also helps to heal wounds. （2） Produces cytokines for the regulation of skin immunity.  ______________________________________________________________ The anti-oxidation effects of β-glucan UV light exposure, radiation, chemical reaction or bodily metabolism will create free vadicals. Enhances Skin cell Produce SOD Free radical removal Detoxification ________________________________________________________________  For More Details, Please Contact: Sunny / Sani  +6017-8711082