Beta Glucan - Yeast

Beta glucan describes a cluster of molecules referred to as (1,3) Beta glucan, (1,4) Beta glucan and (1,6) Beta glucan. These are short to medium-chain polysaccharides that can be derived from Baker's yeast, mushrooms, oats and barley.

No one knows for sure what the absolute differences between the various derivations of Beta glucan; however, the research on each type of Beta glucan is available. Depending on what Beta glucan is derived from determines what it is effective at. For example, oat and barley Beta glucan appear to act within the colon and intestinal tract and can claim to reduce cholesterol when taken internally.

Mushroom Beta glucan, on the other hand, appears to immune system effects as well as other beneficial effects.

However, a great deal of detailed research has been done on yeast-derived Beta glucan showing it to have considerable effect on the immune system, on radiation injuries, tumors and has also been shown cholesterol lowering properties. The research is so precise that specific receptor sites on the immune cells have been recognized, which give Beta glucan its immune supporting and other fighting effects. This is what is called the "mechanism of action."

For example, it was found that yeast-derived (1,3) Beta glucan binds to the Dectin-1 receptor on macrophages, our first line of defense against bad bacteria and other challenges. Dectin-1 is believed to be how Beta glucan is taken up into the body and how it activates the macrophage to do its job as a scavenger molecule. This would make yeast-derived Beta glucan effective in helping the body fight off infection or clear out abscesses or dead cells.

The CR3 receptor on leukocytes helps fight infections and tumors by binding to antibodies and Beta glucan in such a way that both must be bound for an effect to take place. When Beta glucan and the antibody attach to the CR3 receptor on leukocytes, the result is a chain reaction that destroys the pathogen or tumor cell. This has serious implications in using yeast-derived Beta glucan along with the monoclonal antibody against a tumor cell. The regression of the tumor would be markedly improved.

Beta glucan also binds to a receptor on human monocytes, activating them as part of the immune system. Cells such as neutrophils release leukotrienes which are active in the infection-fighting process. Beta glucan is known to be a part of this activation.

Yeast-derived Beta glucan has its place in the prevention of sepsis following surgery, radiation injury and in the prevention of pathogenic infections. The data is very strong and has been determined down to the biochemical level-a rarity in alternative medicine research.

It appears that Beta glucan derived from oats and barley has none of the same effects of yeast-derived Beta glucan. While mushroom-derived Beta glucan has similar effects when compared to yeast-derived Beta glucan, the research as to the biochemical action of mushroom-derived Beta glucan is not as advanced as it is with yeast-derived Beta glucan and the yeast derived glucan has also proven to be the most effective immune system support material.

It's important to remember that these studies were all done on high grade, very pure Beta glucan extracted from yeast. When you choose the Beta glucan that's right for you, be sure to ask about purity levels and buy only that product which is, at a minimum, 80 percent purity level.

References:

1. Czop JK, Austen KF. "Generation of leukotrienes by human monocytes upon stimulation of their beta-glucan receptor during phagocytosis." Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. "1985 May; 82(9):2751-5.
2. Taylor PR, et al. "The beta-glucan receptor, Dectin-1, is predominately expresses on the surface of cells of the monocyte/macrophage and neutrophils lineages." J Immunol . 2002 Oct 1;169(7):3876-82.
3. Brown GD, Gordon S. "Immune recognition. A new receptor for beta-glucans." Nature . 2001 Sep 6;413(6851):36-7.
4. Li J, et al, "Effects if beta-glucan extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance, and immunological and somatotropic responses of pigs challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides." J Anim Sci . 2006 Sep;84(9):2274-81.
5. Brown GD, et al. "Dectin-1 is a major beta-glucan receptor on macrophages." J Exp Med . 2002 Aug 5; 196(3):407-12.
6. Herre J, et al. "Dectin-1 and its role in the recognition of beta-glucans by macrophages." Mol Immunol . 2004 Feb;40(12):869-76.
7. Herre J, et al. "The role of Dectin-1 in antifungal immunity." Crit Rev Immunol . 2004;24(3):193-203.
8. Lefkowitz DL, et al. "Effects of a glyconutrient on macrophage functions." Int J Immunopharmacol . 2000 Apr;22(4):299-308.
9. Palic D, et al. "Immunomodulatory effects of beta-glucan on neutrophil function in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas Rafinesque, 1820)." Dev Comp Immunol . 2005 Dec 21.
10. Misra CK, et al. "Effect of multiple injections of beta-glucan on non-specific immune response and disease resistance in Labeo rohita fingerlings." Fish Shellfish Immunol . 2006 Mar;20(3):305-19.
11. Lehne G, et al. "Oral administration of a new soluble branched beta-1,3-D-glucan is well tolerated and can lead to increased salivary concentrations of immunotherapy A in healthy volunteers." Clin Exp Immunol . 2006 Jan;143(1):65-9.

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