Beta-Glucans

Scientific names: Beta-1,3-glucan, beta-1,3/1,6-glycan

Common names: Beta glycans also are known as beta-glucans.

Efficacy-safety rating:

ÒÒ...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

●...Little exposure or very minor concerns.

What is Beta-Glucans?

Natural sources of beta-glucans include fungal cell walls, seaweed, oats, and barley. Although collectively termed beta-glucans, variations in composition exist as a consequence of being derived from different natural sources, as well as batch variations due to differing growing conditions. Synthetic substances are being developed to overcome such variations, but until these become widely available, information for beta-glucan depends on the source; see individual monographs for maitake (grifola) seaweed, and oats.

What is it used for?

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses

Beta-glucans have been used in traditional medicine, especially in Japan, and have been extensively studied for many years, particularly for their potential as immunomodulators. Traditional Chinese and Asian medicines extensively utilize medicinal mushrooms as a source of beta-glucan, while in the United States, early research focused on the immunomodulatory effects of zymosan derived from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

General uses

Reviews providing an overview of the beta-glucans are available, focusing largely on preventative roles in cancer and diseases related to the cardiovascular and immune systems. For more detailed information, see the individual monographs for the different beta-glucans sources (maitake [grifola], seaweed, and oats).

What is the recommended dosage?

See individual monographs for specific dosing recommendations.

How safe is it?

Contraindications

See individual monographs for specific information.

Pregnancy/nursing

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. See individual monographs for specific information.

Interactions

See individual monographs for specific interactions.

Side Effects

See individual monographs for specific adverse events.

Toxicities

See individual monographs for specific toxicology information.

References

Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health