Beta-1 3-D
Glucan
By A.J. Lanigan
Macrophages play an
essential and pivotal role in the initiation and maintenance of the immune response. From
an evolutionary point of view, the macrophage is the oldest and most consistently
preserved immunologically competent cell known. Not only humans and higher animals, but
primitive invertebrates such as Hydra which have no other immunological effector cells,
have macrophages. In order to function defensively, the macrophages must pass through a
state of activation which involves certain morphological changes. Also, most importantly,
a whole sequence of metabolic changes occurs which results in the production of a series
of so-called cytokines. The act as internal regulators of the immune system. Activation
can be initiated by a variety of different stimuli such as endotoxin, bacteria, viruses or
chemicals. However, these activators can be to toxic or pathogenic to be useful. Beta-1,
3-D Glucan on the other hand is orally effective, completely safe and non-toxic and may be
one of the most potent stimulators of the immune response. There are several different
types of beta glucan with different levels of activity, the majority of which are inert
and used as simple food fillers. The most active type, however, is Beta-1,3-D glucan from
the cell wall of yeast. A three dimensional model of this molecule shows it to be a helix,
and research at Harvard University has shown that receptors for approximately seven sugar
residues exist on the macrophage cell membrane. The fact that such a small number of
glucose units can activate these receptors is very remarkable.
What is more remarkable
still is that there are specific receptors for this sort of polysaccharide chain on the
surface of the most ancient cell in the immune cascade. There is now evidence to show that
Beta Glucan is, from an evolutionary point of view, the most widely and most commonly
observed macrophage activator in nature.
The activated macrophage is
a veritable powerhouse. A macrophage can recognize and kill tumor cells non-specifically,
as well as remove foreign debris. It also can produce a number of essential cytokines that
are able to stimulate the immune system in general and boost bon marrow production.
Some individuals, because
of age, chronic infection or poor nutrition have a compromised immune defense system. They
are susceptible to all of the following problems: arthritis; reduced would healing
capacity; reduced bone marrow proliferation with resulting lowered white cell count and
anemia; increased incidence of cancers; and increased incidence of viral, fungal, and
bacterial infection.
Beta-1,3-D Glucan is a safe
and very potent nutritional supplement with a systemic effect that can be described as
non-specific immune stimulation combined with free-radical scavenging activity. As a
Bakers yeast extract it is Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS category according to
the FDA) and has no known toxicity or side effects
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