Beta-glucan
Natural Standard evidence-based flashcard. Copyright © 2008 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. 		Image
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Summary:
Beta-glucan is a fiber derived that comes from the cell walls of algae, bacteria, fungi, yeast and plants. It is commonly used to lower cholesterol. Beta-glucans have also been used to treat diabetes and for weight loss.

Uses
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Grade*
High cholesterol A
Diabetes B
Burns C
Heart disease C
High blood pressure C
Infection C
Weight loss D
*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Safety:
Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to beta-glucan. When taken by mouth, beta-glucans are generally considered safe. Use cautiously with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC). Avoid using particulate beta-glucan. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effects:
Dizziness, flushing (reddening of the face), headache, high blood pressure, hives, increased urination, inflammatory airway disease, keratoderma, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting.



Possible interactions:
Drugs that are broken down the cytochrome P450 system, drugs that are taken by mouth, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), carmustine/BCNU (chemotherapy), drugs that alter blood sugar levels, (like insulin), cholesterol-lowering drugs, immunosuppresents, sympathomimetics, anti-inflammatories, alpha lipoic acid (ALA), quercetin, selenium, vitamins A, C and E, carbohydrates, glucose, grapes, high fiber diet, other herbs and supplements with similar effects.

Dosing:

Adults (18 years and older):

Heart disease:
4 daily servings of 2 dietary fibers, beta-glucan (0.75g/serving) and psyllium (1.78g/serving) has been used.
A high fat meal (50g fat) plus 60g of an oat cereal containing 3g beta-glucan, a high fat meal plus 800IU of vitamin E, or a high fat meal plus 60g of a wheat-containing cereal (control) has been used.

Diabetes:
50-90g of carbohydrate portions of barley grain with meals have been used.
Oat bran concentrate (soluble fiber [beta-glucan] content = 22.8%) has been studied for 12 weeks.
15g of fiber in the form of yeast-derived beta-glucan has been used daily for eight weeks
8.9g of beta-glucan plus 8.6g cellulose has been used for three days
Oatmeal or oat bran at doses (dry weight) of 28g (1oz), 56g (2oz), and 84g (3oz) have been used.

High cholesterol:
3-16g of beta-glucan has been taken daily.

High blood pressure:
5.52g of beta-glucan has been taken daily.

Burns:
Beta-glucan collagen matrix has been applied directly on wounds and protected with a gauze dressing, tape, and ace wrap for 24 hours, then left open to air.

Cancer treatment:
1-2mg of the fungal beta glucan lentinan or 20-40mg of the fungal beta glucan schizophyllan (SPG) has been administered once or twice weekly for over one year.

HIV infection:
1-10mg of the fungal beta glucan lentinan, has been given over 10-30 minutes, once to twice weekly.

Infection:
For high-risk patients before surgery, 0.5-2mg/kg of PGG-glucan has been given 1-6 hours before surgery and then repeated at four hours, 48 hours, and 96 hours after surgery.
50mg/m2 of soluble yeast-derived beta-glucan has been given daily for seven days to prevent infection in trauma patients undergoing exploratory surgical procedures

Children (younger than 18 years):
Not enough scientific data available.
Natural Standard Monograph (www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2008 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited.
The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.