Glucan is known as an immunostimulant derived from the cell walls of baker's yeast. It activates white blood cells, such as macrophages, granulocytes and monocytes, responsable for defence against infections


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ß- glucan with
ß-1,3/ß-1,6 -linkage
from baker´s yeast

What is Beta Glucan? Beta-(1,3)/(1,6) Glucan is known as an immunostimulant derived from the cell walls of baker's yeast. It activates white blood cells, such as macrophages, granulocytes and monocytes, responsable for defence against infections, and supports the repair of damaged tissues in the body through enhancement of regeneration process. Beta Glucan polysaccharide triggers immune modulation increasing T-Cell, B-Cell and macrophage activity strengthening the defense system against viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic or neoplastic invaders. Beta-(1,3)/(1,6) Glucan can be generated from baker´s yeast and mushrooms like Lentinus edodes (Shiitake ) or Linghi. Glucan products from other sources have a different chemical composition and different properties.Beta-(1,3)/(1,6) Glucan polysaccharide, extracted from baker's yeast and mushroom like Lentinus edodes , has been tested as immunomodulators and/or immunopotentiators in clinic and experimental systems. Since baker´s yeast production is a long established process giving guarantee to a constant quality and availability, and many scientific researches on ß-glucans were done with yeast glucan (zymosan), it is only natural that yeast glucan attracts much attention in the search for health food components.


	Key functional effect - Activation of phagocytic cells: Binding of ß-glucan to glucan receptors on phagocytic cells activates a series of events like e.g., the secretion of lysozomal enzymes, production of cytokines etc. resulting in phagocytosis and setting the host-defense system in alarm state. Interesting observation is also reported that the binding of an opsonized target (target bound to antibodies or complement components) to phagocytic cells did not effect unless the glucan-receptor is bound to a glucan at the same time. Although the interactions of ß-glucan with cell systems through direct contact are well described and studied, the functional mechanism of ß-glucan through the intestine system is still not yet fully understood. Possibly, the transport of ß-glucan particles to the lymphatic organs in the gut, Peyer´s patches, is effected through the binding to special epithel cells called microfold cells (M-cells). Once the intestine barrier is overcome, contact with macrophage, and lymphocytes etc. can then occur.


	The beginning of the Story the "Zymosan"


	What is Beta Glucan


	Useful links: Latest news on Beta Glucan research


	Breedings: Beta Glucan as integrator for feeding as a valid alternative for enhancing natural defences.


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	Beta Glucan polysaccharide triggers immune modulation increasing T-Cell, B-Cell and macrophage activity strengthening the defense system against viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic or neoplastic invaders.