BETA GLUCANS
Like other fungal beta-glucans, yeast beta-glucans consist of a
β-(1,3)-linked D-glucose backbone with randomly dispersed β-(1,6)-
linked D-glucose side chains. These glucans are typically highly
branched and can exist as random coils or helical structures. The
illustration to the far right depicts the hallmark of yeast beta glucan, a single helix. The immunomodulatory activity of extracted, highly purified yeast beta-glucan is well documented. However, the feed industry has been misled to believe that feeding whole yeast or yeast cell wall products will provide the same immune benefits as feeding extracted yeast beta glucan. This is not the case. The Yeast Cell Wall illustration depicts how the beta glucan is bound between an inner layer of chitin and an outer layer of glucomannan protein complex, commonly referred to as mannan oligosaccharide or MOS. If fed in this form the beta glucan component is virtually unable to interact with immune cells resulting in extremely limited immunomodulatory properties. This is not to imply that feeding whole yeast, yeast cell wall or further processed yeast cell wall (MOS) is without benefit. In fact, many benefits may be obtained by feeding any one of these or a combination of these products.
Compelling scientific evidence exists in support of the use of
mushroom polysaccharide extracts for their bioactive and medicinal
properties including, immunomodulatory (regulation of an efficient
immune response), antimicrobial, antitumor, anti ‑inflammatory
and hepatoprotective activities. The use of medicinal mushrooms is
gaining momentum worldwide as medically important mushroom
derived polysaccharide compounds such as Krestin (PSK), Lentinan
and Sonifilan, continue to achieve clinical relevance. The impact mushroom beta-glucan and related polysaccharides could potentially have on animal agriculture cannot be overstated. With consumers demanding a reduction in the use of antibiotics, compounded by the VFD (Veterinary Feed Directive), natural alternatives in the rearing and feeding of farm animals are the emerging solution.
A particular type of microalgae known as euglenoid algae produce
and store glucan polysaccharides (paramylon) in the cytoplasm
in granules, which serve as energy reserves. The illustration to
the right shows a paramylon granule in Euglena gracilis. The
predominant glucan form of paramylon is linear (1,3)-β-D-glucan.
Since the most immunologically active forms of beta-glucan
contain this basic (1,3)-β-D-glucan backbone, consideration is being
given to this pure base structure.
Not all beta glucan is created equal. There are many different sources to choose from when making a selection; oat, barley, wheat, yeast to name a few. Another source to consider is that of mushroom beta glucan or fungal bioactive polysaccharides(FBP). FBP is a specific type of polysaccharide derived from the cell wall of mushrooms and is typically more complex than the molecules found in plants. FBP, extracted from ripening medicinal mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake and reishi, has been used for health purposes for centuries, particularly in Asia. Years of use by Asian herbalists and doctors, coupled with solid scientific research have shown that FBP effectively strengthens the immune system by activating immune cells to support a healthy and robust immune response without over-stimulation.
FBP bolsters the immune response by activating macrophages, specialized white blood cells found in the bloodstream and connective tissue, that form the body’s frontline of defense. Macrophages seek out and destroy pathogens and foreign debris through phagocytic activity and trigger a cascade of immune events to occur, including the activation of B-cells, T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells and the production of cytokines. These findings and more have sparked an explosion of interest in the health benefits offered by medicinal mushrooms and consequently, have led to a vast array of mushroom supplements available in today’s market. Many of these products are unextracted forms such as mycelium biomass and dried mushroom powder and although they provide some value, they should not be confused with the medicinal mushroom preparations used in traditional herbalism and clinical research.
The potency necessary to the achieve results as identified by traditional herbalist and clinical research requires the use of the extracted form of FBP, left structurally intact and undamaged. It is extremely important to retain the shape and structure of FBP in order for beta glucan receptor sites on the macrophage and other immune cells to recognize the beta glucan molecules and become activated. Further research has found that different shaped beta glucans and beta glucans derived from different species affect immune cells on different levels and to varying degrees. To achieve maximum immune cell activation multi-mushroom complexes are preferable. Each species should be cultivated separately in a pollution free, controlled environment and undergo patented extraction and purification techniques to ensure the highest quality FBP.
Not all beta glucan is created equal. There are many different sources to choose from when making a selection; oat, barley, wheat, yeast to name a few. Another source to consider is that of mushroom beta glucan or fungal bioactive polysaccharides(FBP). FBP is a specific type of polysaccharide derived from the cell wall of mushrooms and is typically more complex than the molecules found in plants. FBP, extracted from ripening medicinal mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake and reishi, has been used for health purposes for centuries, particularly in Asia. Years of use by Asian herbalists and doctors, coupled with solid scientific research have shown that FBP effectively strengthens the immune system by activating immune cells to support a healthy and robust immune response without over-stimulation.
FBP bolsters the immune response by activating macrophages, specialized white blood cells found in the bloodstream and connective tissue, that form the body’s frontline of defense. Macrophages seek out and destroy pathogens and foreign debris through phagocytic activity and trigger a cascade of immune events to occur, including the activation of B-cells, T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells and the production of cytokines. These findings and more have sparked an explosion of interest in the health benefits offered by medicinal mushrooms and consequently, have led to a vast array of mushroom supplements available in today’s market. Many of these products are unextracted forms such as mycelium biomass and dried mushroom powder and although they provide some value, they should not be confused with the medicinal mushroom preparations used in traditional herbalism and clinical research.
The potency necessary to the achieve results as identified by traditional herbalist and clinical research requires the use of the extracted form of FBP, left structurally intact and undamaged. It is extremely important to retain the shape and structure of FBP in order for beta glucan receptor sites on the macrophage and other immune cells to recognize the beta glucan molecules and become activated. Further research has found that different shaped beta glucans and beta glucans derived from different species affect immune cells on different levels and to varying degrees. To achieve maximum immune cell activation multi-mushroom complexes are preferable. Each species should be cultivated separately in a pollution free, controlled environment and undergo patented extraction and purification techniques to ensure the highest quality FBP.
WHATS WE USE
Yeast Cell Wall
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Extracted Yeast Beta Glucan
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Mushroom Beta Glucan
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