The Effects of β-Glucan on Human Immune and Cancer Cells
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2009-06-10
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Summary
This research examines how β-glucans, natural compounds found in mushrooms and other fungi, can help boost the immune system and potentially fight cancer. While these compounds don’t directly kill cancer cells, they work by enhancing our body’s natural defense mechanisms. Impact on everyday life:
• Provides scientific support for the traditional use of medicinal mushrooms in supporting immune health
• Offers potential natural complement to conventional cancer treatments
• Helps explain how certain dietary components may contribute to better health outcomes
• Suggests new directions for developing safer cancer treatments with fewer side effects
• Demonstrates the importance of quality control in natural health products
Background
Non-prescriptional use of medicinal herbs among cancer patients is common worldwide. Most herbal extracts are believed to exert anti-cancer effects through either cytotoxic or immunomodulatory mechanisms. β-glucans are complex polysaccharides found in bacterial and fungal cell walls that have been implicated in initiating anti-microbial immune responses.
Objective
To review the literature and experience on in vitro and in vivo biological studies of β-glucans, particularly focusing on their immune and anti-cancer mechanisms of action.
Results
β-glucans act on multiple immune-related receptors, particularly Dectin-1 and CR3, triggering both innate and adaptive immune responses. They enhance phagocytosis and activate various immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, NK cells and dendritic cells. While β-glucans themselves have no direct cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, they can enhance anti-tumor monoclonal antibody therapy and improve survival in animal models. Clinical trials using β-glucan containing compounds have shown some promising results when used as adjuvant therapy.
Conclusion
The immunomodulatory and potential anti-cancer effects of β-glucans vary based on their source and structure. While preclinical studies show promise, more well-designed clinical trials using purified β-glucans are needed to verify their actual clinical efficacy in cancer patients. Careful selection of appropriate β-glucan products with good quality control is essential for future research.
- Published in:Journal of Hematology & Oncology,
- Study Type:Review,
- Source: 10.1186/1756-8722-2-25