ARTICLE ONE
Perhaps the Greatest Immune-Enhancing Supplement Known to Man, Dr. Richard McCraw
We have entered the age of immune dysfunction's. Almost all illness is the result of a weakened immune system. We have entered the age of the super-resistant germ. Antibiotics can no longer stop the onslaught of new and mutating bacteria as you have seen reported in the news media. We must look to our own immune system's defenses to protect us. A properly modulated, functional immune system can defeat anything that tries to come against the human body. What can turn our "Woody Allen" immune system into an "Arnold Swartzaneggar" fighting machine? Introducing Beta-1, 3-D Glucan,a dietary supplement that is derived from the cell wall of yeast. This formula is the most powerful immune-enhancing substance known to man without any side effects. There have been hundreds of studies performed using Beta-1, 3-D Glucan with astounding results. Beta-1,3-D Glucan activates the immune system in the event of infection or assault, be it from bacteria, virus, fungus, parasite or radioactive. Beta-1, 3-D Glucan activates the macrophage which is the huge immune cell that roams our body looking to engulf any and all invaders. An activated macrophage resembles an angry octopus extending tentacle-like arms, physically pulling in infectious invaders and ingesting and destroying them with caustic enzymes.
The ability of Beta-1, 3-D Glucan to activate the macrophages from the yeast so significantly is unique. The macrophage has receptor sites that have to be turned on in order to fully activate. There are at least seven known receptor sites that the Beta Glucan turns on. Most other nutritional supplements can only turn on one or two of the receptor sites limiting the ability of the macrophage to be fully functional.
Being in the health care industry for many years, I've seen a lot of products come and go, but I've never seen one product help so many different ills of the human body as Beta-1, 3-D Glucan. People come in my health food store daily with outstanding reports. Here are just a few anecdotal cases:
A young male had to undergo chemo treatments previously with several side effects including terrible nausea. He started taking Beta-Glucan and continued for one month. He was then X-rayed, and much to his delight, they could find nothing.
A young lady came in and told me in confidence that her boyfriend gave her herpes, and she had been bothered with painful sores for two years. After taking Beta-Glucan for two weeks, the sores disappeared and so did the pain.
A young female with Lupus had extreme pain and inflammation. After one month of Beta-Glucan, she reported tremendous pain and inflammatory relief.
I've seen allergies alleviated, diabetes controlled, tumors reduced, fungal infections disappear, pneumonia and the common cold abated, and auto immune diseases such as Lupus, M.S., and Crohns Disease improve drastically. When you consider how this product called Beta-1, 3-D Glucan enhances the immune system, the uses are almost unlimited. I believe this nutritional supplement to be the greatest discovery of this century!
Please understand that I have had many years of sickness and suffering as well as several close calls to death. I regained my health through orthomolecular science (nutritional science). Life was great and my health was superb until I once again became extremely ill. I know all the symptoms meant my prostate was in bad shape. My PSA was reading sky high, and even after several treatments, it was down a whopping 10.0. My doctor suspected cancer. I continued my nutritional supplements daily which included Beta-1, 3-D Glucan as a mainstay. My latest PSA reading was a very healthy .9 (which is a very low reading), the cancer was no longer suspected.
Let me just say that I've had no colds, no flu, no sore throats - none of the things that used to plague me. Since being on Beta, this product has strengthened my immune system and changed my life for the better. Everyday in my health food store, we have people come in and tell us how Beta-1, 3-D Glucan is the most exciting discovery ever in nutrition.
MANUFACTURES REPORT - Beta Glucan . . . and it's effects
A.J. Lanigan is an author, lecturer, formulator and manufacturer. He is an expert in the field of immunology. For over eight years, he has developed products related to immunology.
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. They 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 too 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 bone 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 wound healing capacity; reduced bone marrow proliferation with resulting lowered white cell counts 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 Baker's yeast extract it is Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS category according to the FDA) and has no known toxicity or side effects.
ARTICLE THREE
MEDICAL SUMMARY ON BETA-1, 3-D GLUCAN
Dosage Range: From 3 mg to 3,000 mg daily.
Most Common Dosage: Variable, depending upon body weight and whether it is being used for maintenance, chronic, or an acute condition. For maintenance, doses from 75 to 250 mg daily are most common. It has been suggested that the minimal dose for the most serious acute medical conditions is 25 mg per kilogram of body weight. An easy way to arrive at this dosage is to take your body weight in pounds and add a zero. For example, for individuals weighting 150 lbs, the dose would be 1,500 mg per day.
Active Forms: Beta-1, 3-D glucan with 1,6 glucan side chains, which are derived from yeast, and other fungal forms, including varieties of mushrooms. There are also glucans that occur in grains, such as oats and barley that are composed of a 1, 4-linked glucose molecule.
Dosage Forms: Capsules, topical cream, and injectable Toxicities, Cautions, and Contraindications: Beta-1, 3-D glucan has been given a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) rating by the FDA. Although side effects are rare, occasionally an allergic reaction is reported if a highly purified material is not used.26
Potential InteractionsDrug/Nutrient Interactions: None known
Nutrient/Nutrient Interactions: None known
Clinical Applications (conclusions of investigators) Cancer: Numerous studies report that beta-1, 3-D glucan has anti-tumor and anti-cancer activity.[1],[2] In one study, intralesional administration of beta-1, 3-D glucans resulted in rapid tumor shrinkage. [3] In another study with mice, beta-1, 3-D glucan in conjunction with interferon gamma (INF-gamma) inhibited both the establishment of tumors and liver metastasis.[4] In some studies, beta-1, 3-D glucans enhanced the effects of chemotherapy. In studies on bladder cancer with mice, administration of cyclophosphamide, in conjunction with beta-1, 3-D glucans derived from yeast resulted in reduced mortality.[5] In human patients with advanced gastric or colorectal cancer, the administration of beta-1, 3-D glucans derived from shiitake mushrooms, in conjunction with chemotherapy (mitomycin C + 5-Fluorouracil) resulted in prolonged survival times compared to a control group receiving identical chemotherapy.[6]
Elevated cholesterol: Beta-glucans appear to be the major cholesterol lowering agents in oat bran fiber. Studies reveal that soluble glucans in oat bran can lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia.[7],[8] Similar cholesterol lowering effects are reported in studies where barley is the source of beta glucans.[9]
Prevention of infection: 41 patients with multiple trauma (but no infections) were admitted to a double-blind trial to receive beta-1, 3-D glucan or a placebo. 11 of 20 controls contracted pneumonia vs only 2 of 21 treated with beta-1, 3-D glucan. Sepsis developed in 35% of controls vs 9.5% of those treated with glucan; deaths due to infection and general mortality in controls was 30% and 42.1% compared to 4.8% and 23.5% in the beta-1, 3-D glucan-treated group.[10]
Radiation exposure: In animal experiments, therapy with beta-1, 3-D glucans reportedly enhances recovery after radiation exposure and results in improvements in the bone marrow, spleen and white blood count.[11],[12]
Septic shock: Toxins from either external or internal (infections) sources cause leukocytes to release pro-inflammatory cytokines that can produce a series of biochemical events that ends in septic shock. Administration of soluble beta-1, 3/1/6 glucans reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, most notably Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which reduced mortality.[13]
Surgery: In mice, treatment with beta-1, 3-D glucans either pre-or post-surgically reduced the production of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and nuclear factor interleukin 6 (NF-IL6), which increased long-term survival approximately 40%.[14]
Wound healing: Macrophage activity is known to play a key role in wound healing from surgery or trauma. In both animal and human studies, therapy with beta glucan has provided improvements such as fewer infections, reduced mortality, and stronger tensile strength of scar tissue.
Glucans are long-chained polysaccharides that only contain glucose as structural components. Beta-1, 3-D glucans are chains of polysaccharides (complex glucose molecules), with the six-sided glucose rings connected at the 1 and 3 positions. Smaller side chains branch off the 1,3 polysaccharide “backbone.” The most active form of beta-1, 3-D glucans are apparently those that contain 1,6 side-chains branching off from the longer beta-1, 3-D glucan backbone. Sometimes you may see the expression of beta-1, 3-D glucan as 1, 3/1,6 glucan. Some researchers have suggested that it is the frequency, location, and length of the side-chains rather than the backbone of beta glucans that determine their immune system activity. Another variable found is the existence of single strand chains, while the backbones of other beta-1, 3-D glucans exist as double or triple stranded helix chains. Although these compounds have exciting potential for enhancement of the immune system, it must be emphasized that this research is in its infancy, and there are differing opinions on which molecular weight, shape, structure, and source of beta-1, 3-D glucans provide the greatest therapeutic benefit.
One of the most common sources of beta-1, 3-D glucans is derived from the cell walls of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). However, some glucans are also extracted from the bran of some grains such as oats and barley. The beta-1, 3-D glucans from yeast are insoluble whereas the glucans extracted from grains and mushrooms tend to be soluble. Other sources include some types of seaweed[15], and various species of mushrooms such as Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake.[16] Beta-1, 3-D glucans are being referred to as biological response modifiers (BRMs) because of their ability to potentiate (making ready) the immune system.[17] However, it should be noted that the activity of beta-1, 3-D glucans is different from agents that stimulate the immune system. Agents that stimulate the immune system can push the system to over-reactivity, and hence are contraindicated in individuals with autoimmune diseases. Beta-1, 3-D glucans seem to make the immune system work better without becoming overactive. They accomplish this by potentiating the macrophages, which are immune system cells whose function is to trap and destroy foreign substances in our bodies such as bacteria, virus, fungi, and parasites.[18] In addition to enhancing the activity of macrophages, beta-1, 3-D glucans also reportedly lower elevated LDL cholesterol, aid in wound healing, help prevent infections, and help in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Functions in the Body Macrophage activity: Beta-1, 3-D glucans improve the body’s immune system defense against foreign invaders by enhancing the ability of macrophages to respond to and fight a wide range of toxic substances such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.[19] Immune system activity: Beta-1, 3-D glucans also increase the production of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor[20] and certain subsets of T-lymphocytes.[21] Although this research has been done in animals, the results suggest that beta-1, 3-D glucans enhance both non-specific host defense and cellular immune response. Lowers elevated cholesterol levels: Studies have reported that the beta glucans, found in grains such as oats and barley, are effective at lowering elevated total and LDL cholesterol levels.[22],[23] Beta-1, 3-D glucans do not occur naturally in humans, hence no deficiency condition exists.
Absorption: For best results, beta-1, 3-D glucans should be taken on an empty stomach. Enterocytes reportedly facilitate the transportation of beta-1, 3-D glucans and similar compounds across the intestinal cell wall into the lymph where they begin to interact with macrophages to activate immune function.[24] Radiolabeled studies have verified that both small and large fragments of beta glucans are found in the serum, which indicates they are absorbed from the intestinal tract.[25]
Dietary Sources: Although beta-1, 3-D glucans occurs in bakers yeast, grains such as oats and barley, and several types of mushrooms, they are not readily useable in their unpurified natural state. The indigestible cell walls of these substances must be processed in order to free up the beta-1, 3-D glucans and make them available for useful purposes. [26]
[1]Luzio N.R. Williams D.L. et al, "Comparative evaluation of the tumor inhibitory and antibacterial activity of solubilized and particulate glucan," Recent Results Cancer Res 75:165-172. 1980.
[2] Morikawa K, Takeda R, Yamazaki M, et al., “Induction of tumoricidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes by a linear beta-1, 3-D-glucan and other immunomodulators in murine cells,” Cancer Res. 1985 Apr; 45(4): 1496-501.
[3] Mansell PW, Ichinose H, Reed RJ, et al., “Macrophage-mediated destruction of human malignant cells in vivo,” J Natl Cancer Inst. 1975 Mar; 54(3): 571-80.
[4] Sveinbjornsson B, Rushfeldt C, Seljelid R, et al., “Inhibition of establishment and growth of mouse liver metastases after treatment with interferon gamma and beta-1, 3-D-glucan,” Hepatology. 1998 May; 27(5): 1241-8.
[5] Thompson IM, Spence CR, Lamm DL, et al., “Immunochemotherapy of bladder carcinoma with glucan and cyclophosphamide,” Am J Med Sci. 1987 Nov; 294(5): 294-300.
[6] Wakui A, Kasai M, Konno K, et al., “Randomized study of lentinan on patients with advanced gastric and colorectal cancer. Tohoku Lentinan Study Group,” Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 1986 Apr; 13(4 Pt 1): 1050-9.
[7] Davidson MH; Dugan LD; Burns JH, et al., “The hypocholesterolemic effects of beta-glucan in oatmeal and oat bran. A dose-controlled study,” JAMA, 1991 Apr 10, 265:14, 1833-9.
[8] Braaten JT, Wood PJ, Scott FW, et al., “Oat beta-glucan reduces blood cholesterol concentration in hypercholesterolemic subjects,” Eur J Clin Nutr. 1994 Jul; 48(7): 465-74.
[9]McIntosh GH; Whyte J; McArthur R, et al., “Barley and wheat foods: influence on plasma cholesterol concentrations in hypercholesterolemic men,” Am J Clin Nutr, 1991 May, 53:5, 1205-9.
[10] de Felippe Junior J, da Rocha e Silva Junior M, Maciel FM, et al., “Infection prevention in patients with severe multiple trauma with the immunomodulator beta 1-3 polyglucose (glucan),” Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1993 Oct; 177(4): 383-8.
[11] Patchen ML; DiLuzio NR; Jacques P, et al., “Soluble polyglycans enhance recovery from cobalt-60—induced hemopoietic injury,” J Biol Response Mod, 1984 Dec, 3:6, 627-33.
[12] Petruczenko A, “Glucan effect on the survival of mice after radiation exposure,” Acta Physiol Pol. 1984 May-Jun; 35(3): 231-6.
[13] Soltys J, Quinn MT, “Modulation of endotoxin- and enterotoxin-induced cytokine release by in vivo treatment with beta- (1,6)-branched beta- (1,3)-glucan,” Infect Immun. 1999 Jan; 67(1): 244-52.
[14] Williams DL, Ha T, Li C, et al., “Inhibiting early activation of tissue nuclear factor-kappa B and nuclear factor interleukin 6 with (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan increases long-term survival in polymicrobial sepsis,” Surgery. 1999 Jul; 126(1): 54-65.
[15] Teas J, “The dietary intake of Laminarin, a brown seaweed, and breast cancer prevention,” Nutr Cancer. 1983; 4(3): 217-22.
[16] Wasser SP, Weis AL, “Therapeutic effects of substances occurring in higher Basidiomycetes mushrooms: a modern perspective,” Crit Rev Immunol. 1999; 19(1): 65-96.
[17] Miura NN, Ohno N, Aketagawa J, et al., “Blood clearance of (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan in MRL lpr/lpr mice,” FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 1996 Jan; 13(1): 51-57.
[18] Chihara G, “Recent progress in immunopharmacology and therapeutic effects of polysaccharides,” Dev Biol Stand. 1992; 77:191-7.
[19] Czop JK, Valiante NM, Janusz MJ, “Phagocytosis of particulate activators of the human alternative complement pathway through monocyte beta-glucan receptors,” Prog Clin Biol Res. 1989; 297:287-96.
[20] Seljelid R, Figenschau Y, Bogwald J, et al., “Evidence that tumor necrosis induced by aminated beta 1-3D polyglucose is mediated by a concerted action of local and systemic cytokines,” Scand J Immunol. 1989 Dec; 30(6): 687-94.
[21] Bousquet M, Escoula L, Peuriere S, et al., “Immunopharmacologic study in mice of 2 beta-1, 3, beta-1, 6 polysaccharides (scleroglucan and PSAT) on the activation of macrophages and T lymphocytes,” Ann Rech Vet. 1989; 20(2): 165-73.
[22] Onning G, Wallmark A, Persson M, et al., “Consumption of oat milk for 5 weeks lowers serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in free-living men with moderate hypercholesterolemia,” Ann Nutr Metab. 1999; 43(5): 301-9.
[23] Behall KM, Scholfield DJ, Hallfrisch J, “Effect of beta-glucan level in oat fiber extracts on blood lipids in men and women,” J Am Coll Nutr. 1997 Feb; 16(1): 46-51.
[24] Frey A; Giannasca KT; Weltzin R, t al., “Role of the glycocalyx in regulating access of microparticles to apical plasma membranes of intestinal epithelial cells: implications for microbial attachment and oral vaccine targeting,” J Exp Med, 1996 Sep 1, 184:3, 1045-59.
[25] Tsukagoshi S, Hashimoto Y, Fujii G, et al., “Krestin (PSK),” Cancer Treat Rev, 1984 Jun, 11:2, 131-55.
[26] Jason C. Cooper, PharmD, Nannette Turcasso, PharmD., BCPS; “Immunostimulatory Effects of Beta-1, 3-glucan and Acemannan”; Medical University of South Carolina.
ARTICLE FOUR
CLINICAL FACT SHEET
Beta-1, 3-D glucan is derived from the cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a baker's yeast. The beta glucan molecule is a polybranched, polyglucose. Beta-1, 3-D glucan is the backbone of this molecule. Approximately 85% of the beta glucan molecule is the 1,3 glucose, 3-5% are the 1-6 glucose side chains.
Part used: Carbohydrates that have the proteins and fats removed. It is a complex polysaccharide molecule consisting of a chain of glucose molecules that is highly purified.
Intended Indications: Biological Response Modifier.The systemic effect can be described as non-specific immune modulation combined with free radical scavenging activity.There have been many studies from well know Universities (Harvard, Tulane, Louisville) demonstrating the immune-enhancing effects of Beta-1, 3-D glucan. In addition to these immune system-related effects, beta glucans have been noted to assist the body in lowering cholesterol levels, promoting rapid wound healing, protecting against radiation exposure, and inhibiting viral, staphylococcal, pseudomonas and candida pathogenicity.There are over 2000 papers on beta glucan in the scientific literature; many of them animal as well as human studies that suggest that it might be useful in fighting cancer.No contraindications have been reported regarding combining beta glucan with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Listed in the FDA's "generally recognized as safe" category, beta glucan has no know contraindications, side effects, or toxicity.
People, who have impaired immunity from many causes including chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic stress, or persistent viruses, can take beta glucan to heighten their defenses.Those who suffer from chronic degenerative disorders, i.e. diabetes mellitus or chronic inflammation may also benefit from beta glucan's immune enhancement. Those habitually exposed to environmental pollutants, UV radiation, and other toxins could benefit from the antioxidant effects and potent free-radical scavenger effects. Amateur and professional athletes may derive health-building benefits from beta glucan.
Mode of Action: The beta glucan modulates the macrophage, which is the oldest and most consistently preserved immunologically competent cell known.All the functions, including phagocytosis (ability to engulf foreign cells and particles), release of certain cytokines (intercellular "fax messages") IL-1, IL-6, GM-CSF, interferon and the processing of antigens are improved. Macrophages are involved in every day detoxifying processes, intestinal flora maintenance, anti-infective and anti-tumor protection and maintenance of overall health integrity. Beta glucan taken orally differs from other food substances.This type of glucan is acid resistant so it passes the stomach virtually unchanged.Macrophages in the intestinal wall make contact with the beta glucan particles.Activation of these cells follows and later, they are able to travel back to the local lymph nodes as part of their natural antigen-presenting function, release cytokines and induce systemic immune activation. Single dose studies of beta glucan indicate that macrophage function may peak in 72 hours.
Dosage: Suggested maintenance dose for adults is 100-200 mg per day.Increased dosage is suggested when symptoms first appear and during illness.There are considerable studies in humans with late stage cancers using 3000 mg daily.There are no absolutes for determining the exact amount of beta glucan taken to slightly potentiate or maximize your immune system.Take on an empty stomach 1/2 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.
Beta glucan has been studied extensively on Diabetes. One mammalian study shows that this substance, in a high purity (above 90%), properly extracted form, prevented diabetes and insulitis. These studies were located after long, extensive research on the US Governments "National Library of Medicine" website. The worlds largest medical library. You can view the abstract of this study by clicking here.
DIABETES HOMEPAGE I DIABETES RESEARCH I DIABETES TYPES
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