Supplements

Beta-1,3-D-Glucan

Beta-1,3-D-glucan, a simple substance derived from baker's yeast, has been studied since the 1940s for its ability to stimulate and activate the immune system and to work therapeutically in cancer, ulcers, radiation exposure, infection, and trauma.

Beta-1, 3-glucan is a simple sugar derived from the cell wall of a common yeast called Saccharomyces cereviae, and is available in supplement form.

In 1996, 144 scientific studies were published on the medical uses of beta-1,3-glucan. One fact has consistently emerged from these studies: beta-1,3-glucan produces its multiple broad-scale immune effects by being a nonspecific immune stimulator. This means it causes a response capable of being directed at numerous conditions.

Harvard University research showed that the macrophage, a key immune system white blood cell that "eats" unwanted foreign microbes, has a specific receptor for beta-1, 3-glucan. In other words, the yeast talks directly to the cell; when the macrophage is activated by this contact, it starts a "cascade of events turning the cells into an 'arsenal of defense,' " explains Donald J. Carrow, M.D., a physician based in Tampa, Florida, who has used beta-1,3-glucan successfully with many patients.

Beta-1,3-glucan's beneficial role in treating cancer was reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, by Peter W. Mansell, M.D., and colleagues in 1975. Nodules of malignant skin cancer in nine patients were injected with beta-1,3-glucan. The size of the cancer lesions was "strikingly reduced in as short a period as five days" and in small lesions "resolution was complete." Dr. Mansell reported.

Researchers at Tulane University School of Medicine reported that beta-1,3-glucan injected directly into chest wall malignant ulcers in women who had already undergone mastectomy and radiation therapy for breast cancer healed the sores completely.

Research into beta-1,3-glucan's radiation protection effects were shown in a test where mice were given an oral dose of beta-1,3-glucan after radiation exposure (lethal dose), 70% were completely protected from the damaging effects.

Evidence from animal studies demonstrates that beta-1,3-glucan can reduce the amount of conventional antibiotics required in infectious conditions such as peritonitis (inflammation of the membrane lining of the abdominal and pelvic cavities).

Beta-1,3-glucan, used topically can reduce the signs of aging. It improves skin hydration by 27%, lines and wrinkles by 47%, firmness and elasticity by 60%, skin color improvement by 2%, and skin renewal by 34%. The use of a Beta-1,3-glucan topical cream indicates that Langerhans cells, which are easily damaged by UV light exposure, were protected by more than 50% when used after sun exposure.

The wound-healing ability of Beta-1,3-glucan has been firmly established. When this cream was applied (20 mg per one-centimeter incision) complete scar-free healing occurred within 10 days.

Sources: Available in capsule, powder and topical cream, derived from yeast cell walls.

Dosage Ranges and Duration of Administration:

• Cancer treatment: five 7.5 mg capsules daily.
• Cancer prevention: two 7.5 mg capsules daily to help prevent recurrence of cancer.
• Skin protection and rejuvenation: can be used daily, once or twice a day