GLPN

GLPN is a low-molecular-weight (approximately 34.9 kDa) fraction of β-D-glucan derived from the medicinal mushroom *Ganoderma lucidum*. It is produced through the ultrasonic degradation of high-molecular-weight β-D-glucan (GLP). Structurally, it maintains the primary repeat unit of the parent compound, consisting of a β-(1→3)-linked D-glucose backbone with β-(1→6)-D-glucopyranosyl side branches on every third residue, though it lacks the triple helix conformation found in higher molecular weight fractions. GLPN exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity, particularly in models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and ulcerative colitis. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MIF, and MCP-1. Research suggests that the reduction in molecular weight enhances its therapeutic efficacy in recovering inflamed intestinal tissues compared to its higher molecular weight precursors.

Other names

low molecular weight Ganoderma lucidum beta-glucandegraded Ganoderma lucidum beta-D-glucan