pleuran

Pleuran is an insoluble polysaccharide classified as a β-(1,3/1,6)-D-glucan and is isolated from the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. It belongs to the group of glucose polymers known as beta-glucans and acts as a biological response modifier with immunomodulating properties. Pleuran exerts its effects by binding to glycoprotein receptors such as Dectin-1, TLRs (Toll-like receptors), and Complement receptor 3 (CR3) on immune cells including macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. This interaction stimulates both innate and adaptive immune responses through increased phagocytic activity and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-10, IL-12, IL-6, IL-8, complement components, eicosanoids among others. These actions enhance resistance to infections by supporting humoral immunity via B lymphocyte mobilization and boosting cellular immunity through NK cell activation. Clinically studied for reducing duration/severity of acute gastroenteritis in children[1], lowering incidence/duration of upper respiratory tract infections[2][5], preventing exercise-induced immune suppression[5], managing bacterial exacerbations in COPD[2][7], and showing promise in acute herpes simplex virus type 1 infection[4]. No significant side effects have been reported in clinical trials.

Other names

β-(1,3/1,6)-D-glucanbeta-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus