polycan

Polycan is a water-soluble $\beta$-1,3/1,6-glucan complex of extracellular polysaccharides purified from the *Aureobasidium pullulans* strain SM-2001. Developed by Glucan Co., Ltd., it features a specific molecular structure with $\beta$-1,3 and $\beta$-1,6 linkages in a 68:32 ratio and an average molecular weight of approximately 260 kDa. Polycan acts as an immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory agent, demonstrating the ability to reduce levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, and IL-1$\beta$, and decrease myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In models of ulcerative colitis, it has been shown to protect intestinal barrier function by maintaining tight junction proteins like ZO-1 and occludin, while also modulating the gut microbiota (notably increasing *Akkermansiaceae*) and inhibiting apoptosis. It is recognized as a health functional food ingredient by the KFDA and holds FDA GRAS status, with research extending into osteoarthritis, muscle atrophy, and atopic dermatitis.

Brand names

Polycan

Other names

beta-1,3/1,6-glucanAureobasidium pullulans SM-2001 exopolymersextracellular polysaccharides from Aureobasidium pullulans SM-2001