Soluble Beta-Glucan

Soluble Beta-Glucan (SBG) is a polysaccharide derived from various natural sources, including yeast, fungi, cereals (oats, barley), and microalgae. It is recognized for its immunomodulatory properties, primarily by activating immune cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer cells through binding to specific receptors like Dectin-1 and Complement receptor 3 (CR3). This activation leads to the release of pro-inflammatory molecules and enhanced anti-microbial and anti-tumor activity. Beyond immune modulation, SBG also influences glucose metabolism by inhibiting α-glucosidase and Sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), and by stimulating Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) secretion indirectly through short-chain fatty acid production in the gut. It also exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. SBG is being investigated in clinical trials for a range of conditions, including various cancers (e.g., neuroblastoma, bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, advanced solid tumors, gastric cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancers), infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19), and metabolic disorders (e.g., type 1 diabetes, high cholesterol, diabetic foot ulcers, chronic leg ulcers in diabetes patients, obesity). Some forms, such as lentinan, are approved in certain Asian countries as adjuvants to chemotherapy. It is also widely available as a dietary supplement and used in nutraceuticals.

Brand names

Woulgan

Other names

Beta-glucanHighly Soluble Beta-GlucanGlucan sulfate