Lack of dietary fiber contributes to many health issues, particularly chronic vascular diseases. Mixed linkage β-1.3 - 1.4 beta-glucan (beta-glucan, in this paper) is a confirmed beneficial ingredient for the human d...Lack of dietary fiber contributes to many health issues, particularly chronic vascular diseases. Mixed linkage β-1.3 - 1.4 beta-glucan (beta-glucan, in this paper) is a confirmed beneficial ingredient for the human diet through reduction of cholesterol and the glycemic index. Barley contains the highest beta-glucan content of all the grains, and in this study, a percentage of flour from two high beta glucan lines was, each, added to an array of wheat-based food products to measure how it impacted total dietary fiber. Results showed that beta-glucan content was higher in all the products containing the added high beta-glucan flour, along with increased total dietary fiber content. Protein content in the food products is also increased with the higher protein in the barley flours added. Beta-glucan content in the barley-added products increased to 1.2% - 4.0% versus 0.2% - 0.5% in the pure wheat products, while the dietary fibers increased to 3.5% - 24.4% versus 2.1% - 9.1% in pure wheat product controls. This research provided experimental evidence that using a high beta-glucan barley ingredient in food can increase dietary fiber to benefit health.展开更多
Purpose: In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the effect of an insoluble yeast beta-glucan preparation on the incidences of common colds and its effect on common cold symptoms were compare...Purpose: In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the effect of an insoluble yeast beta-glucan preparation on the incidences of common colds and its effect on common cold symptoms were compared to placebo. Methods: 100 healthy participants with recurring infections were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or yeast beta-glucan (Yestimun?;n = 50 each group) over a period of 26 weeks. The subjects had to document each common cold episode in a diary, and rate 6 predefined infections symptoms on a 3-point rating scale during an infection period, resulting in an infection score. The common cold episodes were confirmed by the investigators. Results: A total of 171 common cold episodes were documented. Of these, 76 were experienced by 38 subjects in the beta-glucan group and 96 were experienced by 48 subjects in the placebo group (p = 0.406). The beta-glucan group had significantly more subjects without incidences of common cold than the placebo group (15.6% vs 2.0%;p = 0.019). During the most intense infection season (first 13 weeks of the study), the beta-glucan group had significantly less infections compared to placebo (p = 0.02). Beta-glucan significantly reduced the typical cold symptoms (“sore throat and/or difficulty swallowing”, “hoarseness and/or cough” and “runny nose”) as opposed to placebo. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a prophylactic effect of yeast beta-glucan on the occurrence of common colds as opposed to placebo. In addition, when these episodes occurred, they were from the beginning less pronounced and subsided faster.展开更多
After proving safety in animal and human models, a series of clinical trials were conducted to examine the administration of 1 mg/mL bid of an undenatured beta-glucan on the immune system;and on self-perceived effects...After proving safety in animal and human models, a series of clinical trials were conducted to examine the administration of 1 mg/mL bid of an undenatured beta-glucan on the immune system;and on self-perceived effects on subjects’ quality of life (QoL) using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In one study, a subject population that was self-perceived to be fatigued was administered an undetaured beta-glucan, to determine if this supplementation affected their quality-of-life as a result of an increased immune system response. 44 subjects were administered 1 mg/mL bid of the undenatured beta-glucan (Lentinex<sup>®</sup>) for four weeks. Prior to the beginning of the administration, and following the four-week administration period, the subjects were asked to fill out a quality-of-life VAS questionnaire. The changes in the two questionnaires revealed differences that occurred as a result of the beta-glucan administration. More than 75% of the subjects scored “better” (more than 1 cm on the VAS) with regard to feeling in a good mood, and feeling rested. More than 60% increased their energy and reduced their tiredness and exhaustion, and 70% felt less stressed. In a second study, subjects aged 40 years and older, believed to be in good general health, seeking therapy for tiredness/exhaustion/fatigue or similar conditions (neurasthenia) which were administered 1 mg/mL bid Lentinex<sup>®</sup>. The overall results indicated that the subjects felt significantly better (mean VAS = 5.91) after the last week of the study compared to how they felt initially (VAS = 4.73) (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant (p < 0.0001) change in distribution favoring a better situation after 4 weeks intake of supplement, with a remarkable fall in number of subjects scoring below normal (from 61.4% to 18.2%) accompanied by a significant shift in subjects feeling above normal, from 9.2% to 50.0%. These clinical studies, and others, showed that Lentinex<sup>®</sup> administration improved the perceived quality-of-life of subjects whose immune system was probably not functioning at optimal levels.展开更多
Background:Repeated infections of urinary tract manifest an increasing trend and became the most common infection in developed world.In addition,currently common increase in resistant microbes including uropathogens u...Background:Repeated infections of urinary tract manifest an increasing trend and became the most common infection in developed world.In addition,currently common increase in resistant microbes including uropathogens underlines the need for new ways of urinary tract infection(UTI)treatment.One of the possibilities is vaccination.However,commercially available bacterial vaccines are not always reliable,leading to the proposition of using autovaccines prepared from uropathogens of individual patients.It is a well-known fact that UTIs are often accompanied by depressed immunity.Methods:To respond to both problems,we tried to use yeast-derived,insoluble beta glucans for restoration of depressed immune system and acceleration of the effects of autovaccines.In all patients we repeatedly tested bacterial load in urine.In addition,from the same samples we measured the levels of inflammatory proteins,albumin,orosomukoid,IgA,C-reactive protein.Complex evaluation of inflammatory response and cellular immunity in blood was performed,too.Results:Immediately after application of the first dose we observed significant improvements of clinical conditions which were persistent throughout the entire study.Conclusions:Beta glucan is optimal addition to autovaccines,as it is natural,active,safe and inexpensive.We propose that the possibility to use beta glucans in application of autovaccines is the first step in preparation of qualitative new type of autovaccines against UTI.展开更多
Background: 1-3, 1-6 β-glucan derived from Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been widely studied for its immune stimulatory capabilities and safety. Previous studies found β-glucan to have efficacy at re...Background: 1-3, 1-6 β-glucan derived from Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been widely studied for its immune stimulatory capabilities and safety. Previous studies found β-glucan to have efficacy at reducing incidence of URTIs as well as being a low risk for negative side effects. The current study aimed to examine the effects of yeast β-glucan (Angel Yeast) on cold and flu incidences and symptoms in healthy adults. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-one males and females aged 18 to 65 years old supplemented with either β-glucan or a placebo for 3-months. Participants completed a general health questionnaire every 4 weeks and in addition, if participants experienced any cold or flu symptoms, these were recorded daily (along with severity) until resolved or up to 2 weeks. Results: Supplementation with β-glucan reduced the self-reported severity of sore throats and improved sleep quality compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: Yeast β-glucan supplementation appears to be able to help reduce certain symptoms experienced during a cold or flu episode and is safe and well tolerated.展开更多
Isolating cellulase-secreting microbes followed-by screening their cellulolytic activities has been an essential approach to discover novel and potential cellulases for cellulolytic industrial applications. This study...Isolating cellulase-secreting microbes followed-by screening their cellulolytic activities has been an essential approach to discover novel and potential cellulases for cellulolytic industrial applications. This study was aimed to explore competitive exoglucanases by screening avicelase activities for 92 fungal strains isolated from environmental airborne-fungal-spore samples. Results showed that an isolated fungal strain numbered 58 exhibited the best avicelase activity of 0.209 U/mL when cultured for six days at pH 5.0 - 5.3 and 25℃ - 27℃, and was lately identified as a yeast strain of Meyerozyma sp. (96% ITS fragment similar with Meyerozyma caribbica, HG970748). Based on amino acid sequences revealed from LC/MS/MS, the target exoglucanase was identical to 1,4-beta-D-glucan cellobiohydrolases and was named Mc-CBHI which had optimal avicelase reaction conditions of pH 5 and 70℃ and could remain fairly stable after 4hr incubation at acid conditions (pH 3 - 5) or wide temperature ranges (30℃ - 80℃). Additionally, the Mc-CBHI (~70 kDa and ~3.6% of crude enzyme) had specific FPase and avicelase activities of 0.179 U/mg and 0.126 U/mg, respectively (which were about 40% - 50% activities of a commercial cellulase Accellerase-1000). These results demonstrated that the newly-found Mc-CBHI could become one of potential exoglucanase resources for related cellulolytic industrial applications.展开更多
Beta-glucan that is typically isolated from the fungi or yeast, by solvent extraction, is a commonly used supplement. However, the solvent extraction of beta-glucan from these sources destroys the tertiary structure o...Beta-glucan that is typically isolated from the fungi or yeast, by solvent extraction, is a commonly used supplement. However, the solvent extraction of beta-glucan from these sources destroys the tertiary structure of the compound, and reduces the immuno-stimulating efficacy of the denatured beta-glucan when compared to undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG<sup>1</sup>). The objective of this study was to investigate growth performance of piglets, from weaning, that received diets containing undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG) for the following four weeks (up to an average live weight of 26.4 kg). The study was conducted with 128 Noroc pigs from 24 litters at the experimental pig house of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. There were four dietary treatments;one group was fed a control diet containing no UDBG, three other groups were fed a diet containing 0.02 mg UDBG/kg, 0.2 mg UDBG/kg;or 2.0 mg UDBG/kg. In week 1 - 2, the pigs fed 2.0 mg UDBG per kg of feed gained 12% faster than the control diet. The numerical increase in weight gain during the first period after weaning is indicative of an improved immune status of the piglets fed the higher inclusion levels of the UDBG diets. Additionally, the piglets fed the highest level of UDBG (2.0 mg/kg) were found to have a better viability compared to the other groups, as determined by the Veterinary staff. No clinical problems related to the dietary treatments were observed. The animals revealed good growth and an average daily gain (ADG) for all pigs were 559 g for the overall experimental period. The growth performance was calculated for the two first weeks of the study, the remaining last two weeks of the study, and for the overall four-week experimental period. Significant effects of UDBG on weight gain and feed intake were found during the early weeks, but diminished later in the trial. The addition of UBDG to diets had a significant positive effect on several blood hematological parameters including the index of anisocytis, neutrophilic granulocytes, and lymphocytes. A significant positive linear effect of increasing dietary levels of UBDG was also found for hemoglobin and hematocrit.展开更多
The safety of beta-glucans, including undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG), has been exhaustively studied over the recent past and has shown to be safe and efficacious in rodents as well as in humans with less than optimal ...The safety of beta-glucans, including undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG), has been exhaustively studied over the recent past and has shown to be safe and efficacious in rodents as well as in humans with less than optimal immune systems. As such, we sought to find the effect of UDBG on certainly stressed crustaceans and fish. The survival of shrimp larvae fed the UDBG and other diets was measured on day 16. The diet containing 11.7% UDBG reduced larvae mortality by 18%;which is almost twice as much as the mortality reduced by the MacroGard diet, and up to 19.5% less than a standard Commercial Diet. In an effort to understand how UDBG protects against stressed marine life, UDBG was given to LPS-challenged trout. The UDBG positively influenced the level of transcription of several genes relevant to the immune system and overall health of the trout. The experimental findings indicated that UDBG: 1) modifies inflammatory responses, 2) makes responses more flexible and versatile, 3) protects from cellular stress, and 4) enhances “effector” mechanisms. Importantly, there was no evidence of immune system over-activity.展开更多
文摘Lack of dietary fiber contributes to many health issues, particularly chronic vascular diseases. Mixed linkage β-1.3 - 1.4 beta-glucan (beta-glucan, in this paper) is a confirmed beneficial ingredient for the human diet through reduction of cholesterol and the glycemic index. Barley contains the highest beta-glucan content of all the grains, and in this study, a percentage of flour from two high beta glucan lines was, each, added to an array of wheat-based food products to measure how it impacted total dietary fiber. Results showed that beta-glucan content was higher in all the products containing the added high beta-glucan flour, along with increased total dietary fiber content. Protein content in the food products is also increased with the higher protein in the barley flours added. Beta-glucan content in the barley-added products increased to 1.2% - 4.0% versus 0.2% - 0.5% in the pure wheat products, while the dietary fibers increased to 3.5% - 24.4% versus 2.1% - 9.1% in pure wheat product controls. This research provided experimental evidence that using a high beta-glucan barley ingredient in food can increase dietary fiber to benefit health.
文摘Purpose: In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the effect of an insoluble yeast beta-glucan preparation on the incidences of common colds and its effect on common cold symptoms were compared to placebo. Methods: 100 healthy participants with recurring infections were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or yeast beta-glucan (Yestimun?;n = 50 each group) over a period of 26 weeks. The subjects had to document each common cold episode in a diary, and rate 6 predefined infections symptoms on a 3-point rating scale during an infection period, resulting in an infection score. The common cold episodes were confirmed by the investigators. Results: A total of 171 common cold episodes were documented. Of these, 76 were experienced by 38 subjects in the beta-glucan group and 96 were experienced by 48 subjects in the placebo group (p = 0.406). The beta-glucan group had significantly more subjects without incidences of common cold than the placebo group (15.6% vs 2.0%;p = 0.019). During the most intense infection season (first 13 weeks of the study), the beta-glucan group had significantly less infections compared to placebo (p = 0.02). Beta-glucan significantly reduced the typical cold symptoms (“sore throat and/or difficulty swallowing”, “hoarseness and/or cough” and “runny nose”) as opposed to placebo. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a prophylactic effect of yeast beta-glucan on the occurrence of common colds as opposed to placebo. In addition, when these episodes occurred, they were from the beginning less pronounced and subsided faster.
文摘After proving safety in animal and human models, a series of clinical trials were conducted to examine the administration of 1 mg/mL bid of an undenatured beta-glucan on the immune system;and on self-perceived effects on subjects’ quality of life (QoL) using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In one study, a subject population that was self-perceived to be fatigued was administered an undetaured beta-glucan, to determine if this supplementation affected their quality-of-life as a result of an increased immune system response. 44 subjects were administered 1 mg/mL bid of the undenatured beta-glucan (Lentinex<sup>®</sup>) for four weeks. Prior to the beginning of the administration, and following the four-week administration period, the subjects were asked to fill out a quality-of-life VAS questionnaire. The changes in the two questionnaires revealed differences that occurred as a result of the beta-glucan administration. More than 75% of the subjects scored “better” (more than 1 cm on the VAS) with regard to feeling in a good mood, and feeling rested. More than 60% increased their energy and reduced their tiredness and exhaustion, and 70% felt less stressed. In a second study, subjects aged 40 years and older, believed to be in good general health, seeking therapy for tiredness/exhaustion/fatigue or similar conditions (neurasthenia) which were administered 1 mg/mL bid Lentinex<sup>®</sup>. The overall results indicated that the subjects felt significantly better (mean VAS = 5.91) after the last week of the study compared to how they felt initially (VAS = 4.73) (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant (p < 0.0001) change in distribution favoring a better situation after 4 weeks intake of supplement, with a remarkable fall in number of subjects scoring below normal (from 61.4% to 18.2%) accompanied by a significant shift in subjects feeling above normal, from 9.2% to 50.0%. These clinical studies, and others, showed that Lentinex<sup>®</sup> administration improved the perceived quality-of-life of subjects whose immune system was probably not functioning at optimal levels.
文摘Background:Repeated infections of urinary tract manifest an increasing trend and became the most common infection in developed world.In addition,currently common increase in resistant microbes including uropathogens underlines the need for new ways of urinary tract infection(UTI)treatment.One of the possibilities is vaccination.However,commercially available bacterial vaccines are not always reliable,leading to the proposition of using autovaccines prepared from uropathogens of individual patients.It is a well-known fact that UTIs are often accompanied by depressed immunity.Methods:To respond to both problems,we tried to use yeast-derived,insoluble beta glucans for restoration of depressed immune system and acceleration of the effects of autovaccines.In all patients we repeatedly tested bacterial load in urine.In addition,from the same samples we measured the levels of inflammatory proteins,albumin,orosomukoid,IgA,C-reactive protein.Complex evaluation of inflammatory response and cellular immunity in blood was performed,too.Results:Immediately after application of the first dose we observed significant improvements of clinical conditions which were persistent throughout the entire study.Conclusions:Beta glucan is optimal addition to autovaccines,as it is natural,active,safe and inexpensive.We propose that the possibility to use beta glucans in application of autovaccines is the first step in preparation of qualitative new type of autovaccines against UTI.
文摘Background: 1-3, 1-6 β-glucan derived from Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been widely studied for its immune stimulatory capabilities and safety. Previous studies found β-glucan to have efficacy at reducing incidence of URTIs as well as being a low risk for negative side effects. The current study aimed to examine the effects of yeast β-glucan (Angel Yeast) on cold and flu incidences and symptoms in healthy adults. Methods: Two hundred and thirty-one males and females aged 18 to 65 years old supplemented with either β-glucan or a placebo for 3-months. Participants completed a general health questionnaire every 4 weeks and in addition, if participants experienced any cold or flu symptoms, these were recorded daily (along with severity) until resolved or up to 2 weeks. Results: Supplementation with β-glucan reduced the self-reported severity of sore throats and improved sleep quality compared to the placebo group. Conclusions: Yeast β-glucan supplementation appears to be able to help reduce certain symptoms experienced during a cold or flu episode and is safe and well tolerated.
文摘Isolating cellulase-secreting microbes followed-by screening their cellulolytic activities has been an essential approach to discover novel and potential cellulases for cellulolytic industrial applications. This study was aimed to explore competitive exoglucanases by screening avicelase activities for 92 fungal strains isolated from environmental airborne-fungal-spore samples. Results showed that an isolated fungal strain numbered 58 exhibited the best avicelase activity of 0.209 U/mL when cultured for six days at pH 5.0 - 5.3 and 25℃ - 27℃, and was lately identified as a yeast strain of Meyerozyma sp. (96% ITS fragment similar with Meyerozyma caribbica, HG970748). Based on amino acid sequences revealed from LC/MS/MS, the target exoglucanase was identical to 1,4-beta-D-glucan cellobiohydrolases and was named Mc-CBHI which had optimal avicelase reaction conditions of pH 5 and 70℃ and could remain fairly stable after 4hr incubation at acid conditions (pH 3 - 5) or wide temperature ranges (30℃ - 80℃). Additionally, the Mc-CBHI (~70 kDa and ~3.6% of crude enzyme) had specific FPase and avicelase activities of 0.179 U/mg and 0.126 U/mg, respectively (which were about 40% - 50% activities of a commercial cellulase Accellerase-1000). These results demonstrated that the newly-found Mc-CBHI could become one of potential exoglucanase resources for related cellulolytic industrial applications.
文摘Beta-glucan that is typically isolated from the fungi or yeast, by solvent extraction, is a commonly used supplement. However, the solvent extraction of beta-glucan from these sources destroys the tertiary structure of the compound, and reduces the immuno-stimulating efficacy of the denatured beta-glucan when compared to undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG<sup>1</sup>). The objective of this study was to investigate growth performance of piglets, from weaning, that received diets containing undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG) for the following four weeks (up to an average live weight of 26.4 kg). The study was conducted with 128 Noroc pigs from 24 litters at the experimental pig house of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. There were four dietary treatments;one group was fed a control diet containing no UDBG, three other groups were fed a diet containing 0.02 mg UDBG/kg, 0.2 mg UDBG/kg;or 2.0 mg UDBG/kg. In week 1 - 2, the pigs fed 2.0 mg UDBG per kg of feed gained 12% faster than the control diet. The numerical increase in weight gain during the first period after weaning is indicative of an improved immune status of the piglets fed the higher inclusion levels of the UDBG diets. Additionally, the piglets fed the highest level of UDBG (2.0 mg/kg) were found to have a better viability compared to the other groups, as determined by the Veterinary staff. No clinical problems related to the dietary treatments were observed. The animals revealed good growth and an average daily gain (ADG) for all pigs were 559 g for the overall experimental period. The growth performance was calculated for the two first weeks of the study, the remaining last two weeks of the study, and for the overall four-week experimental period. Significant effects of UDBG on weight gain and feed intake were found during the early weeks, but diminished later in the trial. The addition of UBDG to diets had a significant positive effect on several blood hematological parameters including the index of anisocytis, neutrophilic granulocytes, and lymphocytes. A significant positive linear effect of increasing dietary levels of UBDG was also found for hemoglobin and hematocrit.
文摘The safety of beta-glucans, including undenatured beta-glucan (UDBG), has been exhaustively studied over the recent past and has shown to be safe and efficacious in rodents as well as in humans with less than optimal immune systems. As such, we sought to find the effect of UDBG on certainly stressed crustaceans and fish. The survival of shrimp larvae fed the UDBG and other diets was measured on day 16. The diet containing 11.7% UDBG reduced larvae mortality by 18%;which is almost twice as much as the mortality reduced by the MacroGard diet, and up to 19.5% less than a standard Commercial Diet. In an effort to understand how UDBG protects against stressed marine life, UDBG was given to LPS-challenged trout. The UDBG positively influenced the level of transcription of several genes relevant to the immune system and overall health of the trout. The experimental findings indicated that UDBG: 1) modifies inflammatory responses, 2) makes responses more flexible and versatile, 3) protects from cellular stress, and 4) enhances “effector” mechanisms. Importantly, there was no evidence of immune system over-activity.
