Beta-glucan

Beta-glucan/Drug Interactions:

  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: In preclinical research, beta-glucan, either alone or coadministered with other anti-infective agents (e.g., Mycograb), has enhanced disease resistance against bacterial and parasitic infections (37; 126; 127). In human research, beta-glucan (e.g., Wellmune WGP?, Imunoglukan?) showed beneficial effects against upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) (107; 108; 128), although results have been inconsistent and some clinical trials have reported a lack of effect against URTIs (82), recurrent candidiasis and human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated lesions (114), postoperative infection (78), and cold and flu infection (106). In vitro and animal research suggests a potential synergism with the antibiotic cefazolin (Ancef?, Kefzol?) or other antibiotics (129; 130).
  • Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: In human research, beta-glucan (e.g., GlucagelT, Barley Balance?) in various food forms reduced blood glucose levels, glycemic response, fasting insulin levels, insulin response, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (20; 67; 68; 69; 70; 71; 72; 25; 73; 74; 75; 76), although some studies have noted a lack of effect (24; 28; 97; 72; 84; 29). Animal research suggests that dietary fibers may have a positive effect on postprandial insulinemia but with only a slight effect on glycemia (131). Fermentation of undigested carbohydrate, especially from barley, produces short-chain fatty acids and may reduce hepatic glucose production and affect postprandial glycemia (66). Beta-glucan from other sources may alter blood glucose levels, and therefore insulin may be affected (7; 65).
  • AntiemeticsAntiemetics: In clinical research, intravenous beta-glucan caused nausea or vomiting (63; 64; 62).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: According to a review, novel synthetic and semisynthetic beta-glucan inhibitors, including the enfumafungin analog MK-3118, demonstrated antifungal effects, with targeted activity against beta-glucan (132).
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: In human research, beta-1,3/1,6-glucan (Wellmune WGP?) reduced both the number and severity of ragweed allergy symptoms vs. placebo (83).
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: In human research, beta-glucan altered blood pressure (57; 77; 78; 67), although results have been inconsistent among studies (24; 28; 98; 84).
  • Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: Severe gastrointestinal damage resulting in enteric-induced bacterial peritonitis has been associated with intake of beta-glucan and most NSAIDs or aspirin in mice (80; 50). For wound healing after surgery, evidence suggests that beta-glucan reduces inflammation and speeds the repair of surgical wounds by stimulating macrophages and increasing macrophage infiltration, causing increased tissue granulation and enhanced re-epithelization of tissue (133).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In human research, beta-glucan-containing sources have demonstrated cholesterol-lowering effects and have been used to treat hyperlipidemia (4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: Preclinical and clinical research has demonstrated the antitumor potential of beta-glucan (134; 135; 136; 116; 137; 85; 86; 138). In vitro research suggests that a BCNU-beta-glucan combination may help to improve current treatment efficacy by targeting Gly-I (139). In animal research, bone marrow granulocytes with beta-1,3-glucan-primed CR3 were shown to kill iC3b-coated tumor cells (134). Also, combining rituximab with enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity via modulation of immunomodulatory cytokines and beta-glucan CR3-binding has shown increased antitumor effects vs. rituximab alone (140).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Beta-glucan may have antiviral effects (141). In preclinical research, beta-glucan, either alone or coadministered with other anti-infective agents (e.g., Mycograb), enhanced disease resistance against bacterial and parasitic infections (37; 126; 127). In human research, beta-glucan (e.g., Wellmune WGP?, Imunoglukan?) showed beneficial effects against upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) (107; 108; 128), although results have been inconsistent and some clinical trials have reported a lack of effect against URTIs (82), recurrent candidiasis and HPV-associated lesions (114), postoperative infection (78), and cold and flu infection (106).
  • AspirinAspirin: Severe gastrointestinal damage resulting in enteric-induced bacterial peritonitis has been associated with intake of beta-glucan and most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin in mice (80; 50).
  • Beta-glucan inhibitorsBeta-glucan inhibitors: According to a review, novel synthetic and semisynthetic beta-glucan inhibitors, including the enfumafungin analog MK-3118, demonstrated antifungal effects, with targeted activity against beta-glucan (132).
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: In human research, beta-glucan-containing sources demonstrated cholesterol-lowering (4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28) and blood pressure-modifying (57; 77; 78; 67) effects. Adverse vasodilation and persistent elevation of glucose or triglycerides have also been reported in clinical trials (24; 78).
  • Carmustine (BCNU)Carmustine (BCNU): Preliminary in vitro research suggests that a BCNU-beta-glucan combination may help to improve current treatment efficacy by targeting Gly-I, which appears to be critically involved in prostate cancer viability (139).
  • Cytochrome P450-metabolized agentsCytochrome P450-metabolized agents: Animal research has demonstrated that lentinan suppresses hepatic CYP1A expression in both the constitutive and inducible levels through the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and an increase in the DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (41).
  • Dermatologic agentsDermatologic agents: In human research, topical application of a beta-glucan and chitin copolymer inhibited erythema development, increased stratum corneum water retention capacity, corneum hydration, and skin firmness, as well as decreased transepidermal water loss, desquamation, and skin roughness (142). When given intravenously, beta-glucan has been associated with hives, fever, flushing, diaphoresis, or maculopapular rash (57; 63; 64; 62) and has been implicated in causing keratoderma on the palms of the hands and soles on the feet of patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC) (79).
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: In cellular and human research, beta-glucan altered the rate of gastric emptying (68; 75; 143) and normalized the composition of gut microbials in vivo (67), although results are inconsistent among studies (94). Also, combination beta-glucan, inositol, and digestive enzyme (Biointo) therapy improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (144). Case reports of adverse effects associated with beta-glucan and clinical trials have described nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramps, and stomachache (63; 64; 62; 91; 120; 67; 91; 75; 29).
  • ImmunostimulantsImmunostimulants: In vitro, animal research and some human research has shown that beta-glucan stimulates immune responses (52; 115; 145; 146; 147; 148; 123; 149; 150; 119; 108). However, in other human research, beta-glucan did not induce any of the following in healthy human subjects and in those with advanced breast cancer: interferon (IFN)-gamma, TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), white blood cell counts, and natural killer (NK) cell activity (102; 105; 82; 103; 104).
  • ImmunosuppresantsImmunosuppresants: In vitro, animal research and some human research has shown that beta-glucan stimulates immune responses (52; 115; 145; 146; 147; 148; 123; 149; 150; 119; 108). However, in other human research, and beta-glucan did not induce any of the following in healthy human subjects and in those with advanced breast cancer: interferon (IFN)-gamma, TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), white blood cell counts, or natural killer (NK) cell activity (102; 105; 82; 103; 104).
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs)Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs): Severe gastrointestinal damage resulting in enteric-induced bacterial peritonitis has been associated with intake of beta-glucan and most NSAIDs or aspirin in mice (80; 50). For wound healing after surgery, evidence suggests that beta-glucan reduces inflammation and speeds the repair of surgical wounds by stimulating macrophages and increasing macrophage infiltration, thus causing increased tissue granulation and enhanced re-epithelization of tissue (133).
  • Oral agentsOral agents: Fiber may affect the absorption of other oral agents by reducing gastrointestinal transit time. In human research, beta-glucan altered the rate of gastric emptying (68; 75; 143).
  • SympathomimeticsSympathomimetics: According to secondary sources, hordenine, an aminophenol in the root of germinating barley, is a sympathomimetic, and may theoretically interact with beta-glucan with combination use. Human data are lacking in this area.
  • Weight loss agentsWeight loss agents: In human research, beta-glucan reduced body mass index (BMI), body weight, visceral fat, and waist circumference (26); altered levels of various hormones associated with appetite suppression, such as ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY) (67; 29; 151; 109; 143); increased subjective ratings of satiety and decreased feelings of hunger or the desire to eat (75; 111; 81; 151; 143; 112); and reduced mean energy intake during subsequent meals (81; 151). However, results have been inconsistent among studies (67; 29; 69; 68; 82; 110; 111).
  • Wound-healing agentsWound-healing agents: For wound healing after surgery, evidence suggests that beta-glucan reduces inflammation and speeds the repair of surgical wounds by stimulating macrophages and increasing macrophage infiltration, causing increased tissue granulation and enhanced re-epithelization of tissue (133). In laboratory research, beta-glucan improved the wound-healing response of corneas with epithelial damage or those recuperating from refractive surgery (49). However, compared to Biobrane?, a conventional burn treatment dressing, beta-glucan collagen matrix lacked evidence of efficacy in the healing time of burn patients (118).

    • Beta-glucan/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In preclinical research, beta-glucan, either alone or coadministered with other anti-infective agents (e.g., Mycograb), enhanced disease resistance against bacterial and parasitic infections (37; 126; 127). In human research, beta-glucan (e.g., Wellmune WGP?, Imunoglukan?) showed beneficial effects against URTIs (107; 108; 128), although results have been inconsistent and some clinical trials have reported a lack of effect against URTIs (82), recurrent candidiasis and HPV-associated lesions (114), postoperative infection (78), and cold and flu infection (106). In vitro and animal research suggests a potential synergism with the antibiotic cefazolin (Ancef?, Kefzol?) or other antibiotics (129; 130).
  • AntiemeticsAntiemetics: In clinical research, intravenous beta-glucan caused nausea or vomiting (63; 64; 62).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: According to a review, novel synthetic and semisynthetic beta-glucan inhibitors, including the enfumafungin analog MK-3118, demonstrated antifungal effects, with targeted activity against beta-glucan (132).
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: In human research, beta-1,3/1,6-glucan (Wellmune WGP?) reduced both the number and severity of ragweed allergy symptoms vs. placebo (83).
  • Anti-inflammatory herbsAnti-inflammatory herbs: Severe gastrointestinal damage resulting in enteric-induced bacterial peritonitis has been associated with intake of beta-glucan and most NSAIDs or aspirin in mice (80; 50). For wound healing after surgery, evidence suggests that beta-glucan reduces inflammation and speeds the repair of surgical wounds by stimulating macrophages and increasing macrophage infiltration, causing increased tissue granulation and enhanced re-epithelization of tissue (133).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In human research, beta-glucan-containing sources have demonstrated cholesterol-lowering effects and have been used to treat hyperlipidemia (4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: Preclinical and clinical research has demonstrated the antitumor potential of beta-glucan (134; 135; 136; 116; 137; 85; 86; 138). In vitro researh suggests that a BCNU-beta-glucan combination may help to improve current treatment efficacy by targeting Gly-I (139). In animal research, bone marrow granulocytes with beta-1,3-glucan-primed CR3 were shown to kill iC3b-coated tumor cells (134). Also, combining rituximab with enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity via modulation of immunomodulatory cytokines and beta-glucan CR3-binding has shown increased antitumor effects vs. rituximab alone (140).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Compounds with antioxidant activities have been identified in oats (152; 153). However, according to a randomized controlled, double-blind, trial, beta-glucan lacked efficacy in altering biomarkers of oxidative stress (84). Compared to dietary strawberry supplementation, consumption of a beta-glucan-enriched oat bran bread showed increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and a lack of effect on conjugated diene levels (98).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In preclinical research, beta-glucan, either alone or coadministered with other anti-infective agents (e.g., Mycograb), enhanced disease resistance against bacterial and parasitic infections (37; 126; 127). In human research, beta-glucan (e.g., Wellmune WGP?, Imunoglukan?) showed beneficial effects against URTIs (107; 108; 128), although results have been inconsistent and some clinical trials have reported a lack of effect against URTIs (82), recurrent candidiasis and HPV-associated lesions (114), postoperative infection (78), and cold and flu infection (106). Beta-glucan may interact with alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), quercetin, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, based on beta-glucan's purported antiviral effects (141).
  • Cardiovascular herbs and supplementsCardiovascular herbs and supplements: In human research, beta-glucan-containing sources demonstrated cholesterol-lowering (4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28) and blood pressure-modifying (57; 77; 78; 67) effects. Adverse vasodilation and persistent elevation of glucose or triglycerides have also been reported in clinical trials (24; 78).
  • Cytochrome P450-metabolized herbs and supplementsCytochrome P450-metabolized herbs and supplements: Animal research has demonstrated that lentinan suppresses hepatic CYP1A expression in both the constitutive and inducible levels through the production of TNF-alpha and an increase in the DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (41).
  • Dermatologic agentsDermatologic agents: In human research, topical application of a beta-glucan and chitin copolymer inhibited erythema development; increased stratum corneum water retention capacity, corneum hydration, and skin firmness; and decreased transepidermal water loss, desquamation, and skin roughness (142). When given intravenously, beta-glucan has been associated with hives, fever, flushing, diaphoresis, or maculopapular rash (57; 63; 64; 62) and has been implicated in causing keratoderma on the palms of the hands and soles on the feet of patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC) (79).
  • Gastrointestinal herbs and supplementsGastrointestinal herbs and supplements: In cellular and human research, beta-glucan altered the rate of gastric emptying (68; 75; 143) and normalized the composition of gut microbials in vivo (67), although results are inconsistent among studies (94). Also, combination beta-glucan, inositol, and digestive enzyme (Biointo) therapy improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (144). Case reports of adverse effects associated with beta-glucan and clinical trials have described nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramps, and stomachache (63; 64; 62; 91; 75; 120; 67; 29).
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In human research, beta-glucan (e.g., GlucagelT, Barley Balance?) in various food forms reduced blood glucose levels, glycemic response, fasting insulin levels, insulin response, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (20; 67; 68; 69; 70; 71; 72; 25; 73; 74; 75; 76), although some studies have noted a lack of effect (24; 28; 97; 72; 84; 29). Animal research suggests that dietary fibers may have a positive effect on postprandial insulinemia but with only a slight effect on glycemia (131). Fermentation of undigested carbohydrate, especially from barley, produces short-chain fatty acids, which may reduce hepatic glucose production and affect postprandial glycemia (66). Beta-glucan from other sources may alter blood glucose levels (7; 65).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: In human research, beta-glucan has altered blood pressure (57; 77; 78; 67), although results have been inconsistent among studies (24; 28; 98; 84).
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: In vitro, animal, and some human research has shown that beta-glucan stimulates immune responses (52; 115; 145; 146; 147; 148; 123; 149; 150; 119; 108). However, in other human research, beta-glucan did not induce any of the following in healthy human subjects and in those with advanced breast cancer: IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-1ra, white blood cell counts, or NK cell activity (102; 105; 82; 103; 104)
  • Oral agentsOral agents: Fiber may affect the absorption of other oral agents by reducing gastrointestinal transit time. In human research, beta-glucan altered the rate of gastric emptying (68; 75; 143).
  • PhytosterolsPhytosterols: According to a review, the combined effects of beta-glucan and phytosterols have been investigated for their enhanced effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors (154).
  • SympathomimeticsSympathomimetics: According to secondary sources, hordenine, an aminophenol in the root of germinating barley, is a sympathomimetic and may theoretically interact with beta-glucan with combination use. Human data are lacking in this area.
  • Weight loss agentsWeight loss agents: In human research, beta-glucan has reduced BMI, body weight, visceral fat, and waist circumference (26); altered levels of various hormones associated with appetite suppression, such as ghrelin and PYY (67; 29; 151; 109; 143); increased subjective ratings of satiety and decreased feelings of hunger or the desire to eat (75; 111; 81; 151; 143; 112); and reduced mean energy intake during subsequent meals (81; 151). However, results have been inconsistent among studies (67; 29; 69; 68; 82; 110; 111).
  • Wound-healing agentsWound-healing agents: For wound healing after surgery, evidence suggests that beta-glucan reduces inflammation and speeds the repair of surgical wounds by stimulating macrophages and increasing macrophage infiltration, thus increasing tissue granulation and enhancing re-epithelization of tissue (133). In laboratory research, beta-glucan improved the wound healing response of corneas with epithelial damage and those recuperating from refractive surgery (49). However, compared to Biobrane?, a conventional burn treatment dressing, beta-glucan collagen matrix lacked evidence of efficacy in the healing time of burn patients (118).

    • Beta-glucan/Food Interactions:

  • CarbohydratesCarbohydrates: In clinical research, beta-glucan-enriched barley decreased carbohydrate digestion (155), and beta-glucan from other sources may alter blood glucose levels (7; 65). Animal research suggests that dietary fibers have a slight positive effect on postprandial insulinemia (131). Fermentation of undigested carbohydrate, especially from barley, produces short-chain fatty acids and may reduce hepatic glucose production (66).
  • High-fiber dietHigh-fiber diet: A high-fiber diet may decrease total cholesterol. Fiber may affect the absorption of other oral agents by reducing gastrointestinal transit time.

    • Beta-glucan/Lab Interactions:

  • 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (alpha-HC)7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (alpha-HC): Within eight hours of consumption of beta-glucan from oat bran, serum alpha-HC concentration may increase (156). Alpha-HC in serum may be used as a marker of increased bile acid excretion induced by the diet.
  • Blood glucoseBlood glucose: In human research, beta-glucan (e.g., GlucagelT, Barley Balance?) in various food forms reduced blood glucose levels, glycemic response, fasting insulin levels, insulin response, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (20; 67; 68; 69; 70; 71; 72; 25; 73; 74; 75; 76; 66). Animal research suggests that dietary fibers have a positive effect on postprandial insulinemia but with only a slight effect on glycemia (131). Beta-glucan from other sources may alter blood glucose levels (7; 65).
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: In human research, beta-glucan has altered blood pressure (57; 77; 78; 67)
  • Fungal infectionFungal infection: Beta-glucan may produce false positive results when beta-glucan assays are used to diagnose invasive fungal infections (157).
  • Lipid panelLipid panel: In human research, beta-glucan decreased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations (14; 15; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28).
  • White blood cell countWhite blood cell count: Beta-glucan may cause a transient increase in the number of white blood cells (63; 64).