Beta-Glucan: An Overview of its Properties, sources, Health Benefits, immunity and Extraction methods.

Abstract

      A common homopolysaccharide made of D-glucose, beta glucan has a number of biological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. It is also found in cereals and microbes. More recently, there has been increasing evidence that β-glucan acts as a physiologically active compound that regulates adaptive immune responses, promotes dendritic cell maturation, and secretes cytokines. These processes are all directly linked to -glucan-regulated glucan receptors. This review focuses on the sources, characteristics, immunomodulatory properties, health benefits, extraction methods, and purification techniques of β-glucan.