
Arabinogalactan is a natural compound found in the leaves, roots, and sap of many plants. It was first discovered in the 19th century as arabinogalactan from larch, and it has become increasingly popular due to claims and clinical research suggesting that it may help prevent colds, fight infections, and alleviate allergies. These are just some of the benefits of arabinogalactan, which is gaining recognition worldwide as a natural immune-boosting agent. Although less well-known than beta-glucan, scientists have been studying its effects on the immune system for many years. As an excellent source of dietary fiber, its use has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). In 2000, the same organization recognized its efficacy and granted it GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status. Dietary fibers are found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains and are unique in that they are not digested in the body but pass through the large intestine intact. They are best known for preventing constipation, but they can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes and aid in achieving ideal body weight.
What is Arabinogalactan?
Arabinogalactan is a natural compound found in many plants and primarily acts as a dietary fiber in the human body. Even certain types of bacteria have arabinogalactan in their cell walls for structural support. As a compound, it has several unique properties, including high solubility and stability. This makes it useful as a thickening and stabilizing agent. Chemically, it is a polysaccharide, which means it consists of many smaller sugar molecules. Specifically, it contains long chains of the sugars arabinose and galactose, from which it gets its name. The amount of these sugars can vary depending on the plant species. For example, arabinogalactan from larch contains arabinose and galactose in a 6:1 ratio. Arabinogalactan is most commonly used for boosting immunity. By stimulating phagocytosis, it enhances immune function. In this process, it releases TNF (tumor necrosis factor), interferon, and interleukin, which improve immunity.
Arabinogalactan from Larch – Highest Concentration
Although arabinogalactan is present in many plants, it is most concentrated in larch, particularly in the bark of the trees. It is often used for natural healing, so you can find arabinogalactan-based dietary supplements for immune system support in pharmacies, health food stores, and other specialized shops.
Arabinogalactan from larch is a fiber that ferments in the intestines. This process can lead to an increase in beneficial probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, as well as other positive effects on digestive health, which generally improves the condition of the entire body. It reaches the large intestine in its unchanged form, as it is resistant to digestion by enzymes in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Larch is a type of deciduous conifer that loses its needles in the fall. There are many species of larch that are distributed from Europe and America to Japan, Siberia, and North America.
Other Sources of Arabinogalactan
Arabinogalactan is found in various concentrations in the seeds, leaves, roots, fruit, and sap of many plants, including:
- Radishes
- Carrots
- Pears
- Corn
- Wheat
- Tomatoes
Arabinogalactan is also present in several medicinal plants, including:
- Echinacea
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Baptisia australis
- Angelica acutiloba
- Terminalia arjuna
However, for commercial purposes and dietary supplement production, arabinogalactan from larch is most commonly used, specifically from the following species:
- European Larch (Larix decidua)
- Japanese Larch (Larix leptolepis/Larix kaempferi)
- North American Larch (Larix laricina and Larix occidentalis)
- Siberian Larch (Larix dahurica/Larix gmelinii and Larix sibirica)
Research has revealed that arabinogalactan often occurs in plants in combination with proteins, and the results indicate that their combination has unique functions in plants. This means that different sources of arabinogalactan may have varying concentrations of sugars and other compounds. This information is important because scientists often use different plant sources in their studies, which can lead to different results.
How Does Arabinogalactan Work?
When consumed, arabinogalactan undergoes fermentation by bacteria in the large intestine, resulting in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which play a crucial role in colon health. Butyrate, as one of the short-chain fatty acids, acts as the primary energy source for colon cells, with acetate and propionate also being significant short-chain fatty acids. Arabinogalactan can also interact with M-cells, which are part of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, a system that plays a crucial role in the immune response within the digestive tract. M-cells are epithelial cells located above lymphocytes on the oval protrusions of lymphoid tissue, known as Peyer’s patches. According to some studies, arabinogalactan molecules can stimulate M-cells, which then activate lymphocytes (T-cells and B-cells) and other immune system cells. This potentially enhances gut immunity and affects the overall immune system. Current studies confirm that arabinogalactan positively impacts the body by potentially:
- Helping to prevent the common cold
- Improving vaccine responses
- Supporting normal cholesterol levels
- Assisting with diabetes
Arabinogalactan and the Common Cold
A study involving 199 participants, including a placebo group, found that arabinogalactan supplementation could reduce the frequency of cold infections by 23%.
Arabinogalactan and Vaccine Response
After vaccination, there is usually an increase in antibody levels, indicating that the immune system has recognized the vaccine and is building defense against it. Several studies suggest that arabinogalactan may further increase antibody levels after vaccination. For example, a study involving 75 healthy adults showed that arabinogalactan supplementation could enhance the rise in antibodies after a tetanus vaccine. Similarly, another study with 45 healthy adults indicated that arabinogalactan might cause a greater increase in antibody levels following a pneumococcal vaccine.
Arabinogalactan and Cancer Research
While there is no conclusive evidence that arabinogalactan treats or prevents cancer, there are indications that it might help in combination with certain medications that potentially reduce drug toxicity. However, more research is needed.
Digestive Health
Research has shown that arabinogalactan can prevent the bacterium H. pylori from adhering to stomach cells, which can cause inflammation and ulcers.
Side Effects and Safety of Arabinogalactan
Arabinogalactan is generally well-tolerated and considered safe when consumed in amounts typically found in food. Due to the lack of clinical research, it is advisable to avoid using arabinogalactan during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Precautions and Drug Interactions
Research indicates that arabinogalactan may enhance immune system activity. Therefore, patients with any form of autoimmune disease should avoid arabinogalactan, as it could theoretically exacerbate symptoms. This also means that patients who have undergone transplants should avoid arabinogalactan to prevent the risk of transplant rejection. If you decide to take dietary supplements containing arabinogalactan (or any other supplement), inform your doctor to avoid unexpected and potentially dangerous interactions with other medications you are taking or with your existing health conditions. Arabinogalactan is known to potentially interact with immunosuppressive drugs due to its possible effects on immune system activity. Therefore, those taking immunosuppressants should avoid arabinogalactan.
Arabinogalactan Dosage
Arabinogalactan is commercially available in powder and capsule forms. The powder can be mixed with water or juice and can also be added to food. Supplement manufacturers typically recommend a daily dose of 200 to 1000 mg of arabinogalactan.
How to Strengthen Immunity
Immunity is the cornerstone of the body’s defense system, protecting it from harmful substances that can cause various diseases. Immunity can be acquired or innate, and its role is to recognize, destroy harmful substances, and defend the body against illness. When the immune system functions properly, it prevents disease despite the presence of its causative agents.
A strong immune system is essential for good health and quality of life. When it is weakened, various infections can occur, especially during periods of increased stress, exhaustion, poor nutrition lacking sufficient nutrients, and generally unhealthy lifestyles with inadequate physical activity.
Winning Combination – Arabinogalactan and Beta-Glucan
Since a strong immune system starts in the gut, dietary supplements combining arabinogalactan and beta-glucan are considered an excellent choice. How do they work? Arabinogalactan is essentially a dietary fiber resistant to enzyme degradation, so it reaches the large intestine undigested. On the other hand, beta-glucan reaches the small intestine in its unchanged form and is then transferred by M cells to the lymphoid tissue in the small intestine. It can stimulate the production of platelets and leukocytes, leading to the formation of bone marrow, which in turn stimulates the immune system.
Arabinogalactan stimulates and strengthens the immune system’s function, while beta-glucan promotes the activation of natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages and the secretion of cytokines, which have anti-inflammatory effects. Because of this, beta-glucan works exceptionally well with arabinogalactan. In combination, these two products create an excellent blend, giving dietary supplements extraordinary properties. In 2008, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status to beta-glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, indicating their safety for use. A few years later, in 2011, the same status was granted to beta-glucans isolated from fungi. Other excellent supplements for boosting immunity include extracts of reishi mushrooms, echinacea, olive leaf, elderberry, astragalus, and Siberian ginseng, along with essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins C, B12, and D3, and minerals like selenium, zinc, and copper. D’Adamo P. Larch arabinogalactan. J Naturopath Med. 1996;6:33-37.
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