Arabinogalactan

Table of Contents

Other names

Larch Arabinogalactan
Fiberbound Arabinogalactan
Arabinogalactan Powder

Synopsis

Arabinogalactan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide composed of arabinose and galactose sugar units, found in high concentrations in the wood of the larch tree (Larix spp.). It also occurs in smaller amounts in various plants, mushrooms, and edible herbs. In its extracted form—typically from Larch arabinogalactan—it is used as a dietary fiber, immune modulator, and prebiotic agent in functional foods and supplements.

Arabinogalactan is classified as a soluble dietary fiber, meaning it resists digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract and ferments in the colon, where it serves as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. This contributes to gut health, immune regulation, and improved mineral absorption. Its fermentation also produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which nourish the intestinal lining and help maintain the gut barrier.

Beyond its gut-supportive effects, arabinogalactan is known for its ability to stimulate natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and cytokine production, making it a powerful immune system modulator. It is often used to support resistance to upper respiratory infections, improve immune surveillance, and enhance the body’s response to pathogens, especially in children, the elderly, or those with weakened immunity.

Arabinogalactan is gentle and well-tolerated, with additional benefits including support for liver detoxification, reduction of systemic inflammation, and potential synergy with antibiotics or other immune therapies. It is commonly found in powdered, capsule, or chewable supplement forms.

Historical Use:
While the isolated compound arabinogalactan is a modern discovery, its source—the larch tree—has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Native American tribes and early European settlers used larch bark and resin to treat coughs, colds, and infections, as well as to promote wound healing and digestive support. The resinous properties of the tree were thought to have cleansing and protective effects on the respiratory and digestive tracts.

In European herbal traditions, larch preparations were used as a gentle expectorant, especially in children and the elderly, reflecting its modern role in respiratory and immune health. Its tonifying and mucilaginous properties would have contributed to the soothing of inflamed mucous membranes and promotion of recovery from infections.

Today, arabinogalactan is understood through the lens of immunology, microbiome science, and fiber research, and is valued for its dual action as both a prebiotic and immune-enhancing compound. It continues to embody traditional uses of the larch tree while offering a scientifically backed approach to gut-lung axis support, infection resistance, and inflammation regulation.

Uses: Health Conditions

None

Body Systems

Appendix (Traditional)
Digestive System (Science)
Immune System (Science)
Intestinal System (Science)