Evidence supporting the use of: Beta Glucans
For the health condition: Hepatitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Beta glucans are polysaccharides naturally found in the cell walls of cereals, bacteria, and fungi. Their primary claim to fame is the ability to modulate the immune system. Some interest has developed in the use of beta glucans for liver conditions, including hepatitis, mainly due to their immunomodulatory and potential antiviral properties. Preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) have shown that beta glucans can enhance macrophage function, increase natural killer cell activity, and modulate cytokine production, which are all relevant to the immune response in viral hepatitis. A few animal studies suggest beta glucans may protect against liver injury and reduce liver inflammation. However, the clinical evidence in humans with hepatitis is limited. Only a handful of small pilot studies, often with design limitations, have evaluated beta glucan supplementation in patients with hepatitis B or C. Most of these studies focus on surrogate markers of liver function or immune status, not clinical outcomes such as viral load or progression to cirrhosis. While some improvements in liver enzyme levels and immune markers have been reported, these results are preliminary and inconclusive. To date, there are no large, well-controlled clinical trials that validate the use of beta glucans as a treatment for hepatitis. Most clinical guidelines do not include beta glucans as a recommended therapy. Therefore, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence, it is insufficient to strongly support their use for hepatitis management at this time.

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