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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of cereals, bacteria, and fungi, best known for their immunomodulatory properties. In the context of hepatitis, especially viral hepatitis, limited preclinical and small-scale clinical research has explored their potential benefits. Some animal studies and a few small human trials suggest beta-glucans may modulate immune responses, enhance macrophage activity, and potentially reduce liver inflammation. For example, beta-glucans from mushrooms (such as lentinan from shiitake) have shown some hepatoprotective effects in animal models of liver injury and viral hepatitis, possibly by boosting innate immune functions and reducing oxidative stress.

However, the bulk of available data comes from laboratory and animal studies, with scarce high-quality clinical trials in humans with hepatitis. There is no robust evidence that beta-glucans can cure hepatitis or directly inhibit hepatitis viruses. Instead, their use is sometimes considered as an adjunct to support immune health in those with chronic viral hepatitis. No major medical guidelines recommend beta-glucans as a standard treatment for hepatitis.

In summary, while there is some preliminary scientific rationale and limited early human data, the evidence base remains weak (rated 2/5). More large, controlled studies are needed before beta-glucans can be recommended as a validated treatment for hepatitis.

More about Beta-Glucans
More about Hepatitis

Products containing Beta-Glucans

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.