Evidence supporting the use of: Glucan peptides
For the health condition: Hepatitis

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Synopsis

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

Glucan peptides, particularly derived from yeast (beta-glucans), have been explored in the context of liver diseases, including hepatitis, primarily in East Asian countries. The most notable product is "lentinan," a beta-glucan isolated from shiitake mushrooms, sometimes used as an adjunct therapy in chronic hepatitis B and C patients in China and Japan. Several small clinical studies and animal experiments have suggested that glucan peptides may exert immunomodulatory effects, such as enhancing macrophage and natural killer cell activity, and modulating cytokine production, which could theoretically benefit patients with viral hepatitis by supporting antiviral immune responses and reducing liver inflammation.

However, the clinical evidence is limited and often of low methodological quality. Most studies are small, lack proper controls, or are published in local journals with limited peer review. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses recognize potential, but consistently conclude that more rigorous and larger clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy for hepatitis. The proposed mechanism involves immunomodulation rather than direct antiviral activity. As of 2024, glucan peptides are not recognized in major Western treatment guidelines for hepatitis.

In summary, there is some scientific investigation and preliminary evidence supporting the use of glucan peptides for hepatitis, but it is not robust or widely accepted. The evidence level is low (2/5), reflecting promising but unproven effects.

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Products containing Glucan peptides

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