Evidence supporting the use of: Glucan peptides
For the health condition: Infection (viral)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Glucan peptides—specifically beta-glucans derived from sources like yeast, mushrooms, and some cereals—have been investigated for their immunomodulatory properties, which may be relevant to viral infections. Beta-glucans are known to stimulate components of the innate immune system, particularly macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that beta-glucans can enhance antiviral defenses in animal models by promoting the production of cytokines and increasing the activity of immune cells. For example, some studies have shown that beta-glucans can enhance resistance to influenza and herpes simplex viruses in mice.
Human data, however, are limited. Small clinical trials suggest that supplementation with beta-glucans may reduce the incidence and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), presumed to be of viral origin, especially in populations under physical or psychological stress. However, these studies are often small, use varying preparations, and do not consistently specify the viral pathogens involved. There is no robust evidence supporting the use of glucan peptides as a treatment for established viral infections in humans, nor are they a replacement for antiviral medications or vaccines. The overall evidence is suggestive but not definitive, and further well-controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in the context of viral infections.
Other ingredients used for Infection (viral)
2'-FucosyllactoseAbies spectabilis
Acemannan
Agarikon Mushroom
Agastache
Agave
AHCC
Ajoene
Alchornea
Alkylglycerols
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
alpha-pinene
Alstonia scholaris
Amor seco
anamu
Andrographis
andrographolide
apple cider vinegar
arabinogalactan
Artepillin C
Asarum heterotropoides
Asarum sieboldii
aucubin
Aureobasidium pullulans
babchi
Baccharis dracunculifolia
baicalin
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
Bauhinia
bee propolis
Belamcanda
berberine
beta-glucan
betel
betulinic acid
black cumin
Blepharis
boneset
Brazilian peppertree
burdock
calamus
Campsiandra angustifolia
carvacrol
cassia bark
casticin
cat's claw
Centipeda
Cistus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Coptis chinensis
coriolus mushroom
curcumin
cuspidatum root
Cymbidium goeringii
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
dialyzable leukocyte extract
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
eucalyptus
European Elder
fernbush
Flueggea suffruticosa
fucoidan
galangin
Gallesia
geranium
ginger
Globulins
Glucan peptides
golden shower tree
goldenseal
Graviola
honeysuckle
Houttuynia
Humic acid
Hypericin
immunoglobin G
Immunoglobulin G
iodine
Ivy
Java brucea
Kachnar
knotgrass
Labdanum
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
Lapachol
lauric acid
Lentinan
lichen
licorice root
liverwort
Lomatium
mangosteen
mangostin
Marsh Tea
Matapalo Tree
Microtea debilis
Milkweed
Monolaurin
Mountain horopito
Myrobalan
Naphthoquinones
oriental arborvitae
pau d'arco
Pelargonium
Phellodendron
phlorotannins
Phragmites
Piper retrofractum
pistacia integerrima gall
polysaccharides
Premna
Quebracho
ravinsara
reishi mushroom
Rhabdosia rubescens
Sambucus nigra
Sandalwood
Sanguisorba
sarsaparilla
selenium
Shikimic Acid
Shikonin
Simaruba
Smoketree
spirulina
Sulfated polysaccharide
sweet wormwood
Swertia
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thiosulfinate
Thuja
Trametes
Turkey tail mushroom
turmeric
Tylophorine
Verbascoside
Viscum coloratum
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Xanthoparmelia
Xanthorrhizol
Yellow root
Yerba santa
Zinc
Zingerone
