When it comes to supporting your immune system, nature has some incredible ingredients to offer, and polysaccharides are gaining a lot of attention. These naturally occurring compounds, found in mushrooms and fruits, have been the subject of various studies exploring their ability to help the immune system function more effectively. One recent study focused on how specific polysaccharides—particularly from Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) and Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (citrus peel)—can modulate immune function, specifically the ability of T cells to fight tumor cells.
In this blog, we’ll break down what the researchers discovered and why polysaccharides, especially Beta-glucans, might be a helpful addition to your overall wellness routine.
What Are Polysaccharides and Why Are They Important?
Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate made up of long chains of sugar molecules. Unlike simple sugars, these complex carbohydrates are found in foods like grains, fruits, and mushrooms. But what makes them so special? Beyond providing a source of energy, polysaccharides have unique properties that can interact with your immune system, potentially enhancing how your body responds to illness or even abnormal cells, like tumor cells.
One of the most beneficial types of polysaccharides is Beta-glucans, which are highly studied for their immune-supporting effects. They are naturally found in the cell walls of fungi, oats, barley, and yeast. Among these sources, mushrooms like Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) are particularly notable because ABM contains some of the highest amounts of Beta-glucans, specifically the unique combination of Beta-1,3 and Beta-1,6 glucans, which have been shown to play a crucial role in modulating immune function.
Why Are Beta-Glucans So Important?
Beta-glucans are a type of fiber that the body doesn’t digest like other carbohydrates. Instead, they interact with immune cells in the gut, stimulating immune responses throughout the body. This is where the Beta-1,3 and Beta-1,6 glucans from ABM come into play.
- Beta-1,3 glucans: These glucans are structured in a way that allows them to bind to receptors on immune cells, particularly macrophages and neutrophils, which are essential for defending against pathogens. When these receptors are activated, the immune system’s ability to identify and destroy foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and even tumor cells, is enhanced.
- Beta-1,6 glucans: This type of glucan works alongside Beta-1,3 glucans, boosting the immune system even further. Studies suggest that Beta-1,6 glucans enhance the activity of immune cells, improving their ability to kill harmful cells while also helping the immune system “remember” these invaders. This combination of Beta-1,3 and Beta-1,6 glucans is unique because it provides a comprehensive boost to both the innate and adaptive immune responses, making it easier for the body to fend off both new and recurring threats.
The Importance of Combining Beta-Glucans with Ergocalciferol
Beta-glucans by themselves are effective, but they become even more potent when combined with other compounds naturally found in mushrooms, such as ergosterol, which converts to ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Ergocalciferol is a plant-based form of vitamin D found in mushrooms. It plays a critical role in helping the body absorb calcium, supporting bone health, and maintaining a healthy immune system. In mushrooms like ABM, ergosterol, a natural compound in the mushroom’s cell walls, converts to ergocalciferol when exposed to sunlight or UV light, making mushrooms a valuable source of plant-based vitamin D.
Here’s why ergocalciferol is so important:
- Supports immune function: Just like other forms of vitamin D, ergocalciferol helps regulate immune responses, potentially enhancing the body’s ability to defend against pathogens.
- Acts as an antioxidant: Ergocalciferol provides antioxidant benefits, helping to reduce oxidative stress and support overall wellness.
- Bone health: Ergocalciferol promotes calcium absorption, which is key for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
In short, combining Beta-glucans with ergocalciferol found in mushrooms enhances the immune-modulating properties of these compounds, making mushrooms like ABM even more powerful for supporting overall wellness.
What Did the Study Find?
The results were impressive and highlighted several key findings about how the Beta-glucan-rich polysaccharides, combined with ergosterol, affected the immune system:
- Reduced Tumor Cell Survival: When the T cells were exposed to the polysaccharide blend, the survival rate of tumor cells significantly decreased—from 42.5% to 20.4%. This suggests that the Beta-glucans and ergocalciferol helped the T cells become more effective at identifying and destroying tumor cells.
- Increased T Cell Activation: The number of active CD8+ T cells increased, indicating that the polysaccharides had a stimulatory effect on these immune cells. More active T cells mean a stronger immune response to harmful cells.
- Boosted Central Memory T Cells: The study also found an increase in CD62L+ central memory T cells, which are part of the immune system’s long-term defense. These cells “remember” previous threats, so they can launch a faster and stronger attack when the body encounters similar problems in the future. This could imply a more robust long-term immune response.
Why Mushrooms and Citrus Peels?
So, why were Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) and citrus peel chosen for this study? Each of these ingredients has a long history of use in traditional wellness practices:
- Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM): Known for its high content of Beta-glucans, ABM has been studied for its potential immune-supporting properties. Its unique combination of Beta-1,3 and Beta-1,6 glucans paired with ergocalciferol makes it particularly powerful in supporting immune health.
- Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Citrus Peel): While citrus peel is commonly associated with vitamin C, it also contains unique polysaccharides and flavonoids that may contribute to its immune-modulating properties.
The Takeaway: What Does This Mean for Immune Health?
This study adds to the growing evidence that natural compounds, particularly Beta-glucans from mushrooms like ABM, can have a significant impact on immune function. By boosting the activity of T cells and increasing the presence of memory T cells, these compounds could help support the body’s natural defenses.
ABM and citrus peel have also been the focus of human studies and clinical trials for various conditions, including gynecological cancers, multiple myeloma, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diabetes, and hepatitis C. These studies highlight the potential of these natural ingredients in supporting overall wellness.
How You Can Support Your Immune System
If you’re considering adding natural supplements to your routine, Beta-glucans from mushrooms like Agaricus blazei Murill, especially when combined with ergocalciferol, could be a valuable addition to your wellness plan. These polysaccharides may support your immune system by enhancing the activity of critical immune cells, like CD8+ T cells and memory T cells.
As with any supplement, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before adding Beta-glucans or any other natural products to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Note: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or supplement routine.
Bibliography
- Y., Xu, T., Huang, C., Amakye, W. K., Liu, L., Fan, J., Zhu, Y., Yao, M., & Ren, J. (2024). Investigating immune-modulatory function of α-glucopyranose-rich compound polysaccharides by MC38-N4/OT-I co-culture system. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 278(Pt 3), 134941. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134941
- Wasser, S. P. (2002). Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating polysaccharides. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 60(3), 258-274.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12436306/