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.
The Immune-Supporting Power of Beta-Glucans
Among the different types of polysaccharides, Beta-glucans are one of the most well-studied for their immune-supporting properties. Beta-glucans are naturally found in the cell walls of fungi, oats, barley, and yeast. However, mushrooms, particularly Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM), are recognized as some of the most potent sources of Beta-glucans.
ABM mushrooms are notable because they contain some of the highest concentrations of Beta-1,3 and Beta-1,6 glucans. These specific types of Beta-glucans are believed to play a significant role in immune modulation. When Beta-glucans are consumed, they can interact with immune cells in the gut, particularly macrophages and neutrophils, which are responsible for detecting and attacking harmful cells.
How Beta-Glucans May Support Immune Function
Beta-1,3 and Beta-1,6 glucans are unique in their ability to support both the innate and adaptive immune systems. The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defense, responsible for responding quickly to potential threats. When Beta-glucans bind to receptors on immune cells, they can stimulate the activity of these cells, enhancing their ability to respond to invaders. This could support the body in maintaining a balanced immune response to everyday challenges.
Additionally, Beta-glucans may influence the adaptive immune system, which is responsible for “remembering” past invaders and launching a more effective response when they are encountered again. By promoting the activity of immune cells such as macrophages, Beta-glucans may help the body build a more robust and well-prepared immune system.
The Unique Properties of ABM Mushrooms
What sets Agaricus blazei Murill apart from other Beta-glucan sources is the mushroom’s unique combination of Beta-1,3 and Beta-1,6 glucans. This combination has been studied for its potential role in supporting immune balance. While the exact mechanisms are still being researched, these specific Beta-glucans may help regulate immune activity, making them a valuable addition to a wellness routine aimed at supporting overall immune health.
Beyond immune support, ABM mushrooms contain other beneficial compounds, such as ergosterol, which can convert to ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) when exposed to UV light. This makes ABM not only a potent source of Beta-glucans but also a natural source of plant-based vitamin D, which plays a critical role in supporting immune health, bone health, and overall wellness.
Why Polysaccharides Like Beta-Glucans Matter for Your Health
Incorporating polysaccharides, particularly Beta-glucans from mushrooms like ABM, into your wellness routine may offer immune-supporting benefits. By interacting with immune cells, Beta-glucans can help the body maintain its natural defenses. While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of polysaccharides, their role in immune modulation makes them an attractive option for those looking to support their immune health naturally.
The Importance of Combining Beta-Glucans with Ergocalciferol
While Beta-glucans are known for their immune-supporting potential, combining them with other natural compounds found in mushrooms, such as ergosterol, can further enhance their effects. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, ergosterol converts to ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), a plant-based form of vitamin D that supports several essential functions in the body.
Why is Ergocalciferol Important?
Ergocalciferol, found naturally in mushrooms like Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM), plays several important roles in maintaining health:
- Supports immune function: Like other forms of vitamin D, ergocalciferol helps regulate the body’s immune response, potentially aiding the immune system in responding to various pathogens.
- Acts as an antioxidant: Ergocalciferol may help reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to overall wellness by limiting damage from free radicals.
- Supports bone health: Ergocalciferol aids in the absorption of calcium, which is key to maintaining strong bones and teeth.
By combining Beta-glucans and ergocalciferol, mushrooms like ABM may offer enhanced immune-supporting properties, making them a valuable part of a wellness routine.
The Study: How Polysaccharides Interact with Immune Cells
In a recent study, researchers explored how a blend of Beta-glucan-rich polysaccharides, including ergosterol from Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) and citrus peel, could potentially support immune health, particularly focusing on the activity of CD8+ T cells—a type of immune cell known for its role in targeting and responding to abnormal cells.
Study Design and Methodology
To explore this, researchers utilized a co-culture system—a laboratory method that allows tumor cells and immune cells to be grown together. This environment enabled researchers to observe how immune cells respond when in the presence of potentially harmful cells. The methodology involved several key steps:
- Polysaccharide Extraction and Preparation: The study involved the extraction and purification of polysaccharides, such as Beta-glucans from ABM mushrooms and polysaccharides from citrus peel. These were combined to form a polysaccharide-rich blend containing Beta-glucans and ergosterol, known for its potential to support immune function.
- Co-culture System Setup: The researchers introduced CD8+ T cells and tumor cells into the same environment to observe the interaction between the immune cells and the abnormal cells in the presence of the polysaccharide blend.
- Measuring Immune Cell Activation: To assess the immune response, researchers used flow cytometry, a technique that evaluates various properties of immune cells, such as their level of activation and surface markers that indicate an immune response. They measured the activation of CD8+ T cells, which play a key role in immune defense.
- Assessing Tumor Cell Viability: The viability of tumor cells after exposure to the polysaccharide-stimulated immune cells was also evaluated to measure how effective the immune cells were in responding to the presence of abnormal cells.
Key Findings from the Study
The results of the study provided insights into how the polysaccharide blend could support immune function in a laboratory setting:
- Decreased Tumor Cell Survival: The study found that the survival rate of tumor cells was significantly reduced when the CD8+ T cells were exposed to the polysaccharide blend. This suggests that the Beta-glucans and ergosterol may help enhance the activity of T cells in a controlled environment, though further research is needed to understand the implications for human health.
- Increased T Cell Activation: The number of active CD8+ T cells increased, indicating that the polysaccharide blend may have a positive effect on stimulating immune cell activity. Increased T cell activation is important for a healthy immune response.
- Enhanced Memory T Cells: The study also noted an increase in CD62L+ central memory T cells, which are important for long-term immune health. Memory T cells help the immune system “remember” past challenges, allowing for a more effective response if similar threats are encountered in the future.
Why Use Mushrooms and Citrus Peels?
Both Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) and citrus peel were chosen for this study due to their history in traditional wellness practices and their rich content of polysaccharides:
- Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM): ABM mushrooms are known for their high content of Beta-glucans, which have been studied for their potential to support immune health. The combination of Beta-1,3 and Beta-1,6 glucans, along with ergosterol, makes ABM a unique and valuable source of immune-supporting compounds.
- Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Citrus Peel): Citrus peel contains polysaccharides and flavonoids, which may have immune-modulating properties. While often associated with vitamin C, citrus peel also offers additional compounds that can complement the effects of ABM mushrooms in supporting overall wellness.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Immune Support
The study provides early insights into how natural compounds such as Beta-glucans and ergosterol from Agaricus blazei Murill and citrus peel may support immune cell function in a laboratory setting. While these findings are promising, further research, especially in clinical settings, is needed to fully understand how these results may apply to human health.
If you’re considering adding natural supplements like Beta-glucans to your wellness routine, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions. Supplements should be used to complement, not replace, a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
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
- Xu, 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://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-002-1076-7