Yeast beta-glucan

Yeast beta-glucan is a functional polysaccharide derived from the cell wall of yeast. In 1941, Dr. Pillemer discovered a substance in the yeast cell wall that boosts immunity. In 1961 Riggi identified this active ingredient in yeast glycan as beta-glucan [1]. Common sources of beta-glucan also include oats, fungi, seaweed, etc., because the body cannot synthesize or secrete beta-glucan itself, it must be supplemented by the outside world.

In addition to β-glucan and yeast cell wall there are also water-soluble mannose and a small amount of chitin, β-glucan accounted for 30% to 60% of the dry weight of the cell wall, in the innermost layer of the cell wall, belongs to the structural polysaccharide, the main physiological function is to maintain the mechanical strength of the cell wall, so that the cell to maintain normal physiological form. Misaki et al. found that the structure of yeast β-glucan is mainly composed of β-1, 3-bond, and contains a certain proportion of β-1, 6-bond residues .

The immunomodulatory efficacy of yeast beta-glucan depends on its precise targeting, its ability to bind to specific receptors on the surface of immune cells, while enhancing the phagocytosis activity of macrophages. This process quickly optimizes the body's immune response and maintains the optimal balance of the immune system.

Beta-glucan acts primarily by binding to three beta-glucan receptor types [4] : (1) Dectin-1 receptor; (2) CR3; (3) Other receptors, including the scavenger receptor and LacCer. When yeast β-glucan enters the human body and binds to the receptor, it will increase the phosphorylation of its intracellular immune receptor tyrosine motif (ITAM) and Syk, and activate the PI3K/Akt pathway, which ultimately leads to phagocytosis, microbial death and cytokine release, so as to better exclude foreign cells and prevent the invasion of foreign viruses. And then you get the effect of immunity.

The skin health benefits of beta-glucan are mainly reflected in the following aspects [6] :

1) Antioxidant capacity: β-glucan has antioxidant properties, which can inhibit the generation of superoxides and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce the damage of oxidative stress to the skin.

2) Moisturizing effect: With its high molecular weight, β-glucan has strong water binding ability, which can effectively attach water molecules to the surface of skin cells, prevent water evaporation, and reduce water loss through the epidermis (TEWL). In addition, it forms a protective film on the surface of the skin, helping to maintain moisture and softness in the skin.

3) Skin repair and healing capacity: Seo et al. found that different sources of beta-glucan can promote the migration of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human skin fibroblasts (HDFa), and accelerate wound closure and re-epithelialization in mouse models [7]. In addition, the anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties of beta-glucan help relieve inflammation and redness and soothe irritated skin. A study in the Journal of Therapeutic Dermatology showed that beta-glucan is an effective adjunct to the treatment of mild atopic dermatitis (eczema) [8].

4) Anti-aging effects: Beta-glucan helps reduce signs of skin aging, such as wrinkles and sagging. It promotes the synthesis of collagen and other skin extracellular matrix (ECM) components, increasing the thickness and elasticity of the skin.

In addition, beta-glucan also has the role of regulating intestinal flora, reducing cholesterol, anti-fatigue, bone health and so on.