title: Natural and modified (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans in health promotion and disease alleviation.
abstract: A number of polysaccharides with beta-glycosidic linkage are widespread in nature in a variety of sources. All have a common structure and the (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan backbone is essential. They have attracted attention over the years because of their bioactive and medicinal properties. In many cases their functional role is a mystery, in others it is well established. Because of their insoluble chemical nature, particulate (1-->3)-beta-D-glucans are not suitable for many medical applications. Various methods of changing or modifying the beta-D-glucan chemical structure and transforming it to a soluble form have been published. The beta-D-glucan bioactive properties can be affected positively or negatively by such modifications. This review examines beta-glucan sources in nature, health effects and structure-activity relationships. It presents the current state of beta-D-glucan solubilization methods and discusses their effectiveness and application possibilities for the future.
authors.affiliation: Alltech's North American Bioscience Center, 3031 Catnip Hill Pike, Nicholasville, KY 40356, USA. dzekovic@alltech.com
authors.forename: Djordje B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Zeković
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kwiatkowski
authors.forename: Miroslav M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Vrvić
authors.forename: Dragica
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jakovljević
authors.forename: Colm A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Moran
mesh_terms: D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000178:diet therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000178:diet therapy*; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D011509:Proteoglycans; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D011509:Proteoglycans; D047071:beta-Glucans; C010770:polysaccharide-K