Beta D-Glucans May Help Against Cardiovascular and Inflammatory Diseases

Beta-D-glucans may act as antioxidants in the blood, according to a study published in the journal Platelets.

Researchers at the University of Lodz in Poland tested how blood platelets would react to common oxidants (peroxynitrate and hydroperoxide) when treated with beta-D-glucans, in vitro. Using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and carbonyl groups and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) to measure oxidative stress, the researchers sought to assess any antioxidant activity from the presence of beta-D-glucans.

The highest dose of beta-D-glucan used in the trial reportedly decreased TBARS by 80%. Meanwhile, the presence of 3-NT in platelets was 'diminished' with beta-D-glucan.

The study...s author concluded, 'B-glucan supplementation may be beneficial in the prevention of excessive blood platelet activation-related diseases, such as cardiovascular or inflammatory diseases.'