Glucan and Mannan-Two Peas in a Pod

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jun 29;20(13):3189. doi: 10.3390/ijms20133189.

Abstract

In recent decades, various polysaccharides isolated from algae, mushrooms, yeast, and higher plants have attracted serious attention in the area of nutrition and medicine. The reasons include their low toxicity, rare negative side effects, relatively low price, and broad spectrum of therapeutic actions. The two most and best-studied polysaccharides are mannan and glucan. This review focused on their biological properties.

Keywords: glucan; glucomannan; immunomodulator; mannan; polysaccharide; therapeutic.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Fungal Polysaccharides / metabolism
  • Fungal Polysaccharides / pharmacology*
  • Glucans / metabolism
  • Glucans / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / ultrastructure
  • Mannans / metabolism
  • Mannans / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Fungal Polysaccharides
  • Glucans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Mannans