To determine the immunological responses stimulated by beta-D glucan, lentinan and their effects on cancer cells

Abstract

The effects of oral administration of lentinan, a purified (1a??3)-I?-D-glucan extracted Lentinus edodes was investigated in vivo. Upon application, lentinan exerted antiviral activity against the replication of murine retroviruses and inhibited the tumours induced by K36 cells. The antitumour activity was also observed when human colon carcinoma cells were used. Lentinan improves various kinds of immunological parameters with no toxic side effects in mouse models. It induced various kinds of lymphocytokines and activates the immunocytes, particularly the T-helper cells. Most tumour cells when analyzed, showed signs of apoptosis a?? programmed cell death, suggesting that this may be a mechanism of lentinana??s actions.