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Research on the Antitumor Effects of β-Glucan in the Gut
- 1 School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, No. 11 and 33 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Intestinal tumors pose a significant threat to human health, and existing treatments have limitations, making the exploration of new therapeutic approaches highly important. β-Glucan, a naturally occurring bioactive polysaccharide, has garnered significant interest in anti-tumor research. This paper, using literature review and case analysis methods, systematically elaborates on its mechanisms of action in combating intestinal tumors. β-Glucan is widely sourced, structurally diverse, and possesses various physiological functions, such as immune regulation and anti-inflammatory effects. Its anti-tumor mechanisms primarily include: Immune modulation – activating immune cells, it can trigger the apoptosis of tumor cells, restrain the proliferation of tumors, and prevent tumor metastasis. Modulating gut microbiota - encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful ones; its metabolic byproducts can also inhibit tumor growth. Clinical studies have shown that β-glucan, when used alone, exhibits immune-regulatory and potential tumor-suppressive effects. Moreover, it can work synergistically with chemotherapeutic drugs to boost effectiveness, providing a new approach for the prevention as well as treatment of tumors in the intestine.
Keywords
β-glucan, intestinal tumors, immune regulation, gut microbiota, colon cancer
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Cite this article
Gu,S. (2025). Research on the Antitumor Effects of β-Glucan in the Gut. Theoretical and Natural Science,96,54-60.
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Volume title: Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Biological Engineering and Medical Science
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