Improving skin function with CM‐glucan, a biological response modifier from yeast

Abstract

Preparations from yeast have been used for a long time for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. Studies have identified glucan from the cell wall of baker's yeast as an immunologically active agent. Glucan is a poly beta-( 1-3)-linked glucopyranose of high molecular weight and belongs to the class of compounds known as biological response modifiers. Glucan preparations are involved in the activation of the body's natural defence mechanisms and in the acceleration of the skin's wound healing processes. In the skin, Langerhans' cells and keratinocytes are the immunologically competent cells. Recent studies indicate that UV irradiation can deplete the number and viability of these cells (immunosuppression). The use of non-specific immune-stimulators, such as glucan, is a new approach for improving the function of stressed skin. We have developed a process to modify pure glucan from baker's yeast to carboxymethyl glucan (CM-glucan), a water soluble product suitable for topical formulations. The functional properties of this new compound have been investigated in vitro and in vivo. Cell culture experiments showed that CM-glucan protects skin cells against the depletion of antioxidant molecules upon UV-A irradiation and promotes the growth of keratinocytes. In placebo controlled studies with healthy volunteers, the pretreatment of skin with CM-glucan offered substantial protection against skin damage caused by a detergent challenge or UV-A irradiation. In addition, CM-glucan enhanced the renewal rate of the stratum corneum.

Comparison of curdlan and its carboxymethylated derivative by means of Rheology, DSC, and AFM

“…[18][19][20] In the case of curdlan, its carboxymethylated derivative has good water solubility as well as good bioactivity, and it has been added successfully to cosmetics due to its immunocompetence. 21 However, the physico-chemical properties of carboxymethylated curdlan have not been examined yet, as far as the authors are aware. This paper reports the comparison of curdlan and its carboxymethylated derivative by means of rheology, DSC, and AFM, and gives a possible interpretation for the change of the macromolecular structure after carboxymethylation.…”

Dietary Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucans Reduce Clinical Signs of Canine Atopy

“…It could be speculated that beta-1,3/1,6 glucans also have a direct effect on stripping of the skin and perhaps also on redness, scaling and thickening. Betaglucans have been shown to offer protection against skin damage by detergent challenge or UV-A irradiation in healthy volunteers (Zulli et al, 1998), to be effective in the treatment of partialthickness burns in children (Delatte et al, 2001) and to improve wound healing in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes (Berdal et al, 2007). It should be noted that the effects of betaglucans were seen after topical application rather than ingestion.…”

Skin Health Promotion Effects of Natural Beta‐Glucan Derived from Cereals and Microorganisms: A Review

“…Zulli et al . () suggested that glucan from the cell wall of baker's yeast could be used as an active ingredient for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. This experiment showed that carboxymethyl glucan (CM‐glucan) protected skin cells against the depletion of antioxidant molecules upon UV‐A irradiation.…”