Yeasts as Potential Source for Prebiotic β-Glucan: Role in Human Nutrition and Health

Abstract

Yeasts are a potential source for prebiotic β-glucans. This polysaccharide is characterized by D-glucose monomers linked by β-glycosidic bonds. There are significant structural differences in β-glucans depending on the source and method in which they are obtaining. This polymer is a healthier food and feed additive. Numerous beneficial effects have been attributed to this polymer, in particular immunomodulatory action. Different studies confirm safe use and applicability of β-glucans in medicine for the treatment of diseases (cancer, infections, respiratory diseases) and reduction in glucose and cholesterol levels. Many advances in the processes to obtain β-glucans have been presented, including extraction, purification, and chemical modification, aiming the biological properties and yield. One limitation of their use is the cost, so a strategic discussion of the use of yeast biomass was performed for the production of β-glucans. An extensive and systematic review was undertaken to contribute to the science and technology to obtain β-glucans and their use in different applications.

Pulsed electric field‐assisted extraction of valuable compounds from microorganisms

“…Similarly, yeast accumulates several kinds of carbohydrates. Some of these microbial polysaccharides (β‐glucans and glycoproteins) can modulate the human immune system, thereby acting as favorable sources of biologically active molecules for food supplements and natural therapeutics (De Oliva‐Neto, Oliveira, Zilioli, & Bellini, ).…”

Evaluation of the in vitro effects of the increasing inclusion levels of yeast β-glucan, a casein hydrolysate and its 5 kDa retentate on selected bacterial populations and strains commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs

“…For instance, a casein peptide exhibiting antibacterial, antioxidant and antihypertensive capacity has been previously identified. 22 Recently, dietary supplementation of weaned pigs with a 5 kDa retentate (5kDaR) of a sodium caseinate hydrolysate (CH) combined with yeast β-glucan (YBG), a non-digestible polysaccharide with known immunomodulatory activity, 27,28 alleviated the negative impact of weaning and improved faecal consistency. 29 It was hypothesised that the YBG protected the 5kDaR from hydrolysis in the small intestine.…”

Caracterização físico-química de biocurativos dérmo-epidérmicos de Quitosana, Xantana e Beta-Glucana

“…Diversos efeitos benéficos têm sido relacionados à beta-Glucana. Dentre eles podemse citar sua atividade imunomodulatória, anti-inflamatória, antitumoral e antimutagênica, sendo este composto considerado hipocolesterolêmico e hipoglicêmico, além de exercer efeito protetor contra infecções (DE OLIVA-NETO et al, 2016).…”