The Beta-Glucan Revolution: Immunity-Support Candyceuticals

Fortifying our immunity has never been more critical in the face of the pandemic. From immunity-enhancing Chinese herbal teas to bespoke health formulations, we're all employing various strategies for self-protection. But how do we safeguard our children's health? You might have heard of the mystical 'Lingzhi' mushroom, a potent medicinal fungus often mentioned in Chinese martial arts movies and highlighted in the seminal work 'Compendium of Materia Medica' as a top-tier remedy. Modern science has validated that this fungus contains compounds that support immunity—Beta-glucans. As we grapple with the reality of mutating viruses, finding a long-term solution to bolster our defenses is paramount. So, what exactly are Beta-glucans, and how do they support and enhance our immunity, helping us navigate these challenging times? Let's unravel this mystery.
 

Unraveling the Mystery of β-Glucans

Beta-glucans are polysaccharides made up of multiple glucose molecules.

Like human hands holding or interlocking, these glucose molecules form linear and branched structures, classified into alpha-glucans and beta-glucans. Research indicates that these structures can confer substantial health benefits.

The Power of Beta-Glucans: Their Branched Structure

Glucans from different food sources have unique linkage patterns. Alpha-glucans, primarily present in rice, differ from beta-glucans found in fungi, algae, and plant cell walls, which display a variety of side chains branching off the main chain. Beta-glucans from plants and algae cell walls exhibit beta-1,3/1,4 linkages and act as dietary fiber for the gut microbiota, while those from yeast and mushrooms like Lingzhi and Shiitake, having beta-1,3/1,6 linkages, are believed to impact immunity positively.

The Immunity Support Powerhouse: β-1,3/1,6-Glucans

The degree of branching in glucans plays a crucial role in their biological activity. The higher the degree of branching, the stronger the biological activity. The "active polysaccharides" in Lingzhi, deemed effective by academia, correspond to the beta-1,3/1,6 glucan branches. These glucan structures can also be found in yeast, with an impressive extraction efficiency of up to 75%.

Fueling the Immune System with β-Glucans

Beta-glucans don't directly kill viruses; they power up the immune system to combat invaders. After beta-1,3/1,6 glucan supplementation, these polysaccharides pass through intestinal cells into the lymphatic tissues. Macrophages, key immune system cells, recognize beta-glucans as foreign substances and activate the immune defense mechanism. Macrophages break down beta-glucans into small fragments, which are then picked up by neutrophils, the most abundant immune cells in the body, enabling them to recognize and eliminate invaders swiftly. Like a bugle call, they alert other immune cells to be on guard against potential threats.

〈Extended reading：How to Boost Immune System for Adults and Children During Flu Season?〉

The Birth of Immunity Support Candyceuticals

Capitalizing on the immune-boosting potential of beta-glucans, Boncha Bio has pioneered the creation of immunity support candyceuticals. Developed in association with many hospitals and Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics, these "Immunity Support Teas" are made from natural Chinese herbal medicines. By solving the unpleasant bitterness of Chinese herbals and improving kids' immunity during this challenging period, a pleasant immune support candyceutical was born. Escaping the traditional image of health and nutritional supplements being hard to swallow, the focus now lies on delicious yet effective candy capsules.

If you have any ideas or plans for collaboration or need OEM services for functional candies, our professional ODM team at Boncha Bio can cater to various customer groups and channels for OEM manufacturing. Feel free to reach out to us for inquiries.

 

❓FAQ

1. What are beta-glucans?

A:  Beta-glucans are polysaccharides composed of multiple glucose molecules forming linear and branched structures. The β-1,3/1,6 linkage pattern found in mushrooms like Lingzhi is validated to positively impact immunity.

💡 Lingzhi is highlighted as a top-tier remedy in ancient Chinese medicine

2. Why is the branched structure of beta-glucans important?

A:  The degree and length of side-chain branching significantly affect biological activity—higher branching means stronger activity. Lingzhi's active polysaccharides feature β-1,3/1,6 structures; yeast extraction achieves impressive 75% efficiency.

💡 The power lies in the branched structure of glucans

3. How do beta-glucans from different sources differ?

A:  Plant (oats, barley) and algae beta-glucans have β-1,3/1,4 linkages, serving as dietary fiber for gut microbiota; yeast and mushrooms (Lingzhi, Shiitake) have β-1,3/1,6 linkages, positively impacting immunity.

💡 Immunity benefits come from β-1,3/1,6 glucans

4. How do beta-glucans strengthen the immune system?

A:  Beta-glucans don't directly kill viruses; they power up immunity. After supplementation, they pass through intestines into lymphatic tissues. Macrophages recognize them as foreign substances, activate, and trigger immune defense mechanisms, alerting other immune cells.

💡 Beta-glucans fuel the immune system like energy boosters

5. What role do macrophages play in immunity?

A:  Macrophages recognize beta-glucans as foreign, activate, and break them into fragments that bind with neutrophils (the body's most abundant immune cells), enabling swift movement, recognition, and elimination of invaders while alerting other immune cells.

💡 Macrophages activate immune defense mechanisms

6. Why are yeast-derived beta-glucans preferred?

A:  Yeast contains identical β-1,3/1,6 structures as Lingzhi's active polysaccharides but offers superior 75% extraction efficiency, better production stability, and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for supplement formulations.

💡 Yeast extraction efficiency reaches 75%, far exceeding other sources

7. What are immunity support candyceuticals?

A:  Immunity support candyceuticals use beta-glucans as immune-boosting factors, combined with natural Chinese herbal medicines developed with hospitals and TCM clinics. They escape the traditional bitter medicine image, emphasizing delicious effectiveness, especially for children's immunity.

💡 Medicine no longer tastes bitter—children's immune shield is born

8. Why are Boncha Bio's immunity candy capsules/ chews effective?

A:  Boncha Bio's immunity candyceuticals/chews combine β-glucans with other immune-supporting actives. Professional formulation and proprietary processing create delicious, easy-to-take formats that encourage consistent use and strengthen long-term immune defense.

💡 Professional ODM team catering to diverse customer groups and channels