Arabinogalactin
Description
Arabinogalactins are long, branched polysaccharides, found in a variety of plants, the most abundant source being the Western Larch tree (Larix occidentalis). When derived from the wood of the larch tree, polysaccharide powder consists of about 98% arabinogalactin.
Arabinogalactin powder dissolves completely in water, is low in viscosity, is fine textured and off-white color, and has a mildly sweet taste.
Method of Action
Arabinogalactin exists as two basic sizes of 9 kDa and 37 kDa. One study indicates that the smaller molecule may be useful in hepatocyte directed drug delivery, through its ability to bind hepatocyte asialoglycoprotein receptor. (Prescott, 1995)
Arabinogalactin may theoretically be useful for enhancing chemotherapy in cancer treatment, because it stimulates NK cell cytotoxicity, and prevents tumor metastasis to the liver.
Therapeutic Approaches
Proposed used for arabinogalactins include:
Hepatic drug delivery
Immune stimulation
Co-administration with cancer chemotherapy (stimulates NK cell cytotoxicity)
The FDA has approved arabinogalactin as a dietary source for fiber. When taken regularly, fiber has been shown to lower cholesterol. Fiber from arabinogalactin also produces butyrate during intestinal fermentation, and may therefore contribute to colon health.
Toxicity Factors
May cause bloating and flatulence. Further safety information is not yet available. Patients should therefore exercise caution before supplementing with arabinogalactin.
References
Beuth J, Ko HL, Oette K, et al. Inhibition of liver metastasis in mice by blocking hepatocyte lectins with arabinogalactan infusions and D-galactose. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 1987;113:51-55
Hagmar B, Ryd W, Skomedal H. Arabinogalactan blockade of experimental metastases to liver by murine hepatoma. Invasion Metastasis 1991;11:348-355.
Hauer J, Anderer FA. Mechanism of stimulation of human natural killer cytotoxicity by arabinogalactan from Larix occidentalis. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1993;36:237-244.
Kelly GS: Larch arabinogalactan: clinical relevance of a novel immune-enhancing polysaccharide, Altern Med Rev 1999 Apr;4(2):96-103
Odonmazig P, Ebringerova A, Machova E, Alfoldi J. Structural and molecular properties of the arabinogalactan isolated from Mongolian larchwood (Larix dahurica L.). Carbohydr Res 1994;252:317-324.
Prescott JH, Enriquez P, Jung C, Menz E, Groman EV: Larch arabinogalactan for hepatic drug delivery: isolation and characterization of a 9 kDa arabinogalactan fragment, Carbohydr Res 1995 Nov 30;278(1):113-28
Vince AJ, McNeil NI, Wager JD, Wrong OM. The effect of lactulose, pectin, arabinogalactan, and cellulose on the production of organic acids and metabolism of ammonia by intestinal bacteria in a faecal incubation system. Br J Nutr 1990;63:17-26.
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