Natural products, useful in preventing and/or treating various diseases, have been
sought after throughout the history of mankind. The longest history as immunomodulators
belongs to beta glucans. Despite the demonstrated activity of various glucans, the
search for optimalization of their biological effects still continues. Recently, numerous
substances have been shown to have synergistic effects with glucans. We decided to
compare the biological activities of insoluble yeast-derived β1,3-D-glucan with a
combination of glucan/resveratrol/vitamin C. Our data show that whereas resveratrol
or vitamin C alone had only limited (if any) effects on immune reactions, the combination
significantly increased the phagocytosis of peripheral blood leukocytes, specific
antibody response, nitrite anion production and apoptosis. This combination also showed
strong effects on immunosuppression caused by various toxins. In addition, significant
inhibition of cancer growth was found using two different experimental models. We
can summarize that whereas resveratrol or vitamin C alone had only limited effects
on immune reactions, the combination significantly increased all tested immunological
reactions. Our data represent further proof that combined preparations of glucan,
resveratrol and vitamin C strongly stimulate the immune reactions. We hypothesize
that strong anti-cancer properties showed by the combination of these three compounds
are manifested via stimulation of immune reactions and apoptosis. A study attempting
to reveal the exact mechanisms of these effects is currently under progress.
