Larch arabinogalactan's therapeutic uses
Larch arabinogalactan (LA) is a natural plant product derived from the Western larch tree, primarily recognized for its potential therapeutic uses in supporting immune health. Research suggests that LA may stimulate immune responses by activating natural killer (NK) cells and influencing immune-related substances like interleukins and interferon. While LA is often proposed as a dietary supplement for general immune support, evidence from clinical studies remains limited and inconclusive. Some preliminary findings indicate that LA might enhance the efficacy of certain cancer treatments, assist antibiotics in combating infections, and potentially improve vaccine antibody responses. However, these claims are largely speculative and require further investigation.
In addition to its immune-boosting properties, LA is noted as a source of dietary fiber, which may offer benefits for colon health. Despite these potential advantages, studies have not consistently demonstrated LA's effectiveness in preventing colds or improving cholesterol levels. Safety evaluations indicate that LA is generally well-tolerated, though it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Caution is advised for those with autoimmune conditions or those taking immunosuppressant medications, as LA could theoretically interfere with treatment. Overall, while LA presents intriguing possibilities for health benefits, more rigorous research is needed to establish its therapeutic efficacy and safety profile.
Larch arabinogalactan's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Immune support
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Cancer treatment, ear infection
Overview
Arabinogalactins, substances found in many plants, are long molecules made of the sugars galactose and arabinose linked in a chain. Arabinogalactan extracted from the Western larch tree (Larch arabinogalactan, or LA) has been proposed as an immune stimulant.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dose of powdered LA is three to nine grams daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Test-tube and animal studies suggest that LA has several potentially positive effects on the immune system. It appears to activate a type of white blood cell called a natural killer or NK cell, and perhaps other white blood cells as well. LA also possibly alters levels of immune-related substances such as interleukins, interferon, and properdin. Based on these findings, LA has been advocated as a supplement for general immune support. However, this recommendation may be premature.
Many plant substances appear to activate the immune system; this may be because the immune system regards them as a threat and mobilizes to fight them. It takes double-blind, placebo-controlled trials to determine whether theoretical effects translate into real-life benefits, and only a few such studies have been performed on LA as an immune stimulant. One trial was not designed to determine the actual medical benefits (if any) of LA. Rather, it primarily continued the theoretical investigation of LA’s effects on components of the immune system. In this trial, forty-eight healthy women were assigned to receive one of four treatments: LA, echinacea, LA plus echinacea, or placebo. Researchers evaluated various laboratory measurements of immune function. The results failed to show that LA by itself had any effect on immunity. In a 2016 clinical trial, LA was also investigated for its ability to activate the immune system, and while results appeared to be positive, researchers still determined more study was necessary. Studies also appeared to indicate LA could boost antibody response to vaccines.
Other preliminary research hinted that LA might enhance the effectiveness of drugs used in cancer treatment, help antibiotics fight ear infections and other infections, or enhance the immune system in people with conditions such as chronic viral hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and chronic fatigue syndrome. However, all these suggestions are highly speculative and lack reliable supporting evidence.
LA is a good dietary fiber source. Like less expensive forms of fiber, LA appears to have beneficial effects on the colon, and some studies have found a positive anti-oxidant impact from increasing LA intake in food. However, it has not proven to be a successful anti-inflammatory, and a six-month study failed to find LA helpful for improving cholesterol profile. Additionally, in a study exploring LA's potential in preventing colds and the flu, participants took 4.5 grams each day for twelve weeks and saw no positive impact on immunity to these ailments.
Safety Issues
Based on animal studies and limited evidence in humans, LA is generally nontoxic when used for less than six months at doses less than 8.5 grams per day. However, like other sources of dietary fiber, LA might lead to colonic problems like bloating and flatulence.
One additional set of potential risks derives from LA’s supposed benefits: if LA does meaningfully stimulate the immune system, it might be dangerous. The immune system is highly balanced. An immune system that is too relaxed fails to defend the body against infections; an immune system that is too active attacks healthy tissues, causing autoimmune diseases. If LA truly boosts immunity, it might cause or worsen such conditions as lupus, Crohn’s disease, asthma, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, people who take immune suppressant drugs for organ transplants would be at risk of organ rejection. However, there is no actual evidence that LA causes problems.
Maximum safe doses in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease have not been established. Persons taking an immunosuppressant drug such as cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), methotrexate (Otrexup (PF), Xatmep), or corticosteroids should note that the use of LA could conceivably decrease the drug’s effectiveness by stimulating the immune system.
Bibliography
Currier, N. L., et al. “Effect over Time of In-Vivo Administration of the Polysaccharide Arabinogalactan on Immune and Hemopoietic Cell Lineages in Murine Spleen and Bone Marrow.” Phytomedicine, vol. 10, 2003, pp. 145-53.
Dion, Carine, et al. “Does Larch Arabinogalactan Enhance Immune Function? A Review of Mechanistic and Clinical Trials.” Nutrition & Metabolism, vol. 13, no. 28, Apr. 2016. doi.org/10.1186/s12986-016-0086-x. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kim, L. S., et al. “Immunological Activity of Larch arabinogalactan and Echinacea.” Alternative Medicine Review, vol. 7, 2002, pp. 138-49.
“Larch Uses, Benefits & Dosage.” Drugs.com, 19 Dec. 2022, www.drugs.com/npp/larch.html. Accessed 30 Aug. 2023.
Marett, R., and J. L. Slavin. “No Long-Term Benefits of Supplementation with Arabinogalactan on Serum Lipids and Glucose.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol. 104, 2004, pp. 636-39.
Robinson, R. R., et al. “Effects of Dietary Arabinogalactan on Gastrointestinal and Blood Parameters in Healthy Human Subjects.”Journal of the American College of Nutrition, vol. 20, 2001, pp. 279-85.
Vladislav, A. Ionin, et al. “Inherited Structure Properties of Larch Arabinogalactan Affected via the TEMPO/NaBr/NaOCl Oxidative System.” Polymers, vol. 16, no. 11, 2024, p. 1458. doi.org/10.3390/polym16111458. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.