LARCH ARABINOGALACTAN: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Arabinogalactan is a starch-like chemical that is found in many plants. It is found in highest concentrations in larch trees. Most of the larch arabinogalactan found in stores is produced from western larch or eastern larch trees. But larch arabinogalactan can also be produced by other larch tree species. Larch arabinogalactan is sometimes used for medicine.

Larch arabinogalactan is used for common cold, flu (influenza), ear infection (otitis media), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.

In foods, larch arabinogalactan is used as a stabilizer, binder, and sweetener.

How does it work ?

Larch arabinogalactan is a fiber that ferments in the intestine. It might increase intestinal bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, and have other effects that could be beneficial to digestive tract health. There is also information that suggests larch arabinogalactan might boost the immune system and help prevent cancer cells in the liver from growing.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Bayliss, C. E. and Houston, A. P. Characterization of plant polysaccharide- and mucin-fermenting anaerobic bacteria from human feces. Appl.Environ.Microbiol. 1984;48(3):626-632. View abstract.

Beuth, J., Ko, H. L., Oette, K., Pulverer, G., Roszkowski, K., and Uhlenbruck, G. Inhibition of liver metastasis in mice by blocking hepatocyte lectins with arabinogalactan infusions and D-galactose. J.Cancer Res.Clin.Oncol. 1987;113(1):51-55. View abstract.

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Odonmazig, P., Ebringerova, A., Machova, E., and Alfoldi, J. Structural and molecular properties of the arabinogalactan isolated from Mongolian larchwood (Larix dahurica L.). Carbohydr.Res. 1-15-1994;252:317-324. View abstract.

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Salyers, A. A., Vercellotti, J. R., West, S. E., and Wilkins, T. D. Fermentation of mucin and plant polysaccharides by strains of Bacteroides from the human colon. Appl.Environ.Microbiol. 1977;33(2):319-322. View abstract.

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Thude, S., Classen, B., Blaschek, W., Barz, D., and Thude, H. Binding studies of an arabinogalactan-protein from Echinacea purpurea to leucocytes. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(6):425-427. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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LARCH ARABINOGALACTAN - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with LARCH ARABINOGALACTAN

Dosing

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