LARCH ARABINOGALACTAN LARCH ARABINOGALACTANCommon Uses
Cancer, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant, diarrhea
Arabinogalactans are a class of polysaccharides.
The primary source of arabinogalactan is the larch tree (mainly the western larch, Larix occidentalis).
Studies have shown that these compounds may enhance natural killer cells and cause a release of interferon gamma. For the treatment of cancer, arabinogalactans inhibit the reaction (between the galactose-based glycoconjugate on the cancer cells and a liver-specific, lectin-like receptor) that allows cancer cells to spread to the liver. Arabinogalactan thus has strong immuno-stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties. Its proposed use in people is as an antiviral and for the treatment of allergies, herpes, chronic fatigue, Epstein-Barr virus, pediatric otitis media, as part of HIV therapy, as a anti-radiation nutrient for patients undergoing conventional cancer treatment (chemotherapy), eczema, and general infections.
Arabinagalactan is also an excellent source of dietary fiber and has been shown to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), principally butyrate, a nutrient which has a particularly important role in the colon. Therefore, it may be useful for the treatment of pets with chronic diarrhea.
Larch arabinogalactan is extremely safe; rare episodes of bloating and flatulence have been seen.
One brand name supplement exists (Immuno Support, Rx Vitamins for Pets) that contains larch arabinogalactans (and shiitake mushrooms and lutein, a carotenoid) as an immune-enhancing supplement to be used in pets with chronic diseases in which immune stimulation is needed. More clinical studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of larch arabinogalactans in various immune disorders in pets.