Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Alpha glucans are polysaccharides composed of glucose units linked mainly by alpha-glycosidic bonds. They are found in various sources, including certain mushrooms (like Lentinus edodes, or shiitake), yeasts, and grains. In the context of chemotherapy, alpha glucans—particularly those derived from mushrooms such as lentinan—have been studied for their immunomodulatory effects. Some clinical studies (primarily from East Asia) suggest that lentinan, a beta-1,3-glucan with some alpha linkages, when used as an adjunct to chemotherapy in cancer patients, may help enhance immune function, reduce infection rates, and modestly improve quality of life and survival. The proposed mechanism is through the stimulation of macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells, which may counteract the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy. However, the majority of evidence is limited to small studies, and meta-analyses highlight issues with study quality and heterogeneity. Regulatory agencies in Japan have approved certain mushroom-derived glucans as adjuvant cancer therapies, but their use is not standard in Western medicine. Overall, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary clinical evidence for alpha glucans reducing chemotherapy side effects, the strength and consistency of the evidence remain limited, justifying a moderate-low (2/5) rating.

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