Includes the physiological effects of paramylon, a unique component of the microalgae Euglena
A review article on the functionality of β-glucan was published in an academic journal
-Discussion of the structure and functional diversity of β-glucan and its mechanism of action-

Euglena Co., Ltd.

　Euglena Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Mitsuru Izumo) is a β-glucan in foods that includes paramylon, which is a unique functional ingredient contained in the Euglena (Japanese name: Euglena-We are pleased to announce that a review of the functionality of glucan has been published in the academic journal "Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology".

　β-Glucan is a polysaccharide in which D-glucose (glucose) contained in grains, mushrooms, seaweed, etc. is linked mainly by β-1,3 bonds. Depending on the type of structure, it is known to lead to ^{antioxidant * 1} activity, suppression of cholesterol absorption, promotion of excretion, and promotion ^{of production of short-chain fatty acids * 2 in the intestine.} Furthermore, β-glucan is thought to act on the immune cells of the mucosal immune system when ingested by humans and animals, exerting immunostimulatory and antitumor effects.
　Paramylon is Euglena, and is a kind of insoluble β-glucan characterized by a crystal structure in which glucose is linearly polymerized by β-1,3 bonds. So far, we have functions such as reduction of triglyceride level in blood, relief of symptoms of atopic dermatitis, adjustment of immune balance, protective action of liver function, and suppression of ^{precancerous lesions * 3 of colorectal cancer.} We have published research results that suggest that, and we are still promoting various research.

　In this review, we consider the diversity of structures and functions of β-glucan in foods and the proposed mechanism of action, outline the physiological effects of paramylon, a functional component peculiar to Euglena We are comparing with the role of β-glucan in. This review was published in the academic journal "Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology" jointly edited by the Japan Vitamin Society and the Japan Nutrition and Food Society on February 28, 2018.
　The details are as follows.
* 1 Action to suppress excessive oxidation reaction caused by active oxygen. While active oxygen works to remove bacteria that have invaded the body, it oxidizes the body, so if it increases too much, it will accelerate aging and cause fatigue and lifestyle-related diseases.
* 2 Fatty acids with 6 or less carbon atoms. It is produced by fermentation of intestinal bacteria in the human large intestine and fulfills a bioregulatory function. * 3 Colorectal neoplastic polyps with a high risk of developing colorectal cancer.

About the review of β-glucan containing paramylon, a functional ingredient peculiar to the microalgae Euglena

■ Title　　 Name: β-Glucan in Foods and Its Physiological Functions
■ Place of publication: "Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology"
　　　　　　https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jnsv/64/1/64_8/_article/-char/ja

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Euglena (Japanese name: Euglena)　　　　　　　　　　 Paramylon (enlarged view of the microscope)

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Euglena Co., Ltd. Corporate Communication Division