Martha Coleman 
Beta-Glucans 
Applications, Effects and Research

Polysaccharides (b-D-glucans) are a group of compounds belonging to the class of agents known as biological response modifiers, and have a potential therapeutic role in atherosclerosis, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. b-(1a’3)-Glucans can be cellular structural polysaccharides or polysaccharides secreted on the surfaces of mushrooms or fungi. There are many types of b-glucans from different sources; some of them have been studied more precisely as potential therapeutic compounds for medical applications. The authors of this book review and discuss new research on the applications and effects of beta-glucans.