BioBran MGN-3 Arabinoxylan Compound

It has been well documented, for many years, that certain large polysaccharide molecules — complex carbohydrates such as plant fibre — can stimulate the immune system. Fibre in general has also been linked in research to the lowering of cholesterol, improved sugar metabolism and the reduction of intestinal toxicity; rice bran has anti-viral properties whereas certain mushroom fibre has been shown to enhance immune response. Unfortunately, plant fibres are mostly indigestible, and so these immune enhancing benefits remain mostly unrealized as the fibre passes through and out the body. However, if these very long polysaccharide molecules (specifically from rice bran) are broken up into much smaller components, called hemicelluloses — of which the most powerful are the arabinoxylan compounds — these benefits were not only greatly magnified, but they could be directly affect the body's immune system because the fibre now had a small enough molecular weight to be absorbed undigested through the small intestine into the blood system.

The leading manufacturer of this type of hemicellulose food supplement is Daiwa Pharmaceutical in Japan, which has a unique and patented process in which rice bran is broken down (partially hydrolyzed) using Shitake mushroom enzymes (lentius edodes mycelia extract) to make a unique and natural blend of hemicelluloses, the principal ingredient of which is the arabinoxylan compound or b-1, 4 xylophyronase hemicellulose. (Although Shitake mushroom enzymes are used in the manufacture, there is no measurable mushroom content in the end product and so most of those with mushroom intolerances have no reaction to it.) The diagram below shows how the basic unit or segment of the fibre has been broken down or "pruned" to produce, in this case, the hemicellulose called arabinoxylan.

The resulting blend of hemicellulose compounds from this process was generically called Biobran MGN-3 — or just Biobran for short. (Much of the research refers to it as MGN-3 which is the generic manufacturers name, although another generic name used is Modified Rice Bran - MRB). It is also referred to as Biobran arabinoxylan compound because the arabinoxylan is one of its main components. As a blend of natural compounds (hemicelluloses), Biobran consists of an array of short chain polysaccharides, which makes it much easier for the body to assimilate than single component substances (such as conventional drugs). This natural array of ingredients is also thought to be a reason for its non-toxicity and lack of unwanted side effects.

No. Biobran arabinoxylan compound is a natural product that has no adverse or toxic side-effects, confirmed by blood tests and examinations of liver and kidney function of people who have taken high amounts of the compound over several months. The only obvious contraindication is that, as an immunomodulator, able to boost weak immune systems, it should not be taken in conjunction with any medication specifically for suppressing the immune system.

As the body does not build up a resistance to Biobran over time, this food supplement can safely and effectively be taken over an extended period of time, and without the necessity of slowly increasing the dosage as with other immunomodulators. Biobran should always be taken after food (ideally, 30 minutes after) and larger daily intakes should be divided into three portions and taken with breakfast, lunch and dinner. If the person taking the compound is very ill, they can stay on the 3g per day intake for an extended period.

Apart from the case of general health maintenance, we always recommend that your doctor be informed that you are taking this supplement, so that he or she can integrate it into your treatment program.