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Review
. 2023 Aug 29;28(17):6313.
doi: 10.3390/molecules28176313.

Modified Rice Bran Arabinoxylan by Lentinus edodes Mycelial Enzyme as an Immunoceutical for Health and Aging-A Comprehensive Literature Review

Soo Liang Ooi  1 , Peter S Micalos  2 , Sok Cheon Pak  1
Affiliations
Review

Modified Rice Bran Arabinoxylan by Lentinus edodes Mycelial Enzyme as an Immunoceutical for Health and Aging-A Comprehensive Literature Review

Soo Liang Ooi et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) is derived from defatted rice bran enzymatically treated with Lentinus edodes mycelium. This review explores biologically active compounds and mechanisms of action that support RBAC as an immunomodulating nutraceutical in generally healthy and/or aging individuals. Thirty-seven (n = 37) primary research articles fulfilled the selection criteria for review. Most research is based on Biobran MGN-3, which consists of complex heteropolysaccharides with arabinoxylan as its primary structure while also containing galactan and glucan. RBAC was found to invoke immunological activities through direct absorption via the digestive tract and interaction with immune cells at the Peyer's patches. RBAC was shown to promote innate defence by upregulating macrophage phagocytosis and enhancing natural killer cell activity while lowering oxidative stress. Through induction of dendritic cell maturation, RBAC also augments adaptive immunity by promoting T and B lymphocyte proliferation. RBAC acts as an immunomodulator by inhibiting mast cell degranulation during allergic reactions, attenuating inflammation, and downregulating angiogenesis by modulating cytokines and growth factors. RBAC has been shown to be a safe and effective nutraceutical for improving immune health, notably in aging individuals with reduced immune function. Human clinical trials with geriatric participants have demonstrated RBAC to have prophylactic benefits against viral infection and may improve their quality of life. Further research should explore RBAC's bioavailability, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of the complex heteropolysaccharides within. Translational research to assess RBAC as a nutraceutical for the aging population is still required, particularly in human studies with larger sample sizes and cohort studies with long follow-up periods.

Keywords: MGN-3; anti-aging; biobran; natural killer cells; natural products; nutraceutical; physiological activities.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Four possible structures of the polysaccharides present in the most active fraction of Biobran MGN-3.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A graphical illustration of RBAC absorption in the small intestines after oral consumption. The compound interacts with the immune cells at the Peyer’s patches, with some fractions entering the bloodstream to exert further immunological effects.
Figure 3
Figure 3
RBAC could enhance macrophages’ lysosomal enzyme and nitric oxide production while increasing their phagocytosis rate against pathogens. RBAC also further influences cytokine release and cross-presenting antigens to activate follow-up immune responses while triggering autophagy of infected cells (Boxed items are the effects of RBAC).
Figure 4
Figure 4
RBAC upregulates NKC cytotoxicity with increased granularity, costimulatory marker (CD69, ICAM-1, and CD25) expression, cytokine production, conjugate formation, and release of cytotoxic granules to destroy infected cells (Boxed items are the effects of RBAC).
Figure 5
Figure 5
RBAC stimulates the maturation of dendritic cells by downregulating the immature surface markers, reducing endocytic activities while upregulating the maturation markers. RBAC-stimulated dendritic cells have increased cytokine production and an enhanced capacity to activate CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes leading to the proliferation of T and B cells for adaptive immune responses (Boxed items are the effects of RBAC).
Figure 6
Figure 6
RBAC acts on mast cells to inhibit hypersensitivity and inflammatory responses during allergic reactions by inhibiting degranulation from releasing histamine and suppressing the production of proinflammatory cytokines (Boxed items are the effects of RBAC).
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Grants and funding

This review received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. S.L.O. is a recipient of the Australian Government Research Training Program scholarship for his PhD study. This review is to contribute toward the PhD degree for S.L.O.

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