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NP001 ARA-6 - Pure Larch PowderTAGS: DIGESTION | IMMUNITY | MICROBIOME SUPPORT Prebiotic soluble fiber for immune support INTRODUCTION Arabinogalactans from the western larch tree are high-molecular weight polysaccharides (sugars) capable of up-regulating critical aspects of the immune system. ARA6 is gentle, safe immune enhancing product, which, unlike Echinacea, can be recommended for all blood types. ARA6 is also an excellent source of soluble fiber, capable of promoting colon health. Ultimately the reason naturopaths are so familiar with this compound, and probably the lion's share of the reason it now graces the shelves of health food stores can be traced to one individual -- Peter D'Adamo, N.D. (1) DESCRIPTION/ BACKGROUND Arabinogalactans are a class of polysaccharides found in a wide range of plants; however, they are most abundant in plants of the genus Larix (larch tree is Larix occidentalis). High-grade or nutraceutical-grade Larch Arabinogalactan (the grade typically utilized for supplements) is composed of greater than 98% arabinogalactan. As produced, Larch Arabinogalactan is a dry, free-flowing powder, with a very slight pine like odor and sweetish taste. It is 100% water-soluble and produces low viscosity solutions. Because of its excellent solubility and mild taste, the powder mixes readily in water and juices and is easily administered (even to children).
TABLE 1: Key agents in ARA-6 - Pure Larch Powder. Digestive Health The longest recognized use of larch arabinogalactan is probably as a source of dietary fiber. It has been shown to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA's), principally butyrate and propionate. These special fatty acids are critically important for the health of the colon. In fact, having an adequate supply of SCFA's is thought to make colon cells more resistant to both tumor promotion and a variety of intestinal disease. Larch arabinogalactan also acts as a food supply for friendly bacteria. The term used to describe this action is "prebiotic". The most well-known prebiotic substance is "fructo-oligosaccharides" or "FOS". Larch arabinogalactan acts in the same manner as FOS in humans. In effect, when we consume Larch arabinogalactan, we are rewarded by this significant positive effect on our gut microbiome balance. Specifically, this fiber acts to increase good bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, while decreasing bad bacteria. Since these friendly bacteria are critically important for the health of our digestive and immune systems, detoxification and hormone regulating capabilities, and nutrient formation and absorption; the growth promoting effects of larch arabinogalactan on these organisms alone makes it a valuable addition to our diet.
Immune Health Natural Killer cell (NK) and Macrophage activation: The receptor specificity of arabinogalactan is not well characterized. Cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as cultures of preseparated peripheral non-adherent cells and monocytes showed enhancement of natural killer cytotoxicity against K562 tumor cells when pretreated with larch arabinogalactan for 48-72 h. Moreover, preseparated peripheral non-adherent cells and monocytes of individual donors could exhibit various responses to arabinogalactan when cultures derived from bleedings after intervals of several months were assayed. Arabinogalactan-mediated enhancement of NK cytotoxicity was not initiated directly but was found to be governed by the cytokine network. Generally, larch arabinogalactan pretreatment induced an increased release of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-A), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and IL-6 but only IFN gamma was involved in enhancement of NK cytotoxicity. (2) Blocking of organ-specific experimental metastasis: Metastatic disease most commonly spreads to the liver, in preference to other organ sites. This has been theorized to be the result of a reaction between the galactose-based glycocongates on the metastatic cells and a hepatic-specific lectin (e.g., the D-galactose-specific hepatic binding protein) found in liver parenchyma. Several studies have compellingly shown that arabinogalactan inhibits this reaction, thus acting as a "reverse lectin." (3) In one study, the effect of arabinogalactan was investigated in a syngeneic tumor-host system using a new tumor that primarily colonizes the liver upon intravenous injection. The study included systemic treatment with D-galactose and arabinogalactan as well as cell pretreatment with arabinogalactan and two other glycoconjugates. Treatment with arabinogalactan reduced the amount of liver metastases and prolonged the survival times of the animals in both studies. Host treatment was more effective than tumor cell pretreatment. This was shown to be an effect of arabinogalactan blockade of potential liver receptors by covering of galactose-specific binding sites. (3) This was also verified in a repeat study. (5) In a third study, the rapid clearance and uptake by the liver of tritiated alpha 1-acid (asialo) glycoprotein from the circulation of Balb/c mice was markedly delayed after pre-injection of D-galactose or arabinogalactan. The pre-injection (1h) and regular application (for 3 days after tumor cell inoculation in Balb/c mice) of the receptor blocking agents D-galactose and arabinogalactan prevented the settling of sarcoma L-1 tumor in the liver completely. Other galactans, dextrans, and phosphate-buffered saline showed no effect. Therefore, when lectins were blocked with competitive-specific glycoconjugates, colonization was prevented. (4) Arabinogalactan completely prevented the settling of metastatic cells of sarcoma L-1 tumor in the liver of Balb/c mice and greatly reduced the colonization process of highly metastatic Esb lymphoma cells of the liver of DBA/2 mice. Therefore, when hepatic lectins were blocked with competitive glycoconjugates, tumor cell colonization of the liver could be prevented in two different model systems. (4)
Indications Larch arabinogalactan is FDA approved for use in food applications. Toxicity tests in animals indicate that larch arabinogalactan is significantly less toxic than methylcellulose (one of the most commonly supplemented fibers). TYPICAL DOSAGE As an addition to the diet, the usual dose is 1-3 grams daily (1000-3000 mg). However, in certain clinical scenarios, much larger amounts can be taken if desired (up to 9-12 tablespoons daily). Larch arabinogalactan is available in powder, capsules, and tablets. PRODUCT HISTORY ARA6 was introduced in 1995 after being first employed in the D’Adamo Clinic. REFERENCES
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