Biobran MGN-3 Academic Research and Articles

Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) has been a major pandemic impacting a huge population worldwide, and it continues to present serious health threats, necessitating the development of novel protective nutraceuticals. Biobran/MGN-3, an arabinoxylan rice bran, is a potent immunomodulator for both humans and animals that has recently been demonstrated to protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vitro. We here investigate Biobran/MGN3′ s potential to enhance an antiviral immune response in humans. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from eight subjects taking Biobran/MGN-3 (age 55–65 years) and eight age-matched control subjects were stimulated with irradiated SARS-CoV-2 virus and then subjected to immuno-phenotyping and multiplex cytokine ... Read more

Rice bran is the main by-product of rice processing and contains approximately 64% of the nutrients in rice. Its various nutrient elements include rice bran proteins, oil, oryzanol, vitamins, polysaccharides, etc. The use of fermented technology can increase the content of bioactive peptides, promote the absorption efficiency, and further improve the functionality and added value of rice bran. In recent years, the nutritional value and function of the extracts and fermented products of rice bran have been emphatically studied. Rice bran extracts and fermentation products serve a critical role in the anti-inflammatory reaction, reducing the plasma lipid effect and increasing anti-cancer activity. Moreover, few review studies have been reported on the anti-cancer activity and potential mecha ... Read more

Introduction : Rice bran arabinoxylan com pound (RBAC) is a nutraceutical for enhancing a depleted immune system during and after cancer treatment. This pilot feasibility trial aims to evaluate the effects of RBAC on cancer patients' quality of life during active treatment, compared to placebo, using a validated questionnaire. Other outcome measures include changes in inflammatory and nutritional status, cytokine pro file, and gut mi - crobiota. Methods/ Design : The study will recruit 50 participants from a regional cancer center in Australia. Patients aged 18 –70, diagnosed with solid or an cancers stage II and above, and currently undergoing active systemic thera - pies, are eligible. Random allocation of participants into two groups is stratified based on metastatic statu ... Read more

Abstract: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), poses a serious global public health threat for which there is currently no satisfactory treatment. This study examines the efficacy of Biobran/MGN-3 against SARS-CoV-2. Biobran is an arabinoxylan rice bran that has been shown to significantly inhibit the related influenza virus in geriatric subjects. Here, Biobran’s anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity was assessed using MTT and plaque reduction assays, RT-PCR, ELISA techniques, and measurements of SARS-CoV-2-related gene expression and protein levels. For Vero E6 cells infected with SARS-CoV-2, Biobran reduced the viral load by 91.9% at a dose of 100 µg/mL, it reduced viral counts (PFU/mL) by 90.6% at 50 µg/mL, and it ... Read more

ABSTRACT. This article provides a controlled evaluation of the ability of dietary supplementation with a commercially available rice bran extract modified with shitake mushroom extract (MGN-3) to support the immune function by assessing the ability of immunocytes to proliferate and produce cytokines in response to a mitogenic challenge. Twenty-four male Lewis rats were fed a control diet (Maypo sweetened oatmeal) or Maypo containing the recommended daily dose of MGN-3 for 2 weeks. This treatment modestly enhanced mitogen enhanced proliferation of splenocytes and interferon-gamma (IFN-g) production, and significantly increased proliferation of splenocytes to the superantigen toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) as well as natural killer (NK) cell activity and production of interleukin-2 ... Read more

Background: There are conflicting data about the relationship between diabetes mellitus and cancer risk in that growing evidence suggest a possible role of endogenous elevated insulin level which is often found in Non-Insulin-Dependent-Diabetes-Mellitus or an exogenous hyperinsulinemia observed often in Insulin-Dependent-Diabetes-Mellitus. In the last years higher attention focused on the role of immunoregulation both in the insulin production by β-cell of Langerhans-islets and in the insulin sensitivity (resistance) of insulin receptors. Interestingly, cytokines from type-2 innate immune cells, such as M2 macrophages or D2 dendritic cells exhibit a protective effect on both types of diabetes. However, the effect of insulin on the balance between type-1 and type-2 natural immune mechanisms ... Read more

Abstract: Influenza-like illness (ILI) remains a major cause of severe mortality and morbidity in the elderly. Aging is associated with a decreased ability to sense pathogens and mount effective innate and adaptive immune responses, thus mandating the development of protective nutraceuticals. Biobran/MGN-3, an arabinoxylan from rice bran, has potent anti-aging and immunomodulatory effects, suggesting that it may be effective against ILI. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of Biobran/MGN-3 on ILI incidence, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and the expressions of RIG-1 (retinoic acid-inducible gene 1), MDA5 (melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5), and their downstream signaling genes ISG-15 (interferon-stimulated genes 15) and MX1 (myxovirus (influenza ... Read more

This clinical cancer strategy incorporates advancements in cancer treatment based on a multi-approach to the disease that includes targeting apoptosis, immune cell activation, angiogenesis, restoration of cellular respiration, inhibition of inflammatory mediators, not mentioning some secondary factors such as intoxication, disturbed microbiome, and nervous disorders. I believe that a real breakthrough in cancer needs to promote immune system enhancement and activate apoptosis. These two important mechanisms of approaching cancer, principally through the clinical application of the P53 tumor suppressor gene and other apoptotic players that for the past 15 years have been included in my cancer strategy as a diagnostic, prognosis, and follow up treatment. P53 mutation ... Read more

MGN-3 is an arabinoxylan from rice bran that has been shown to be an excellent antioxidant and radioprotector. This study examined the protective effects of MGN-3 on radiation-induced intestinal injury. Mice were treated with MGN-3 prior to irradiation, then continued to receive MGN-3 for 4 weeks thereafter. MGN-3 increased the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴ, the intercellular ATP content, the mitochondria-encoded gene expression and mitochondrial copy numbers in the jejunal and colonic mucosa. MGN-3 reduced the oxidative stress levels and inflammatory response indicators in the serum and jejunal and colonic mucosa. Antioxidant indicators such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and total antioxidant capacity were significantl ... Read more

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world and one of the most lethal. MGN-3/Biobran is a natural product derived from rice bran hemicelluloses and has been reported to possess a potent anticancer effect in a clinical study of patients with HCC. The current study examines the mechanisms by which Biobran protects against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. The chemical carcinogen used in this study is N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) plus carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Rats were treated with this carcinogen, and the animals were pretreated or posttreated with Biobran via intraperitoneal injections until the end of the experiment. Treatment with Biobran resulted in: 1) significant alleviation of liver preneoplastic lesions towards normal hepato ... Read more

Immunostimulants have been explored to reduce the complications of radiation/chemotherapy. This double blind randomized trial aimed to determine the immunomodulating effects of Lentin among head and neck cancer patients in addressing radiation treatment complications such as anemia, leukopenia, weight loss and improvement of quality of life. Sixty-five (65) patients were enrolled and given either Lentin or placebo - 2 weeks prior, during radiation/chemoradiotherapy and 2 months after. Complete Blood Count, Body Mass Index, percent weight loss and EORTC Quality of Life questionnaires QLQ H&N35 were used to assess the degree of anemia, weight loss and quality of life. Overall CBC results revealed higher values on all parameters in Lentin arm. Upon completion of radiochemotherapy, the L ... Read more

This study examines the ability of arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3/Biobran) to enhance the anti-cancer effects of fractionated X-ray irradiation of Ehrlich solid tumor-bearing mice. Swiss albino mice bearing tumors were exposed to the following: (i) Biobran treatment (40 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal injections) beginning on day 11 post-tumor cell inoculation until day 30; (ii) ionizing radiation (Rad) 2 Gy at three consecutive doses on days 12, 14 and 16; or (iii) Biobran + Rad. Final tumor weight was suppressed by 46% for Biobran, 31% for Rad and 57% for the combined treatment (Biobran + Rad) relative to control untreated mice. Biobran and Rad also arrested the hypodiploid cells in the sub-G1-phase, signifying apoptosis by +102% and +85%, respectively, while the combined treatment indu ... Read more

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a hydrolyzed polysaccharide, Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound (RBAC), on biomarkers in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A 90-day randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial examined the effect of RBAC on complete blood count, liver enzymes, lipids, oxidative stress markers, cytokines, and growth factors. Twenty-three adults with NAFLD were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the two study conditions (n = 12 RBAC and n = 11 placebo) and consumed 1 gram/day of either compound for 90 days. Subjects were assessed at baseline and 45 and 90 days. No adverse effects were reported. Alkaline phosphatase significantly decreased (−3.1%; SD = 19.9; F[1, 19] = 5.1, p = 0.03) in the RBAC group compared to plac ... Read more

Since malignant tumors parallel with their progression can lose their sensitivity against the MHC-I restricted T lymphocytes because of their escape in tumor antigen presenting, we need immunomodulators which are able to activate MHC-I unrestricted tumoricidal mechanisms of innate immune system. In contrast to the adaptive system, the innate immune cells have regularly a basic activity (priming) which can determine their function ability and render  possible a polarity similar to neuroendocrine system. Namely, innate immune cells are committed in two directions. Type-1 cells involve tumoricidal cascade mechanisms which activate the MHC-I unrestricted killer cells (such as NK-cells) and Type-2 cells activate cell proliferation by production of Growth Factors (GFs), affect chronic inflammati ... Read more

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of a hydrolyzed polysaccharide, rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC), on immune, hepatic, and renal function in HIV þ individuals. A six-month randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was utilized to conduct the intervention. Forty-seven HIV þ participants on stable antiretroviral therapy were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the two study conditions (n 1⁄4 22 RBAC and n 1⁄4 25 placebo) and consumed 3 gram/day of either compound for six months. Participants were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months follow-up for CD4þ and CD8þ, liver enzymes, and kidney function. No side effects were reported, and liver and kidney markers nearly remained completely within normal limits. The percentage change in CD4þ was simi ... Read more

Biological targeting therapies can inhibit the cascade of cell proliferation and enhance the sensitivity of malignant tumor cells against natural immune effector cells. Clinical observations suggest that their combination with evidence  based and standardized plant immunomodulators (such as arabinoxylan concentrate using Biobran/MGN-3) can induce astonishing results. Since the escape of tumor cells from T lymphocytes is well known, growing interest is focusing on the Pathogenic Associated Molecular Pattern (PAMP) molecules which are able to stimulate the so called type-1 natural antitumor mechanisms in a MHC unrestricted manner. However, PAMP molecules exist only in the nature (bacteria and plants). The chemistry is not able to produce them. Bacteria are toxic. Therefore growing interest d ... Read more

Background: Targeting hyperactive mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade has proven to be an effective treatment for a variety of different cancers. Using an important member of this cascade, namely MEK (mitogen activated extracellular signal regulation kinase) inhibitors, the clinical responses are often transient and complete remission is rarely observed. Outgrowth of resistant clones within progressed tumors appears to be inevitable. Recent immunological and clinical observations suggest that in background of this resistance the tumor-.induced disturbance of immunoregulation at least in part may play a role. Namely, it was shown that growth factor receptor signaling pathway inhibitors can increase the immune sensitivity of tumor cells, but they can’t activate the ... Read more

Abstract. Aging is associated with a decline in natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cell function that may contribute to increased susceptibility to malignancy and infection. A preliminary investigation was conducted examining the hypothesis that arabinoxylan rice bran (Biobran/MGN-3), a denatured hemicellulose with known immunomodulatory activity, could counteract this decline in NK/NKT cell activity in geriatrics. A total of 12 healthy geriatric subjects of both sexes and over 56 years old, participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of six subjects served as control and six subjects ingested Biobran/MGN-3 (500 mg/day) for 30 days. The effect of Biobran/MGN-3 supplementation on NK/NKT cell activity was assessed using the degranulation ... Read more

Abstract Introduction: Conventional cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, may not be sufficient to eradicate all malignant cells and prevent recurrence. Intensive treatment often leads to a depressed immune system, drug resistance, and toxicity, hampering the treatment outcomes. BioBran/MGN-3 Arabinoxylan is a standardized arabinoxylan concentrate which has been proposed as a plant-based immunomodulator that can restore the tumor-induced disturbance of the natural immune system, including natural killer cell activity to fight cancer, complementing conventional therapies. Objectives: To comprehensively review the available evidence on the effects and efficacies of MGN-3 as a complementary therapy for conventional cancer treatment. Methods: Systematic search of ... Read more

Current treatments for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) have severe side effects and are very expensive. There is a need to explore effective natural therapies against HCV that are less toxic and more cost-effective. In the current study, 37 chronic HCV patients were randomized into two groups and treated with either pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) plus ribavirin (n = 21) or Biobran, an arabinoxylan from rice bran (1 g/day) (n = 16). We examined viremia, liver enzymes, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in serum, and toxicity before and three months after treatment. Both groups showed a significant and similar reduction in viral load after three months of treatment relative to the baseline viral load (P <0.05). In addition, treatment with Biobran resulted in a significant increase in the level of IFN-γ ... Read more

Introduction: Although modern therapies for cancer have improved life expectancy, the management of disease and improvement of quality of life (QoL) of patients, especially managing cancer-related pain and chronic fatigue syndrome are still limited. We demonstrate the efficacy of a combined therapy to treat cancer patients suffering from CFS. The effects of a combined therapy in cancer patients suffering from CFS was evaluated. NK cells were stimulated, additional tumour treatment together with targeted radiofrequency therapy (Oncothermia). Methods: SIXTY patients with CFS (due to suffering from any type of cancer) were recruited, (according to the Centres for Disease Control 1994 criteria) attending an outpatient specialist CFS service for controlled pilot study. A total of 25 par ... Read more

Angiogenesis is implicated in diverse pathological conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, and retinal neovascularization. In the present study, we investigated the effects of modified rice bran hemicellulose (MRBH), a water-soluble hemicellulose preparation from rice bran treated with shiitake enzymes, on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenesis in vitro and its mechanism. We found that MRBH significantly inhibited VEGF-induced tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) co-cultured with human dermal fibroblasts. We also observed that MRBH dose-dependently suppressed the VEGF-induced proliferation and migration of HUVECs. Furthermore, examination of the anti-angiogenic mechanism indicated that MRBH reduced no ... Read more

MGN-3/Biobran is a denatured hemicellulose obtained by reacting rice bran hemicellulose with multiple carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes from Shiitake mushrooms. Over the last 24 years, our fundamental research objective has been to study the biotherpeutic activity of MGN-3 as a treatment for cancer based on its ability to activate the immune system. This objective has been pursued in vitro, and in animal and human studies. This review is focused on the immunomodulatory effects of MGN-3 and on its potential as an anticancer agent. In vitro studies showed that culturing different human and murine cancer cell lines with MGN-3 resulted in a reduction of the survival rate of cancer cells. In vivo studies have also shown that MGN-3 induces tumor regression in several models of animal bearing tumo ... Read more

Background aims. Natural killer cell (NK) cytotoxic activity plays a major role in natural immunologic defences against malignancies. NK cells are emerging as a tool for adoptive cancer immunotherapies. Arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3/Biobran) has been described as a biological response modifier that can enhance the cytotoxic activity of NK cells. This study evaluated the effect of MGN-3/Biobran on NK cell activation, expansion and cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma cells. Methods. NK cells were enriched with magnetic beads and stimulated with MGN-3/Biobran. NK cell activation was evaluated via analysis of their phenotype, and their expansion capability was tracked. The in vitro cytotoxic ability of the activated NK cells was tested against K562, Jurkat, A673, NB1691, A-204, RD and RH-30 cel ... Read more

Background: Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that similar to microbes various plant extracts can also contain Pathogenic Associated Molecular Pattern (PAMP)-like structures which can activate type-1 cellular functions of the  innate immune system. Since they are important in tumor defense and the chemical production of PAMP structures is hardly accomplishable, the plant extracts standardized concerning their PAMP like structures may be promising for future tumor therapy. Method: The synergistic effect of two standardized plant immunomodulators was monitored by the hemocytological measurement of the peripheral level of Natural Killer (NK) cells. Suboptimal doses of istletoe lectins (ML) and Arabinoxylan in MGN-3 were compared using healthy volunteers. Results: 24h after a single sub ... Read more

Arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3/Biobran) has been shown to be a potent biological response modifier (BRM) that activates different arms of the immune system, including dendritic cells (DCs), which prime CD4+ helper T-cell responses. The present study explores the ability of MGN-3-activated DCs to prime CD8+ T cells and examines the mechanisms underlying its effect. Human monocyte-derived DCs were treated with MGN-3 (20 and 40 µg/ml). Results indicate that treatment with MGN-3 caused DCs to prime higher granzyme B-expressing CD8+ T cells. Tumor lysate-pulsed MGN-3 DC also increased tumor cell killing compared to DC-stimulated CD8+ T cells. This was associated with: i) increased expression of DEC-205 in MGN-3-activated DCs in a dose—dependent manner; and ii) MGN-3 induced significant productio ... Read more

Recently, it was revealed that low grade mucosal inflammation and/or immune imbalance of the lower digestive tract is one of the mechanisms involved in symptom generation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Biobran, arabinoxylan compound derived from rice bran, has been reported to have several biological actions such as anti-inflammatory and immune modulatory effects. So we investigated the therapeutic effects of Biobran in patients with IBS. Method. Forty patientswith diarrhea predominant or mixed type IBS were randomly assigned to either a Biobran group for treatment with Biobran or a placebo group. Therapeutic efficacy and IBS symptoms were assessed subjectively by the patients after 4 weeks of administration. Results. The global assessment was effective in 63.2% of the Bi ... Read more

There is an increased interest in alternative treatments that reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy by lowering the drug concentration, whilst maintaining potency against cancer cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that arabinoxylan from rice bran, MGN-3/Biobran, sensitizes human breast cancer cells (BCC) to daunorubicin (DNR). In the present study, we further evaluated the ability of MGN-3 to sensitize cells to another chemotherapy agent, paclitaxel. Materials and Methods: Non-metastatic MCF-7 (human BCC) and metastatic 4T1 (murine BCC) cells were cultured with different concentrations of paclitaxel in the presence or absence of MGN-3 . Cell survival, DNA damage, and cell proliferation were examined. Results: MGN-3 increased the susceptibility of both types of cancer cells to paclitaxe ... Read more

Background: Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma often has a multifocal tumor pattern with markedly depressed hepatic function, Hepatic resection in many cases results in no long-term benefit. After a chemotherapy hepatic tumors rarely disappear completely and the duration of responses is short, ln the last decades growing evidence suggested that a disturbed balance in the innate system can also play a role in the poor prognosis of hepatic tumors.Objectives: The aim of this article is to present and discuss several favorable clinical responses of patients with hepatic metastases who parallel to conventional oncologic therapy, were treated with immunologically effective and standardized plant extracts.Course of Therapy and Results: In accordance with the bell-shaped dose-response relationshi ... Read more

Objective: The aim of study was to assess the effect of Biobran in reducing of chemotherapy induced side effects in terms of tiredness, anorexia, vomiting and hair loss and quality of life in terms of weight loss. Setting: Radiotherapy Department, Nishtar Hospital  Multan. Material and Methods: Fifty patients of breast cancer were enrolled randomly in two groups. Group—A patients were given 3 gram dose of Biobran MGN-3 per day one week before and one week after chemotherapy. Group-B patient were given chemotherapy alone. Total six cycles of chemotherapy were given. No multivitamin orfood supplements were given during this study. Chemotherapy induced side effects (tiredness, anorexia, and vomiting, hair loss) were assessed by questionnaire to the patients before start of each cycle. Weig ... Read more

The aim of the current study is to examine the protective effect of MGN-3 on overall maintenance of hematopoietic tissue after ƴ-irradiation. MGN-3 is an arabinoxylan from rice bran that has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant and immune modulator. Swiss albino mice were treated with MGN-3 prior to irradiation and continued to receive MGN-3 for 1 or 4 weeks, Results were compared with mice that received radiation (5 Gy rays) only, MGN-3 (40 mg/kg) only and control mice (receiving neither radiation nor MGN-3). At 1 and 4 weeks post-irradiation, different hematological, histopathological and biochemical parameters were examined. Mice exposed to irradiation alone showed significant depression in their complete blood count (CBC) except for neutrophilia. Additionally, histopathological stud ... Read more

D-Galactosamine (GaIN) induces acute hepatitis in experimental animals; this hepatitis has been shown to be suppressed by oral or intraperitoneal administration of modified arabinoxylan from rice bran (MGN—3), and active low molecular fraction isolated from MGN-3 (LMW). We previously reported that this protective mechanism is mediated in part by downregulation of interleukin-18 (IL-18), The present study shows for the Hrst time that nuclear factor- κB (NF- κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and CD14 are involved in the suppressive action of LMW on GaIN-induced hepatitis Wistar rats (aged 4 weeks, SLC) were intraperitoneally treated with either MGN—3 or LMW. Then, rats were given GaIN at 400 mg/kg at 1 h after the initial treatment, The serum activity of transaminases (ALT and AST ... Read more

Abstract: Dendritic cells (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells are central components of innate immunity for controlling tumor growth. The therapeutic effects of certain anti-myeloma drugs are partially mediated by targeting the innate immune response. In addition, novel types of natural compounds have been developed that efficiently modulate the activity of both the cellular and humoral compartments of immunity. MGN-3 is known as an activator of natural killer cells, inducer of apoptosis and cytokine production, and modulator of dendritic cell maturation and differentiation in vitro. We have performed a randomized, placebo-controlled study to examine the effects of MGN-3 on innate immune system parameters in 48 multiple myeloma patients. We performed immunophenotypic analysis of periphera ... Read more

Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound (RBAC) is a nutritional supplement produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of hemicellulose B derived from rice bran. Several in vitro studies and clinical reports have shown RBAC to possess promising immunomodulating effects, specifically with respect to natural killer cell and cytokine activity. The concept of a true immunomodulator is an agent possessing a broad range of activity dependent upon the existing state of health and immunity in the individual host. The present study investigated the immunomodulatory effect of RBAC in a healthy adult human population over 60 days by assessing changes in natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) and cytokines and growth factors. Subjects participated in a two-group, randomized intervention, where one group (n=10) consumed ... Read more

We investigated in this study the effect of modified arabinoxylan from rice bran (MGN-3) and its fractions on D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced IL-18 expression and hepatitis in rats. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with MGN-3 or fractions of the MGN-3 hydrolysate, or with saline 1 h before administering D-GalN (400 mg/kg B.W.). The serum transaminase activities, IL-18 mRNA expression level in the liver and IL-18 concentration in the serum were determined 24h after injecting D-GalN. Both the oral and intraperitoneal administration of MGN-3 (20 mg/kg B.W.) alleviated D-GalN-induced hepatic injury under these experimental conditions. The low-molecular-weight fraction (LMW) of MGN-3 showed the strongest protective effect on D-GalN-induced liver injury, its main sugar component being glucose. ... Read more

Emerging evidence suggests that dietary rice bran may exert beneficial effects against several types of cancer, such as breast, lung, liver, and colorectal cancer. The chemopreventive potential has been related to the bioactive phytochemrcals present in the bran portion of the rice such as ferulic acid, tricin,B-sitosterol, y-oryzanol, tocotrienols/tocopherols, and phytic acid.  Studies have shown that the anticancer effects of the rice bran-derived bioactive components are mediated through their ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and alter cell cycle progression in malignant cells. Rice bran bioactive components protect against tissue damage through the scavenging of free radicals and the blocking of chronic inflammatory responses.  Rice bran phytochemicals have al ... Read more

Arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN—3/Biobran) is a potent biological response modifier (BRM) that activates natural killer (NK) cells, T cells and monocytes. Currently, little is known regarding the effects of MGN-3 on dendritic cells (DCs), the cell type that bridges innate and adaptive immunity. Therefore, we examined the stimulatory effects of MGN-3 on DCs. Human monocyte-derived DCs were treated with MGN-3 at different concentrations (5-20 µg/ml) for 24 hours in vitro. Activation of DCs was determined by assessing the expression of co-stimulatory and maturation markers (CD40, CD80, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR) by flow cytometry, and production of cytokines by ELISA. DC function was determined by assessing their ability to activate naive T cells. Activation of T cells was assessed by measuring cell ... Read more

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious global health problem with devastating consequences of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. More efficacious treatments, mass immunization programs, and safe injection techniques are essential for eliminating HBV infection and reducing global HBV-related morbidity and mortality. Antiviral therapy has been the primary treatments to date. However, conventional treatment has undesirable side-effects and continuous treatment can lead to the development of resistance. In addition, antiviral medicines are costly, thousands of dollars per year, and are not widely available in many countries, especially in the developing world. BioBran is a food supplement that is combined with conventional treatment to improve the outcome of th ... Read more

The present study was carried out to investigate the synergistic apoptotic potential of arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3/Biobran) and curcumin (turmeric) on human multiple myeloma (MM) cell line U266 , in vitro. U266 cells were cultured with MGN-3 (50 or 100µg/ml) and curcumin (2.5-10µM) for 3 days. The elfects of MGN-3 and curcumin on the growth and survival of the U266 cells were determined by trypan blue, MTT assay flow cytometry analysis of cancer cell cycle, and apoptosis. Expression of proapoptotic Bax, and antiapoptotic Bcl2 was determined by Western blot analysis. Treatment with MGN—3 alone or curcumin alone caused a dose-dependent inhibition in the proliferation ofU266 cells. However, a synergistic elfect was noticed post-treatment with both agents that maximized at 100µg/ml MGN-3 pl ... Read more

Background and Aims: This study examined the efficacy of arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3) in conjunction with an interventional therapy (IT) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Patients and Methods: A total of sixty-eight patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (stages I and II) participated in the study. Patients were randomized to receive IT (30 patients, control group) or IT+MGN-3 (38 patients), and randomly divided into two groups using a computer-generated randomization list. Patients and investigators were blinded. IT included transarterial oily chernoembolization (TOCE) or a combination of TOCE and percutaneous ethanol injection treatment (PEIT). Results: Patients in the IT+MGN-3 group showed: (i) lower recurrence ofthe disease, 3l.6% (I2/38), as compared to 46.7% ( ... Read more

BioBran, enzymatically modified arabinoxylan from rice bran was tested for its possible effects on in vitro maturation of human dendritic cells (DC). lmmature DC (iDC) derived from plastic-adhered, lL-4 and GM-CSF treated peripheral monocytes (Mo) were further cultured with cytokine maturation mix l (CMMl; TNF-alfa, lL-1[5 and 1L-6) or CMM2 (LPS and IFN-y) to induce their maturation into mature DC (matDCl or matDC2, respectively). Different concentrations of BioBran (10, 100, 400 and 1000 ug/ml) were applied in the presence or absence of relevant CMM to assess the effects of BioBran on DC maturation processes. BioBran induced maturation of iDC, as these cells cultured with IL-4/GM-CSF/BioBran down-regulated CD14 and CD1a antigens on cell surface and significantly increased expression of ma ... Read more

Phagocytic cells, comprised of neutrophils and moncytyes/macrophages, play a key role in the innate immune response to infection. Our earlier study demonstrated that arabinoxylan rice bran (MGN-3/Biobran) activates murine peritoneal macrophage and macrophage cell lines. ln this study, we investigated whether MGN-3 can upregulate the phagocytic activity of human phagocytes in peripheral blood to phagocytize Escherichia coli (E. coli), trigger the oxidative burst and produce cytokines. Phagocytic cells were pre-labeled with dichlorofluorescin diacetate dye and were incubated with phycoerythrin-labeled. E. coli in thc presence or absence of MGN-3. Phagocytosis and oxidative burst were assessed by flow cytometry. Results showed that treatment with MGN-3 enhanced the phagocytosis of E. coli by ... Read more

  MGN-3/Biobran, a modified form of arabinoxylan from rice bran, is a potent biological response modifier (BRM). Our previous studies demonstrated that MGN-3 sensitizes human leukemia cells to death receptor [CD95]-induced apoptosis [Ghoneum M, Gollapudi S. MGN-3 sen sitizes human T cell leukemia cells to death receptor (CD95)-induced apoptosis. Cancer Lett 2003;20l :41-9]. In this study, we evaluated the chemo-sensitizing activity of MGN-3 against human breast cancer cells (BCCs) in vitro. Methods: BCCs (MCF-7 and HCC70 cells) were cultured with different concentrations of daunorubicin (DNR) (from 1 x10⁻⁹ to 1×10⁻⁶M) in the presence or absence of selected concentrations of MGN-3 (100—1000 µg/ml) for 3 days. Cancer cell survival was determined by MTT assay and drug accumulation was determ ... Read more

In the last years, several immunomodulating antitumor agents have demonstrated in the nature, particularly from Aloe plant and rice bran. However, the major problem concerning the natural antitumor agents is to define their immune mechanisms of action in relation to the more recent advances in tumor immunobiology. At present, the main cause responsible for the lack of an effective antitumor response in advanced cancer patients is belived to be represented by the generation of a subtype of T helper lymphocytes (CD4) with suppressive activity on anticancer immunity, the so-called T regulatory lymphocytes (T reg), which may be clinically identified as CD4*CD25* cells. On this basis, a study was planned to evaluate the effect of rice bran extract arabinoxylan on T reg cell count and percenta ... Read more

Humankind has long thought of aging as a gradual, time-dependent, deterioration in one‘s well-being and quality of life, with an increased incidence and severity of debilitating chronic diseases. However, current medical opinion argues for a fresh, and more enlightened perspective on aging. Indeed, until recently, clinical medicine has focused more upon mitigating the effects of aging rather than reversing the process itself. However, current developments in epigenetics and immunology mean that we are now ready to begin the greater challenge of halting or reversing the aging process. There is a vast body of scientific literature indicating that immune dysregulation — specifically of the innate immune system — may be the determinative factor for the seemingly inevitable functional decline o ... Read more

This study was undertaken to investigate the in vivo anti-tumor activity of MGN-3/Biobran, a modified arabinoxylan rice bran. Swiss albino mice were inoculated intramuscularly in the right thigh with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. On Day 8, mice bearing a solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) tumor were treated with MGN-3 via intraperitoneal injection. Tumor growth, cytokine pro-duction, and apoptotic effect of MGN-3 were examined. MGN-3 caused a highly significant delay in both tumor volume (63.27%) and tumor weight (45.2%) as compared to controls (P < 0.01). The mechanisms by which MGN-3 exerts its antitumor effect seem to involve its ability to induce apoptosis and immune modulation. MGN-3 induced a 1.8-fold increase in the percentage of apoptotic SEC cells as determined by flow cyto ... Read more

Apoptosis constitutes a strictly programmed device for the removal of aged, damaged and abnormal cells. Research in the last decade has revealed a promising future for apoptosis-based cancer therapies. However, chemotherapeutic agents exhibit an indiscriminative killing that involves both cancer cells and many normal cells. It is therefore of particular interest to find agents that have the ability to induce apoptotic activity specifically in cancer cells and with minimal side-effects. Interest in microbe-based approaches to cancer therapy has recently reemerged. The use of S. cerevisiae, the baker’s yeast, as a novel approach for the treatment of cancer is based on the concept that tumor cells undergo apoptosis upon phagocytosis of yeast. Our data shows that: 1) Heat killed yeast induces ... Read more

 Abstract: This case report describes an uncommon tumor treated with an unproven medication found by the patient during an Internet search. MGN-3 is an arabinoxylane derived from rice bran that has been enzymatically modified by an extract of the mushroom Hypbomycetes mycelicz. ln vivo murine studies have reported increased natural killer cell activity with MGN-3 supplementation. An in vitro investigation revealed increased tumor necrosis factor or and interferon-y production by peripheral blood lymphocytes treated with MGN-3. In addition, MGN-3 was found to enhance anti-CD95 antibody-induced apoptosis in a human leukemic cell line. This biologic response modifier has been studied in a limited number of patients With human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease or cancer, with improvement in ... Read more

lt was recently demonstrated that breast cancer cell lines undergo apoptosis following phagocytosis of S. cerevisiae. The present study was undertaken to determine whether other strains of fungi also induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Eight strains of yeast: C. albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. kefyr, C. neoformans, Y lipolytica, S. cerevisiae and R. rubra, were evaluated at different developmental stages (small yeast cells, large yeast cells and pseudohyphae). In addition, conidia from I four strains of fungal mycelia: Aspergillus, Aspergillus sp., T rubrum and T tonsurans were evaluated. Breast cancer MCF-7 cells in monolayer were cultured with fungi at a ratio of 1:10, respectively, after which phagocytosis and fungi-induced apoptosis of MCF-7 cells were examined. The MCF-7 cells were ... Read more

We have recently reported that phagocytosis of killed Saccharomyces cerevisiae, baker’s yeast, induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines MCF-Z, ZR- 75-1 and HCC70. In this study we have evaluated the ejfect of treatment with MGN-3, a modified arabinoxylan from rice bran, on phagocytosis and yeast-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Cancer cells were cultured with yeast at a ratio of 1:10 in the absence or presence of MGN-3, and the percentages of phagocytic and apoptotic cancer cells were examined by flow cytometry and by cytospin preparations. Cancer cells treated with MGN-3 exhibited increased percentages of attachment (200%) and uptake of yeast (313%) by MCF-7 cells at 0.5 hr, as compared with cells without MGN-3. In addition, treatment with MGN-3 resulted in a 2 fold in ... Read more

We have recently demonstrated that breast cancer cell (BCC) lines undergo apoptosis following phagocytosis of S. cerevisiae. Arabinoxylan rice bran extract (MGN-3/Biobran) has been shown to enhance this effect. Since previous data were obtained using cells in suspension, the present study was undertaken to examine monolayer BCC that more closely model cancer cell growth. Monolayers of both breast cancer (MCF-7) and non-tumorgenic breast epithelial (MCF-10A) cells grown on glass coverslips were cultured with heat-killed S. cerevisiae at a ratio of 1:10, respectively. MCF-7 cells phagocytized yeast in a time-dependent manner, 6.9% to 14.3% from 1 h to 4 h, respectively, with a 2-fold increase in the presence of MGN-3. On the other hand, there was virtually no phagocytosis of yeast by MCF-10A ... Read more

A patient with terminal pancreatic cancer accompanied by distant metastasis who was unfit for radical surgical treatment was subjected to treatment with the rice bran arabinoxylan derivative, which is reported to have biological defense action, and PI water, which can enhance blood circulation and transportation of nutrients and drugs (Vehicle action), in addition to low toxic chemotherapeutic agents in order to maintain biological functions and QOL. As a result, satisfactory therapeutic effects were obtained, such as improvements in biological functions and spontaneous cure power. 

MGN-3/Biobran, modified arabinoxylan rice bran, has been shown to be a potent biological response modifier (BRM) as manifested by stimulation of different arms of the immune system such as NK, T and B cells; however, its effect on macrophages has not yet been studied. The effects of MGN-3 on macrophage function was examined in vitro using 3 models: human macrophage cell line U937, murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7, and murine peritoneal macrophages (P-M phi). Treatment with MGN-3 resulted in an increase in the percentages of attachment and phagocytosis of yeast by macrophages. The effect depends on the type of macrophage and the dose of MGN-3 applied. Macrophages also demonstrated enhancement in their spreading ability, post treatment with MGN-3. Results also showed that MGN-3, in a dos ... Read more

The present study is aimed to examine the possibility of enhancement of natural killer (NK) cell activity in aged C57BL/6 and C3H mice using MGN-3, a modified arabinoxylan from rice bran. Intraperitoneal injection of MGN-3 (10 mg kg(-1) per day) caused a remarkable increase in the peritoneal NK activity as early as 2 days (35.2 lytic units), and the level remained elevated through day 14. The control aged mice had a level of 5.8 lytic units. Enhancement in NK activity was associated with an increase in both the binding capacity of NK cells to tumour targets and in the granular content as measured by BLT-esterase activity. Treatment did not alter the percentage of peritoneal NK cells. Data showed that peritoneal macrophages inhibit NK activity. In conclusion, MGN-3 enhances murine NK activi ... Read more

The present study was designed to deremine whether or not the administration of MGN-3 coud have its apothanasia effect and improve the QOL for 205 progressive and partially metastasized cancer patients in late III-IV stages after surgery. MGN-3 is a rice bran arabinoxylan derivative and known to have immunomodulation activity. The participants in this clinical study are hospitalized patients in our clinic treated with complementary alternative medicines (we call it "Non-Conventional Therapy") and anticancer medicines with lesser side effects. The 205 patients hospitalized for 6 months were grouped into two groups, viz, 109 patients (control group) treated with our standard complementary alternative medicines, and 96 patients who were further given MGN-3 (MGN-3 group) for one year and a hal ... Read more

The clinical treatments for cancer were surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with anticancer drugs. For surgery, even if the procedure used is highly sophisticated, cancer cells may be transported to other organs via the vascular or lymph system. For radiotherapy, although it destroys cancer tissues it may also damage the surrounding functioning tissues. Anticancer drugs may destroy cancer cells as well as normally functioning cells of other organs.  Consequently, these drawbacks of the three types of treatments must be recognized when addressing cancer patients. This is where immunotherapy counts. The author has been working with immunotherapy for 25 years, and this time chose combination therapy with BioBran (rice bran arabinoxylan derivative), and BRP (Bio-Reproducing Protein) intra ... Read more

The preventive effect of Hydrolyzed Rice Bran against the common cold syndrome was examined in elderly people. Arabinoxylan derivatives of Hydrolyzed Rice Bran (HRB) were prepared from water-soluble rice bran through partial processing using a carbohydrate complex. Using the water-soluble Rice Bran (RB) as a control, a cross over double-blind study was conducted on both substances over a 6-week administration period. Fifty elderly people aged from 70 to 95 years participated in the study and the comparative data from 36 participants were analyzed. There were no withdrawals from in the study due to the side effects of the experimental foods. Symptoms were observed and scored. The total symptom score for the RB treatment group was three times higher than that for the HRB treatment group. The ... Read more

A 64-year-old female patient with umbilical metastasis of recurrent colorectal cancer (SMJN) was subjected to complementary medicine using the rice bran arabinoxylan derivative, a food component of BRM activity in addition to chemotherapy in order to maintain the QOL and prolong life. Although the umbilical metastasis is tending to grow, the patient is in a good nutritional condition and has survived for more than two years from diagnosis. SMJN is a distant metastasis, and even if it is the first occurrence, radical treatment may not be possible in most cases. This case suggests tha the maintenance of the QOL and physiological function may lead to a prolongation of life even in patients with terminal cancer with extremely poor prognosis like this. And this case presents the benefit of supp ... Read more

The functional food, rice bran arabynoxylan derivative (BioBran), was administered for a long period to patients with chronic rheumatism given mainly symptomatic treatments with steroids, to evaluate its supplementary effect with representative treatments for rheumatism, such as steroids, analgesics, and thermotherapy. Steroids are essential for treatment of rheumatism, but it is desirable to minimize the dose, because they may cause adverse reactions. In recent years, there have been many reports on the functions of food ingredients, including superoxide scavenging and biophylaxis improving actions. This study evaluated the efficacy of BioBran, a functional food material. BioBran has been reported to have the effects of activationg natural killer cells (NK cells) and inhibiting inflammati ... Read more

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of long—term administration of the immunomodulatory food modified arabinoxylan from rice bran (BioBran/MGN-3), on 16 cancer patients, mainly in stage IV with various conventional lesions, who had just undergone conventional cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The main clinical observations were the safety and effect of BioBran on the nutritional state of the patiens, who were exhausted due to treatment. During the adminstration period, no decreases in body weight and leukocyte count or significant changes in leukogram were observed. Rather, the leukocyte count increased. In addition, most patients showed an increase in NK cell activity and a remarkable decrease in tumor markers.

Alkylating agents and antimetabolites remain prominent in a wide variety of cancer chemotherapy protocols on the basis of more selective effects on the faster than normal mitotic cycles of malignant cells. Among new platinum‐containing anticancer molecules, the lead compound cisplatin (Cis‐platinum (II) diammine dichloride) has been known to possess beneficial anticancer properties in terms of specific interaction of cisplatin and DNA strands. Cisplatin (Rosenberg et al. 1969) has been encouraged for treatment of head and neck, bladder, and cervical cancers (Loehrer & Einhorn 1984), as well as breast cancer (Smith & Talbot 1992). Although the prevalent incidence of lung, gastric, breast, colorectal and prostate cancers place them in top ranks of the most common cancers in the civil ... Read more

The preventive effect of RIBEX against the common cold syndrome was examined on elderly people. RIBEX, containing arabinoxylan derivatives Hydrolysis Rice Bran (HRB), was prepared from the water soluble dietary fiber fraction from rice bran through partial processing by carbohydrate complex of Lentinus Edodes mycelia (shiitake). Using the non-chemical and non-biological treated water soluble fraction of Rice Bran (RB) as control, the examination was conducted by the cross-over double blind manner through the administration term of 6 weeks for each material. Fifty elderly people who stayed in a care institution under Japan`s Long-term Care Insurance participated in this study. The results of thirty-six participants who showed comparative data in both terms were analyzed stastistically. The ... Read more

MGN-3, an arabinoxylan extracted from rice bran that is treated enzymatically with an extract from Shiitaki mushrooms, is an effective biological response modifier that increases NK cell activity, and potentiates the activity of conventional chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we investigated the effect of MGN-3 on death receptor-induced apoptosis in the human leukemic HUT 78 cell line. HUT 78 cells were pre-treated with MGN-3, and then were incubated with the agonistic antibody against death receptor (Fas, CD95). Apoptosis was determined by the propidium iodide technique using FACScan. Activation of caspase 3, caspase 8, and caspase 9 was determined by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured with DIOC(6) dye using FACScan. Expression of CD95 and Bcl-2 were measur ... Read more

The effect of modified rice bran (MGN-3) on glucose tolerance as studied in NIDDM adult rats and changes in taste preference were also examined. NIDDM adult rats were made by intraperitoneal injection of 100mg streptozotocin at 1.5 days of age. Following weaning, the animals were divided into 3 groups, control, diabetic rats fed 1% cellulose diet and diabetic rats fed 1% MGN-3 diet. Rats were free access to experimental diets and water for 2 months. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at 8 weeks of age. Two-bottle-choice preference tests between aqueous solution, either of 5mM citric acid, 0.016mM quinine sulfate, 0.82mM sodium saccharin, 21mM sodium chiloride or 27 mM monosodium glutamate, and deionized water were conducted in the experimental period. Trunk blood were collected an ... Read more

Arabinoxylan (hereafter called MGN-3) is a plant polysaccharide processed food with a biophylactic action, which mainly contains polysaccharides such as hemicellulose and arabinoxylan and glycoprotein. MGN-3 is known to have various biophylactic actions such as in vitro NK cell activity stimulation and anti-HIV effect. In the present study, the vital defense activating effect of MGN-3 was studied in 3 animal experiments: Experiment 1 examined its effect on the survival in a lipopolysaccharide-induced lethal sepsis model, Experiment 2 studied the anti-stress effect on restraint stress, and Experiment 3 examined its effect on the survival of autoimmune disease-prone (NZB ><NZW) F1 mice.

MGN-3 (BioBran(r)) is derived from rice bran and is produced by the partial hydrolysis of the water soluble hemicellulose fraction of rice bran by carbohydrases derived from Lentius edodes mycelia. It is a biological response modifier producing an increase in natural killer cell activity in immunocompromised patient. The aim of the study was to evaluate orally administered MGN-3 against gross pathological changes and weight loss produced by a single intraperitoneal dose of cisplatin or doxorubicin by daily oral dosing of 5 or 50 mg/kg MGN-3. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either vehicle or MGN-3 prior to and after a single dose of cis-platinum or doxorubicin. Rats were observed for clinical signs daily for 11 days and body weights were recorded every other day. All animals were euthaniz ... Read more

MGN-3, which produces a remarkable increase in natural killer cell activity, showed a high scavenging rate on hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase generated superoxide anion radicals, and on ferrous sulfate-hydrogen peroxide and UV light reaction system generated hydroxyl radicals. The S-group of MGN-3 fractions (L>10,000 molecular, 10.000>M>3.000 molecular and 3.000 molecular>S) showed the highest scavenging rate on superoxide anion radicals and the UV  light reaction system. There was no difference in the scavenging rate for hydroxyl radicals by the Fenton reaction. 

Recently, we presented evidence for the role of MGN-3, an enzymatically modified arabinoxylan extracted from rice bran, in potent activation of human natural killer (NK) cell function in vivo and in vitro. In the current study, we examined the mechanism by which MGN-3 elevated NK cytotoxic activity. We did this by testing the action of MGN-3 on the levels of both tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretions and MGN-3 function on the expression of key cell surface receptors. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were treated with MGN-3 at concentrations of 0.1 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml, and supernatants were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed that MGN-3 is a potent TNF-alpha inducer. The effect was dose-dependent. MGN-3 concentration at 0.1 ... Read more

NK cells have been characterized as non-B cells or non-T cells lacking the characteristics of mature macrophages which develop from the bone marrow independently of thymic influence. NK cells play a crucial role in tumor rejection, immune surveillance, resistance to infections, and immune regulation. NK cell destruction of cancer cells involves a sequence of events.   First, the NK cell recognizes and binds to the cancer cell. This process requires receptor-to-receptor interaction. Next, the NK cell releases granules which penetrate the cancer cell and ultimately kill it. The NK cell is then free to bind to another cancer cell and repeat the same process. However, cancer cells know how to fight back in a sort of cell war. We found for the first time in our laboratory that cancer cells ca ... Read more

The present study was designed to determine whether or not the administration of modified rice bran could improve streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Taste preferences were also compared in diabetic and control rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control and diabetic groups. A single STZ injection, 65 mg per kg body mass i.p., induced diabetes. Rats were given free access to commercial diet and water for 2 months and modified rice bran (0.5 g per kg body mass) was administered daily by stomach tube. Two-bottle-choice preference tests between aqueous solutions of either 5 mM citric acid, 27 mM monosodium glutamate, 0.016 mM quinine, or 0.82 mM saccharin in deionized water were conducted in the experimental period. Blood was collected and serum levels of glucose, insulin, tri ... Read more

Arabinoxylane from rice bran (MGN-3) was examined for its augmentory effect on human NK (NK) cell activity in vivo and in vitro. Twenty-four individuals were given MGN-3 orally at three different concentrations: 15, 30 and 45 mg/kg/day for 2 months. Peripheral blood lymphocyte-NK cell activity was tested by 51Cr release assay against K562 and Raji tumor cells at 1 week, 1 month and 2 months posttreatment and results were compared with baseline NK activity. Treatment with MGN-3 enhanced NK activity against K562 tumor cells at all concentrations used. In a dose-dependent manner, MGN-3 at 15 mg/kg/day increased NK activity after 1 month posttreatment (twofold over control value), while significant induction of NK activity at 30 mg/kg/day was detected as early as 1 week posttreatment (three ti ... Read more

MGN-3, an arabinoxylane from rice bran that has been enzymatically modified with extract from Hyphomycetes mycelia, was tested for anti-HIV activity in vitro. MGN-3 activity against HIV-1 (SF strain) was examined in primary cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. MGN-3 inhibited HIV-I replication by: (1) inhibition of HIV-1 p24 antigen production in a dose dependent manner - MGN-3 at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100μg/ml showd 18.3, 42.8, 59, and 75% reduction in p24 antigen, respectively; and (2) inhibition of syncytia formation maximized (75%) at concentrations of 100μg/ml. Furher studies showed that ingestion of MGN-3 at concentration of 15mg/kg/day resulted in a significant increase in T and B cell mitogen response at 2 months after treatment: 146% for PHA, 140% for Con A ... Read more