- Arabinogalactan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide composed of arabinose and galactose sugar units, widely distributed in plants, microorganisms, and some fungi. It is most abundantly obtained from the wood of the larch tree (Larix species), where it constitutes a significant portion of the water-soluble fibers.
- Arabinogalactans exhibit a branched molecular structure, which contributes to their solubility, stability, and biological activity. As a dietary fiber and bioactive compound, arabinogalactan has attracted considerable interest for its health-promoting properties and industrial applications.
- In the human diet and health, arabinogalactan is recognized primarily as a prebiotic fiber. Because it resists digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract, it reaches the colon intact, where it serves as a substrate for beneficial gut bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate, acetate, and propionate, which contribute to colon health, enhance immune function, and may protect against colorectal cancer. Arabinogalactan also supports digestive regularity and has been linked to improved gut microbiota balance, which is increasingly recognized as central to overall health.
- Arabinogalactan is also valued for its immunomodulatory properties. Research suggests that it can stimulate the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and complement pathways, enhancing the body’s defense against infections. It has been shown to reduce the frequency of respiratory infections and support recovery from illnesses, making it a popular ingredient in dietary supplements aimed at boosting immune function. Additionally, arabinogalactan may exert anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects, offering potential therapeutic applications in liver health and chronic inflammatory conditions.
- In addition to its role in health, arabinogalactan has important industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Its excellent solubility and low viscosity make it a useful stabilizer, emulsifier, and binder in food formulations. In pharmaceuticals, it is employed as a carrier in drug delivery systems, where it can improve solubility and bioavailability of active compounds or serve as a protective encapsulating agent. It is also used in cosmetics for its film-forming and moisturizing properties, contributing to the texture and stability of lotions and creams.
- In plant biology and ecology, arabinogalactans are structural components of plant cell walls, where they contribute to cell adhesion, signaling, and defense mechanisms. They are often linked to proteins, forming arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), which play roles in plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses. This dual role—biological significance in plants and functional utility in humans—highlights the versatility of arabinogalactans across systems.
