Arabinogalactan
Research reviewed: 2000–2018
Arabinogalactan (Larch arabinogalactan) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 568 participants, researched for Immune Function, Gut Microbiome, Lipid Levels and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Immune Function
StrongGut Microbiome
ModerateLipid Levels
ModerateAntioxidant & Immune Modulation
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Immune Function
Assess larch arabinogalactan on immune function and NK cell activity
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess larch arabinogalactan on immune function and NK cell activity
Dose
4.5 g/day
Participants
75
Duration
8 weeks
Results
NK cell activity significantly increased; IgG levels elevated; improved immune competence in healthy adults
How They Measured It
NK cell activity, serum immunoglobulins, immune challenge
Evaluate arabinogalactan for prevention of upper respiratory infections
Study Type
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate arabinogalactan for prevention of upper respiratory infections
Dose
4 g/day
Participants
199
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in cold incidence (29% vs placebo); reduced duration and severity; IgE normalised
How They Measured It
Cold incidence, duration, severity over winter
Assess arabinogalactan on NK cell function and immune markers
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess arabinogalactan on NK cell function and immune markers
Dose
4.5 g/day
Participants
48
Duration
6 weeks
Results
NK cell activity increased by 40% vs baseline; TNF-alpha and IL-6 elevated (immune activation); IgG improved
How They Measured It
NK cell cytotoxicity, lymphocyte subsets, cytokines
Gut Microbiome
Evaluate arabinogalactan as prebiotic on gut bacteria
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate arabinogalactan as prebiotic on gut bacteria
Dose
15–30 g/day
Participants
32
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Significant increase in Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus; reduced potentially pathogenic Clostridia; butyrate elevated
How They Measured It
Faecal Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, SCFA
Assess arabinogalactan prebiotic effects and immune crosstalk
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess arabinogalactan prebiotic effects and immune crosstalk
Dose
10 g/day
Participants
40
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Increased microbial diversity; Bifidobacterium elevated; concurrent improvement in NK cell function suggests gut-immune axis modulation
How They Measured It
16S rRNA sequencing, plasma immune markers, SCFA
Lipid Levels
Evaluate arabinogalactan on blood lipids and cardiovascular markers
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate arabinogalactan on blood lipids and cardiovascular markers
Dose
15 g/day
Participants
47
Duration
12 weeks
Results
LDL reduced by 9%; CRP reduced by 12%; total cholesterol modestly reduced; HDL unchanged
How They Measured It
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, CRP
Antioxidant & Immune Modulation
Test arabinogalactan as adjunct for immune support
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Test arabinogalactan as adjunct for immune support
Dose
4 g/day
Participants
65
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Improved serum antioxidant capacity; enhanced neutrophil function; quality of life scores improved; safe and well-tolerated
How They Measured It
Serum antioxidant capacity, immune cell function, quality of life
Assess arabinogalactan with Echinacea for immune support
Study Type
Open-Label Clinical Study
Purpose
Assess arabinogalactan with Echinacea for immune support
Dose
4.5 g/day arabinogalactan
Participants
62
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Significant improvement in NK cell function; elevated IgM and IgG; enhanced monocyte cytotoxicity vs control
How They Measured It
Lymphocyte subsets, NK cells, immunoglobulins
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Arabinogalactan research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Arabinogalactan (Larch arabinogalactan), involving 568 total participants. Research covers Immune Function, Gut Microbiome, Lipid Levels and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Arabinogalactan has been researched for: Immune Function, Gut Microbiome, Lipid Levels, Antioxidant. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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