Purified beta glucan composition

Abstract

The invention provides methods of using beta glucans to treat conditions associated with bone loss or low bone density as well as methods for promoting bone growth in situations where enhanced bone growth is desirable. In the invention methods beta glucans are administered so as to enhance the development of osteoblasts and the inhibition of the development and recruitment of osteoclasts. The inhibition of the recruitment and development of osteoclasts, coupled with the enhancement of osteoblast maturation by beta glucans leads to decreased bone resorption and increased bone formation, making beta glucans ideal agents for the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone resorption diseases.

1 . A purified beta glucan composition comprising water soluble beta glucan. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the beta glucan is derived from yeast, mushroom, plant or bacterial beta glucan. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the beta glucan is extracted from yeast. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the yeast is  Saccharomyces cerevisiae.    
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the water soluble beta glucan is a straight chain 1, 6 linked glucan. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the water soluble beta glucan is a straight chain 1,3 linked glucan. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the water soluble beta glucan is a 1,6 branched 1,3 beta glucan. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the water soluble beta glucan contains 2 to 20% beta 1,6 branching. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the beta glucan has a molecular weight of about 1500 to about 100,000 Daltons. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 8 , wherein the beta glucan is a yeast beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the yeast is  Saccharomyces cerevisiae.    
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the beta glucan further comprises a carrier. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the carrier is suitable for systemic administration. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 12 , wherein the carrier is suitable for oral administration.