Investigating the Role of Beta Glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae for Maintaining Reducing Blood Glucose and High Cholesterol Level in Rats

The present study aims to test the effectiveness of β-glucan on reducing blood sugar levels in alloxaninduced
mice and potency to decrease cholesterol levels in the blood.β-Glucan, one of the primary
cell wall components of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Several studies have reported the benefits of β-
glucan as antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-aging, immune system activators, protection against radiation,
anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-cholesterol, etc. This research was divided into two, which were
conducted separately. S. cerevisiae was cultured in yeast extract–peptone–glucose (YPG) broth
medium to produce beta-glucan. Cells were harvested at the stationary phase, washed, and disrupted
using of sonication method. The obtained cell walls were used to prepare alkali-soluble β-glucan
(glucan-S1). In this regard, 2% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and 3% acetic acid were used in alkalineacid
extraction. The number of rats used was 28 males with body weight ranging from 160–200
grams. Administration of beta-glucan doses of 30.60 and 90 mg.kg-1 BW to alloxan-induced mice can
reduce blood glucose levels, by 66.90%, 62.95%, and 31.64%.
The potential use of beta-glucan extract as an anti-cholesterol agent was tested using
SpragueDawley strain rats. The experiments were divided into eight groups with four replicates:
GroupI (normal control), group II (fed with cholesterol without beta-glucan), group III (fed with
cholesterol + atorvastatin), group IV (fed with cholesterol + β-glucan standard), group V–VIII (fed of
cholesterol + β-glucan of S. cerevisiae with each dose of 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg.kg-1 BW. Rats were
fed with cholesterol for 14 days, except for group I. Analysis of blood was carried out to determine
total cholesterol, triglycerides, and malondialdehyde. The results showed that beta-glucan crude
obtained from S. cerevisiae cultures was 6.890 g. L−1. Beta-glucan extract of S. cerevisiae can reduce
total cholesterol approaching normal values at doses of 10 mg of 32.79% (blood plasma) and 33.71%
(in the liver). The extract was capable of reducing triglyceride levels in a dose of 10 mg of beta-glucan
64.43 % (blood plasma) and 30 mg of beta-glucan 19.45% (liver). Beta-glucan treatment at a 40 mg
dose can reduce MDA levels of 45.22% (blood plasma) and 42.64% (liver).