Phytotherapy

Beta-glucans

Beta-1,3/1,6-glucans

Mechanism

Beta-glucans are cell-wall polysaccharides from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), oats/grains and mushrooms. Beta-1,3/1,6-glucans from yeast are recognized via receptors of innate immune cells (e.g. Dectin-1) and modulate functions such as phagocytosis, complement and macrophage activity in vitro and in animal models; grain-derived beta-glucans additionally act as soluble fiber. In the horse, individual works point to immunomodulating effects (e.g. improved hemolytic complement activity after oral administration, modulation of the response to an endotoxemic stimulus). Overall the equine evidence is limited and heterogeneous; clinical endpoints are only insufficiently studied.

Cautions

· Immunomodulating — critically discussed in autoimmune/immune disorders, consult a veterinarian
· Equine evidence limited and heterogeneous; clinical endpoints barely demonstrated

Sources

PMID:34083928Picetti et al. 2021 (Vet World) — orales Beta-Glucan verbessert hämolytische Komplementaktivität beim Pferd

PMID:38338117Lacerenza et al. 2024 (Animals) — Beta-Glucan-Supplementierung bei LPS-induzierter Endotoxämie beim Pferd

VO 767/2009Futtermittel-VO (EG) 767/2009 — Kennzeichnung Ergänzungsfutter

Equiterna Score

57/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosagetraditionally approx. 350 mg/animal/day (yeast beta-glucan, large horse); product-specific, observe manufacturer instructions

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyWith caution

Evidenceemerging

Frequently asked questions

Is Beta-glucans a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Beta-glucans as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Beta-glucans allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Beta-glucans is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Beta-glucans?

Stated in the profile: traditionally approx. 350 mg/animal/day (yeast beta-glucan, large horse); product-specific, observe manufacturer instructions. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Beta-glucans?

The profile cites: PMID:34083928, PMID:38338117, and VO 767/2009.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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